Why not just a Swiffer mop anymore?

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When the Swiffer arrived on the scene in 1999, the trap and lock technology that allowed the mop to hold single-use pads completely revolutionized the floor cleaning game. (“You mean we don’t have to lug the mop bucket anymore?!”) Two years later, the Swiffer wet mop joined the party — with its built-in spray bottle of cleaning solution — and people were over the moon. The mop pads also won the 2002 Visionary Award from The Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. A quarter century later, however, People are starting to think twice about grabbing a Swiffer to clean their homes. Fortunately, we can rejoice in the fact that there are now many alternatives that are non-toxic and significantly more eco-friendly than their predecessors.

There are several reasons to be careful about how your cleaning supplies affect the environment. For one, in your personal environment, the chemicals used in cleaning supplies like Swiffer Wet can pose a health risk to your home’s occupants, both human and non-human. Single-use pads and plastic bottles are also distinctly non-biodegradable, causing an abundance of wasteful permanent trash (although Swiffer now offers a mail-in recycling program for most of its single-use pads through TerraCycle). But with the resurgence of reusable cleaning pads and natural cleaning products, you can clean a cumbersome mop bucket while being kinder to your body and the planet.

If you’re ready to ditch or upgrade your Swiffer in favor of something more eco-friendly, you have options. For those who already own a Swiffer and don’t want to invest in a whole new mop, try replacing single-use wet and dry pads with reusable microfiber cloths. Not only are they excellent at dusting with a spray bottle of your favorite natural cleaner, but they can also double as a wet mop! Try it together Turbo Microfiber Microfiber Mop Pads. Simply spray, mop, repeat, then toss the garment in the washer when you’re done. Your Swiffer wet jet bottle can also be refilled over and over again A natural, fresh smelling alternative It contains water, vinegar and essential oil.

If you don’t have a swiffer, but as a general idea, you can buy a lightweight flat mop that comes with a washable cloth: E-Cloth’s Deep Clean Microfiber MopFor example, can be used in the same way as Swiffer. If you’re looking for something more traditional, there’s also a washable microfiber mop head that comes with it. O-Cedar’s simple wring spin mop. Both of these options can be used in concert with your favorite natural cleaner.

Steam mops with microfiber cloths are also a great eco-friendly option for ceramic and porcelain floors (they’re generally not recommended for hardwood floors), and work to sanitize floors without any cleaner. And if you’ve been using Swiffer so far and have a bunch of empty Swiffer boxes, don’t worry—there are plenty of smart ones out there. Ways to Reuse Empty Swiffer Containers Around the House.