Mission Organization: Week 43 – Reusable DIY Swiffer Dusters

After making the switch from my disposable-pad mop to my new Rubbermaid Reveal mop with its washable and reusable microfiber cleaning pads, I have been rethinking my dusting methods. I love using my Swiffer duster, and I have always been happy with the cleaning results. The only problem I have with this type of duster is the waste produced from throwing away the soiled dusting cloths and the cost of replacing them. My reusable mopping pads gave me the idea that maybe there was a way to make the dusters reusable too. I started looking around to see if there was any information on how to make a washable Swiffer dusting cloth, and I found just what I was looking for from Abby at Sew Much Ado. She came up with a great design for a flannel duster that fits perfectly on my Swiffer duster arm.

To make a washable and reusable Swiffer duster you will need:

4 pieces of flannel 7″ x 7″
4 pieces of flannel 4″ x 7″
Pinking shears or scissors
Thread
Swiffer duster handle

Flannel is inexpensive to buy at a fabric store, but you also might want to consider recycling something that you already have around the house. Outgrown flannel pajamas would work well, as would any soft flannel receiving blankets. In Abby’s post she said that she had tried some other fabrics, but prefers the flannel over microfiber or fleece.

Place two pieces of the 4″ x 7″ flannel on top of two of the 7″ x 7″ squares, centering the smaller pieces. Repeat with the remaining flannel pieces.

Then sandwich all the pieces together with the 4″ x 7″ pieces on the top and the bottom of the stack. Machine stitch down the center through all the pieces.

The next step is to make a casing for the Swiffer handle to slide into. Fold the smaller pieces to one side and lay the center of the handle over the center of the fabric where the seam was stitched. Now mark a line for the casing along the edge of the prong, being sure to allow room for the curved edges.