11 Unexpected Things You Can Clean With A Swiffer

Swiffer products have indeed become a household staple, valued for their efficiency in removing dust, dirt, and pet hair from surfaces. But many people aren't aware of their incredible versatility and the wide range of cleaning tasks they can tackle with ease. The fibers on the dusters and cloths possess a positive electrostatic charge, which creates a strong attraction when brought into contact with negatively charged or neutral dust particles. Once captured, they're securely locked in place, preventing them from re-entering the air or resettling on the cleaned surface. Their wide and flat design allows for thorough coverage and ensures that dirt and debris are expertly trapped and removed. 

These dusters are not only powerful but also affordable and readily available. One box usually comes with five or more refills and a handle for quick use. They also last way longer than you think they would and can be rinsed and reused until they stop working. This combination of affordability, efficiency, and longevity makes Swiffer dusters an accessible and indispensable tool for maintaining a clean and dust-free home. And luckily, there is more than one way to use them. Here are all the unexpected ways to clean your house with these helpful tools.

Cleaning window blinds can be a daunting task, especially when dust and pet hair seem to cling to every slat. Luckily, your Swiffer can be a game-changer in making this chore a breeze. To begin, ensure that your blinds are in the closed position to expose as much surface area as possible and gently run it along each slat. To achieve spotless blinds, work from the top to the bottom and use a light touch. This method prevents dislodged dust from settling on already-cleaned slats and avoids any accidental damage to the blinds. Here is another task where the extendable handle is a solid investment. If you buy this accessory, you'll be able to reach blinds that are too high such as floor-to-ceiling ones.

The Swiffer excels in this task because it doesn't require any liquids or sprays, which can be messy and may leave streaks on your blinds. Plus, its design allows you to clean multiple slats at once, making it a time-efficient choice compared to other cleaning supplies like microfiber cloths or sponges, which often require more manual effort and can miss those hard-to-reach places. For a more thorough, deep clean of your blinds, One Crazy House recommends tying two dusters to a pair of tongs. Put the blinds in the open position and swipe from left to right, trapping even more dirt and dust.

Light fixtures, especially those high-up chandeliers, can be a challenging thing to clean. However, with a Swiffer cloth attached to an extendable handle, you can make this chore much more manageable and efficient. It's a good idea to turn the light off and ensure it's cooled before you begin. Then, securely attach the cloth to the handle and gently swipe the duster over the fixture's surfaces to remove dust and cobwebs. Depending on the last time you cleaned them, you may need to give it a few passes. Aside from reaching high light fixtures, you can also use a Swiffer to make lampshades shine.

The duster's gentle touch prevents damage to the lampshade while effectively removing dust and cobwebs. It's important to move the duster lightly to avoid pressing the dust into the fabric, which can sometimes happen with more abrasive cleaning methods. Consider dusting lampshades regularly — once a week is ideal — to prevent buildup and maintain a fresh, well-lit atmosphere in your home. The cloth and extendable handle combo simplify the task of reaching high-up light fixtures and ensure that you can accomplish it safely, all without the need for precarious climbing or complicated equipment.

If you have pets, you probably know the struggle of dealing with pet hair on your furniture, curtains, and bedding. For people living with allergies, keeping pet hair at bay is important since pet dander can worsen symptoms. Luckily, a Swiffer can be your secret weapon in keeping these surfaces clean and hair-free — especially if you invest in the Heavy Duty Pet Dry Cloths. Unfold a cloth to expose the full surface area and gently move it over your upholstered furniture. You can also use the duster on the pet's bed, drapes, toys, and more. Work in a deliberate, overlapping pattern to ensure thorough coverage and capture of even those pesky fine hairs.

When using a Swiffer for this task, it's essential to use a light touch. Excessive pressure can push the hair deeper into the fabric, making removing it more challenging. There is no need to add additional cleaning products to the furniture as the duster is sufficient enough when used properly. It's also a quick and convenient way to tackle it on various surfaces, making it a go-to choice for pet owners. However, it might not be able to pick up every last strand since some pieces might get embedded into the fabric. If you have some annoying stragglers left behind, use a lint roller to remove them.

When it comes to cleaning the screens of your electronic devices like TVs, computer monitors, and smartphones, using a Swiffer can be quite effective. It's best to turn off your device to avoid any interference or accidental button presses. Unfold the dry cloth and swipe it across the screen's surface. Aside from trapping dust, the electrostatic properties also remove fingerprints and smudges that often form throughout the day. Use a light touch and smooth, even strokes for the best results. You'll also want to work from one side to the other, following a consistent pattern, as this method helps prevent streaks.

If your electronic device has a touchscreen, make sure to turn it off since the cloth can inadvertently activate the screen. It can be annoying when you're trying to clean and you have to close apps that open in reaction to the duster's touch. Using a Swiffer for this task means you don't have to use water or other specialized cleaning solutions, which can be risky when applied to electronic devices. It leaves your screens clean, clear, and free from smudges, making it a superior choice for maintaining the display quality of your electronic devices.

A time-consuming task that a Swiffer can simplify is cleaning walls, trim, and baseboards. To get started, unfold the dry cloth to expose its full surface area, moving it over the walls and trim in smooth, even strokes. The duster's flat design allows you to reach corners and tight spaces that are often challenging to access with a traditional microfiber cloth or mop. When you clean your walls, work from the top down to prevent dust from falling onto already-cleaned surfaces. For baseboards, attach the duster to its extension pole and run it along the bases' length, saving you the discomfort of bending over or getting on your hands and knees.

To maintain clean walls, consider a regular cleaning schedule, especially in high-traffic areas or spaces prone to dust buildup. Some common spaces may include a mudroom, bathroom, and kitchen. The Swiffer's convenience means you don't need additional products like wall cleaner. This helps prevent damage to painted surfaces and makes the task faster and less physically demanding. If it's been a while between dusting and the dust has turned into caked-on grime, consider using a Swiffer wet pad to remove it instead.