Let’s talk about a brand that provided us with a solution that brought down the time and effort needed to clean – Swiffer Dusters. These kits work perfectly well on every surface, be it tiles, windows, tabletops, or wooden floors.
Can Swiffer Dusters be reused? Will they cost you more in replacements?
As a matter of fact, yes, Swiffer Dusters can be washed and reused. But the washed dust heads may not seem as good as new, as Swiffer Dusters trap the dirt inside. The washed duster may still have some debris left from the last cleaning which does affect how well it works. It becomes a personal choice whether to wash and reuse Swiffer Dusters as some may not find it as good as new.
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What are Swiffer Dusters made of?
Swiffer Dusters are made with nothing but polyester microfibers. These fibers are coated with a specially formulated adhesive that traps the dust inside the duster and does not allow it to fly away. The cleaning fibers create a negative, electrostatic force to pull the dust particles more effectively and easily.
The handle is made of polypropylene which is sturdy in design and can be used for a long time, and you only need to replace the duster head. The handle is designed to rotate 360 degrees to make the cleaning process easier. This brilliant and ergonomic design of Swiffer Duster makes it more capable of removing dirt than any other conservative cleaning method.
What are Swiffer Dusters coated with?
Swiffer Dusters use a dust lock adhesive to coat the polyfibers so they can attract the dust particles statically. According to the manufacturer, the special adhesive is made with mineral oil. It is colorless, odorless, and does not mix with water. This water-insoluble liquid keeps the polyfibers from getting soggy when washed. As such, the duster dries quickly after a wash and retains its electrostatic pull.
Do Swiffer Dusters have chemicals?
Swiffer Dusters do not contain any chemicals other than the mineral oil coating. Mineral oils are organic substances derived from crude petroleum that are highly refined and purified. They are non-toxic and do not contain any contaminants that are potentially carcinogenic. Swiffer Dusters with the mineral oil coating are considered safe as it has minimal or no contact with human skin. Even if it touches the skin, it does not cause any allergies.
Can you wash Swiffer Dusters?
Swiffer Dusters are washable. Instead of tossing it, the dusters can be reused by way of washing and removing the dirt from the previous dusting. The dusters can either be hand washed or thrown inside the washing machine to get a clean, dust-free Swiffer head. Soap can also be used to remove the chaff from the duster and disinfect it for the next dusting.
Can Swiffer Dusters be machine-washed?
Yes, Swiffer Dusters can very well be washed in a washing machine. The dusters must be cleaned by hand prior to tossing them in the washing drum. Detergents or soaps can also be used to sanitize the dusters and make them safe. Washing the dusters on a low-speed setting is important to keep the fibers from falling out. The duster head must be dried properly before it can be used again.
How to clean Swiffer Dusters?
First, manually remove any clump of dust and hair that are stuck to the dust head. This way the dusters are cleaned properly and made to be hygienic for subsequent usage. The duster can either be washed by hand or by using a washing machine. It is recommended to use disinfectants during the wash, to clean the dusters well and kill any harmful microbes.
Are Swiffer Dusters reusable or recyclable?
Swiffer Dusters are indeed reusable. The head of the duster can be washed after every dusting and used seamlessly. The body of the duster is made of hard plastic that can be used for a long time.
If you plan to throw your Swiffer Dusters away, you can in fact return them to the manufacturers for recycling. The company has partnered with TerraCycle for this purpose.
Are Swiffer Dusters toxic?
No, Swiffer Dusters are not toxic and are completely free from any poisonous substances. The poly fibers are coated with mineral oil to provide a negative force to the dusters. Mineral oil is a non-toxic liquid whose contact will not be alarming for humans. This chemical is used in its safest version so that it does not cause any harmful effects on the body.
Are Swiffer Dusters biodegradable?
No, Swiffer Dusters are not biodegradable. The dusters are made with plastic and its derivatives, which makes the whole product nonbiodegradable. The Swiffer head is made of polyester and the body is made with polypropylene. The plastic holder can be used indefinitely, but the duster heads have to be replaced once in a while.
Are Swiffer Dusters made of microfibers?
Yes, Swiffer Dusters contain microfibers that are made of polyester. The use of microfibers has proven to be effective in cleaning surfaces that can be challenging with other housekeeping methods. These tiny fibers create a negatively charged field that sucks the dust out easily and does not let it escape. The fibers can reach crooked, and narrow crevices that are otherwise hard to reach.
Are Swiffer Dusters bad for the environment?
Yes, Swiffer Dusters are bad for the environment as they are made purely out of plastic that is frequently disposed of. The Swiffer head that gets thrown out as trash, makes its way to landfills and takes at least 450 years to decompose. This also adversely affects soil health.
While you can send your Dusters back to the manufacturer for recycling, it’s anyone’s guess on how many products sold actually make it back to be recycled.
Are Swiffer Dusters safe for electronics?
Swiffer Dusters are safe to use on electronics. Swiffer Dusters’ dust lock technology traps dust without moisture. Since the dusters do not need to be wetted for effective dust capture, they are ideal to clean electronic items.
Are Swiffer Dusters safe for pets?
Swiffer Dusters are safe for pets like dogs and cats. The product does not contain any chemicals that are toxic to animals, and they do not cause any allergies to cats and dogs. They are also not harsh on the fur of the pets.
However, keep the dusters away from dogs as they might chew and ingest the fibers. This can lead to choking and intestinal blockage that can even be fatal.
Do Swiffer Dusters leave a residue?
No, Swiffer Dusters do not leave any residue behind. The static force of the microfibers attracts the dust particles and locks them inside the duster. The mineral oil coating prevents the duster from losing its static pull even after a wash. The duster may still hold on to some residue after a wash but it may not affect the cleaning experience.
How long do Swiffer Dusters last?
The body of Swiffer Duster can last for more than a year without breaking apart. The Swiffer head needs to be replaced after a while as it loses its integrity after a few washes. The microfibers may lose their static force and may not render the best cleaning results. One Swiffer head can last for a month with usage ranging from light to moderate. If you use it for deep cleaning the house, it may last only a week or two. Care must be exercised as washing the dusters harshly makes the poly fibers chip off.
How often do you change Swiffer Dusters?
Swiffer Dusters need to be changed as per their usage. Here is a short note on how long often you need to change Swiffer Dusters, assuming you wash and reuse them.
| Usage level | Dust head changing frequency |
| Light use | 5-6 times (approximately 2 months) |
| Moderate use | 3-4 times (approximately 1 month) |
| Heavy use | 1-2 washes |
If you do not want to wash and reuse the duster, you may replace it after a single use. Reusing the duster proves to be not only cost-effective but also safe for the surroundings, instead of rapid disposal.
Are Swiffer Dusters effective?
Swiffer Dusters are truly worth it from a cleanliness and hygiene perspective, as they provide a smart and efficient cleaning solution. The handle is ergonomic which makes the cleaning process easy and less cumbersome. Washing the dusters can still make it work as well as new. Proper after-use care must be administered to make a less expensive addition to your usual cleaning routine.
References:
- https://www.swiffer.com/en-us/shop-products/dusting
- https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/5278-SwifferDustersUnscented/
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