So this may be something of a duh moment for everyone else, but I finally figured out how to keep my Swiffer and be a bit greener, too. For years, I've been a Swiffer user. The classic kind, with no jets involved. And I loved it. You don't use the Swiffer?

What, you mop?

So even as we'd be taking steps to eliminate disposable stuff in the rest of our lives, I'd be buying the biggest set of Swiffer wet cloths I could get my hands on. And it was one of those things that got me into Target, because that's where they're relatively cheap. Once at Target, it's hard for me to get out without spending some Benjamins.

This had to stop.

A few months ago, as I was using up my Swiffer wet pad supply, I made a pact with myself to try a greener version. I considered other mops, and Pinterested around for green Swiffer ideas. That search netted me Pages of Swiffer ideas, from the complicated home-sewn Swiffer cloths that velcro on to simple socks and washcloths.

How could washcloths not have occurred to me? Once they did, it was on. I planned to use just vinegar and water for the cleaning solution, but thankfully, I came across Krazy Coupon Lady, who suggested a couple cleaning solution recipes, including vinegar, water and rubbing alcohol. That last bit is key, because if you overlook it, you'll end up with some science experiments on your mop cloths.

It's pretty self-explanatory. But just in case, here's how I've been making easy reusable Swiffer wet pads:

Several washcloths - I'd start with 12-18
1 to 1 ratio of white vinegar and water
1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol per two cups of vinegar/water mixture
(Optional) Several drops of essential oil in your favorite scent. I'm using orange for my current batch. (NB - apparently some essential oils are toxic to cats. If you're feline-friendly, make sure yours isn't).

I mixed my solution in my old Swiffer wet cloth container, but a plastic zippered bag or other seal-able container would work fine. I used thinner, cheaper washcloths, to fit better in the Swiffer, and because I didn't want anything I would be hesitant to throw away for gross messes.

Mix up your solution right in your container, add washcloths and be sure they're submerged.

I use them exactly like I used the disposable Swiffers, with the obvious difference that I don't throw them away. When we do laundry, I wash them in hot water with detergent and either Oxi Clean or a cup of hydrogen peroxide. I don't use fabric softener, but I remember softener being an issue with cloth diaper absorption, so if you go this route, consider skipping any softener. I find that my solution lasts about as long as my washcloth supply, so I just use the washcloths all up and then mix up new solution before adding them all back in the container.

Recently, I've started immediately throwing my freshly used ones into a bucket of very hot water with some Oxi Clean and letting them soak before rinsing, hanging dry and later laundering (remember, we use a laundromat. If I had my own washer, I'd probably throw them straight in and do a soak cycle). I think soaking is an optional step, but started taking it to see if I could get them back to sparkling white between uses. (It may shock you to learn that we've stopped using bleach, so I'm really just experimenting on this front. So far, no sparkling, but I feel pretty good about their cleanliness).

Making your own Swiffer wet pads is not revolutionary, but I am really glad we do it. As with so many steps on the path to being a bit greener, I don't know why I was so slow to make the change. I was maybe a bit intimidated, just assuming it would be a big hassle and not work as well as the real deal. But nope. Minimal hassle. My floors feel just as clean as they ever were. I prefer the au natural route of vinegar and water, but you can mix up any cleaning solution that makes you feel happy and squeaky clean.

How about you? Already on this train? Have any tips for those of us who are new to the game? Thanks as always for stopping by.