The Swiffer Hack That Lets You Never Buy Refills Again

Swiffer WetJets are a homeowner's staple product. Whether you have pet hair all over the tile in your kitchen that needs a good scrubbing or hardwood that's constantly calling for some shine, Swiffers can almost always get the job done. And while the easy-to-use mop is a common find in most cleaning cabinets, keeping up with the proprietary Swiffer system can add up quickly; there's the actual unit that you have to purchase (which isn't all that sturdy, if used often), the one-time use pads for the bottom of the mop, and, of course, the actual WetJet cleaning solution.

At nearly $10 for a two pack on Amazon, the WetJet Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaner isn't going to break the bank, but it can cost you in the long run if you're cleaning your floors often, or have a large area to cover. Customers on Influenster shared that one bottle of the cleaner typically lasts between one and two months — that means you can spend upwards of $60 per year on Swiffer brand cleaner alone. And if you're that dedicated to cleaning your floors, then chances are, you have plenty of other household cleaners that get the job done just as well — if not better.

Luckily, a TikTok hack has gone viral showing exactly how to get the most bang for your buck from the Swiffer WetJet, and let's just say we're grateful they shared this top secret cleaning intel with the internet.

In a video from November 2020, a TikTok user showed fellow TikTokers exactly how to reuse those stubborn and sealed WetJet refill bottles. Believe it or not, but submerging the top of the bottle in some piping hot water loosens those plastic locks, allowing the lid to come right off! Everyday Cheapskate also featured this hack on their blog, but warned not to cut off these self-locking tabs (as annoying as they may be), since doing so will likely cause a leak down the line.

All you have to do is microwave a mug of water for about two minutes, then place the refill bottle in lid first. After 30 seconds, remove the bottle and use a towel or cloth to pull off the cap. From here, you can fill it with your favorite floor cleaner and replace the cap. This person popped in some Fabuloso, and we're willing to bet their home smells just as great at a fraction of the cost.

Another TikTok user commented about another benefit this simple hack provides: significantly less plastic waste. "I don't even care about the cost," they wrote. "I just wish they made a refillable kind cause I just hate throwing away all the plastic." All the more reason to give this one a go, if you ask us!