I’m a Swiffer Ambassador this year, and my latest assignment motivated me to tackle two spots I prefer to ignore. I’m calling that a win.
My task: compare the Swiffer Sweeper dry cloth refills and Swiffer WetJet pads with their store brand versions.
I was excited to do this, because one of the Cleaning Nerdery facts that stood out to me most when I visited the P&G headquarters for training last August was that so many of the features of Swiffer’s product features are patented. This means store brand versions CAN’T, legally, be exactly the same. As a frugal type, I always wonder if there’s really a difference so I found this fact fascinating.
The first thing I did when I opened my package of products to compare was take note of the visible differences.
With seven of each brand of dry cloths stacked, the Swiffer stack was most definitely taller and fluffier. Visually, I can see that the Swiffer cloths have more texture and the ridges are deeper. I could feel that the Swiffer cloths were treated with something, as I felt it on my fingers after rubbing them across. I didn’t feel anything like that with the store version, which makes sense because I remember that being one of the patented features we learned about in August.
But how do they work? Because that’s all that actually matters, right?
I decided to put them to a real test and . . . move my sofa.
Y’all, I am fully aware of how raunchy it gets under there, so I practice Full Awareness Denial in cases like this. I usually wait until something really, really important has been lost (as opposed to something marginally important) to drag it away from the wall. But that long-term denial provides the perfect lab for testing these products.
This is what I found:
After I picked up all the crjunk, I was left with a sufficiently dusty/dirty/scary floor:
I divided the floor in half, and used each product. I followed the instructions to sweep in a figure eight pattern, always pushing forward with the same side of the product. (This was something I learned in my training.) Here are the results:
Then, I took those same cloths to my master bathroom. It’s possible that I haven’t swept or mopped in there in a while. Possible.
This is a good time to share another Swiffer tip I learned: Don’t stop using a cloth or pad when it looks dirty. Stop using it when it stops doing its job.
I like that tip. I like using things as long as I possibly can, and confirmation that that’s okay made me happy.
I chose to test the already-used cloths and the WetJet pads on equal parts of the center of the bathroom. The two sides of the bathroom serve different purposes (one side is the shower, and the other is the toilet), so I didn’t think it was fair to divide the entire bathroom in half.
Here are the results after sweeping with the same dry cloths:
Instead of the sheer grossness of all that being on my floors, let’s focus on the fact that it has now been cleaned, okay?
I then used the WetJet pad and compared it with the store brand pad:
To be clear, I only used Swiffer brand cleaning solution in the WetJet.
Swiffer won, y’all.
But here are some of the details I noticed. The Swiffer cloths did a much better job getting the edges of the floors (up against the walls/baseboards) clean. I think this is because they are “fuzzier” so they reach those edges better than the other cloth which I had to shove hard up against the wall. (Does that make sense? It does in my head, but I’m not so sure . . . )
The texture also seemed to have a big impact on how much dirt (and other grossness) it grabbed on the cloth/pad as a whole. Because these areas were as equal in dirtiness as I could get them, I assume that was because it was the Swiffer picked up more dirt than the other. Behind the couch, the Swiffer side of the floor felt cleaner on my feet.
Oh, and after I finished my “experiment” I used the Swiffer cloth and pad to sweep and mop the rest of the bathroom. Yay for motivation!
And more good news: I get to host another giveaway!
Sorry, y’all! This giveaway is over! But subscribe to my newsletter so you’ll never miss future ones!
To be entered to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post!
The prize:Swiffer Sweeper Small Box Starter Kit with wet refills, dry refills, a Swiffer Duster and Duster refillsApproximate value: $50
One person will win, he/she must be a U.S. resident (sorry!), and Swiffer will fulfill the prize. If you enter, be sure to use an email you actually check since a winner who doesn’t respond to the email notifying them they won within 48 hours forfeits the prize. I’ll use random.org to choose a winning comment! See all my giveaway policies here. This giveaway will end on March 10th, 2015 at 9 p.m. Central.
This was a sponsored post, but all experiences, opinions, hairy-floored bathrooms, and purposely-ignored under-the-couch-spaces are mine, all mine.
--Nony
Tina says
You are so courageous to post under your sofa pictures!
Tina says
Wait, that sounded bad. I meant that I would be a weenie and wouldn’t do it–not that it was so awful that you….oh, boy. I should just give up now. How about, Great Post!
sara says
Ooh! I want to win! My store brand cheap-oh mop just died!
Selina says
LOVE reading and seeing your honesty! And-yes-I would love to win a Swiffer set!
Meredith P. says
Wow! I had no idea there was that much of a difference!
Jacqueline says
Nice to know I’m not the only one who’s bad about mopping!
Julie G says
Thanks for the chance to win!
Jamie says
Great information! Thanks!
Nancy says
I love Cleaning Nerdery side-by-side comparisons! Thank you!
Shelia says
I honestly never thought there would be such a difference between store brand and name brand. I’ve always used store brand cause they cost much less but now I’m convinced to give Swifter name brand a try. Thanks for doing this comparison.
Cris says
Love this kind of information! I always wonder what the difference is!
Lisa Gropp says
Love the post and that you are brave enough to share your clutter with us co-strugglers! I would be thrilled to win the Swiffer give-away!!
Nancy P says
Interesting, since there is a price difference, it’s good to know you’re not paying more for the same apples! 🙂
MG says
You’ve motivated me to want to give Swiffer a shot either way! Seriously. I could use some convenience cleaning products with a new baby in the house. Good to know the name brand is actually worth it!
Stefanie Hoover says
It’s nice to know other people have stuff under their couches! Out of sight out of mind for me unfortunately !
Aubree says
This is fascinating! I always figured the generic brands would work about the same… I usually just use a broom, but it’s nice to know that it would be worth it to invest in the real thing! 🙂
CarolD says
What a difference! Thanks for the info – and I love your honesty 🙂
Brandy E. says
It’s good to see if there is an actual difference. The only thing I use currently are the dusters, and I think I only have the Swiffer brand. Maybe some day you can do a comparison of those. 🙂
Jennifer B. says
Oh, how my under couch floor could use some new Swiffer products! Thanks for being so honest. It makes us in the same boat feel better!
KellyJMF says
I’ve been meaning to try Swiffer, particularly for all the hardwood floors we have upstairs. I avoid hauling the vacuum upstairs so the bedrooms get a little neglected. And if all that dust stays on the pad, it doesn’t get up my nose and set off allergies.
Brandy says
I Love Swiffer!! Now, have you ever swen Swiffer dry cloths used with a Roomba Braava? Magic. 😉
Mandy King says
I’m a HUGE Swiffer fan – but am much more adept at purchasing them than using. Totally beside the point 😉 Thanks for this interesting post!
Paige says
Cool! I’d wondered how those store brand ones compared. Being cheap at heart and all.
Barbara Madson says
Swiffer rocks!
Jane T says
I use Swiffer products and would love to win. Fingers and toes crossed. Can’t cross my eyes because 70 years ago my mom told me they would stick that way if I didn’t quit. I think she was pulling my leg!
Susan says
I could really make use of a Swiffer set!!!
Alla N says
Thank you so much for the comparison! Definitely worth seeing, I would love to win this!
Stacey says
I would love to win this!! So many times you think store brands are the same so I loved the info about how they are actually patented and there is now way the store brand could be the exact same! I had not idea!
Jennifer says
I love the nerdiness factor! I don’t currently use a swiffer for my floors but I (and my 5 year old cleaning buddy) would love to try it!
Amie says
This was incredibly helpful! I’ve been buying the store brand cloths, because I’m cheap — er, thrifty — and always buy store brand if available unless I know it’s a bad idea. I was never fully satisfied with them; now I see why!
I would absolutely LOVE to win your giveaway … especially now that I know I’m going to have to switch brands. 😉 (Notice how I pretended that I actually clean as I should? Nice, right? Maybe if my Swiffer works better I’ll feel slightly more motivated …)
Dorothy says
Love your comparison post. I could use a swifter set.
Kendra Baker says
I have two year old twin boys and have lots of mops! I have been unable to find one that combines effectiveness with speed and convenience and without the grossness factor of reusing a mop that was recently used to clean up ick. (BTW, ick in our house is mainly juice leaks). I’d love something where the ick gets thrown out and doesn’t require a load of laundry to be non-icky.
Tracy says
Yes. I do like Swiffer products.
Jodi says
Great experiment!
Chantel says
Hi! What a difference! I’m actually quite shocked! This makes me really want to get a Swiffer/wetjet! So much easier than a broom, mop, and bucket! Some things are worth a few extra pennies, huh? 😉
Jennifer Abrams says
I’m glad to hear that you are supposed to continue to use the pads while they are dirty until they stop working. I have been going through them like crazy-albeit the store brands. It sounds like I will be switching to Swiffer, though!
Pat Lehr says
Sure could use one. Mine broke. And waiting to save money to get a new one
Jen Freund says
I LOVE Swiffer products! It would be awesome to win. Thank you for the opportunity 🙂
Jennifer O says
You are the “realest” cleaning/organizing guru I’ve ever seen! I bought a Swiffer wetjet and dry as a housewarming present for my brother. His entire house is tile. We just installed laminate and I’m thinking I need to get my own Swiffer.
Allison says
I need this! Our floors get so dirty!
Kate says
Nice information. One item I will now insist on name brand!
Kelly says
I would love to see how this does at getting up cat hair from my bathroom and kitchen floors. Good to know the difference between name and store brand because I usually get no-name with good results. I can see I would not have been happy if I had done this with this product. Thanks for the review!
JulieH says
Swiffer products are awesome! I could definitely use some refills. The dog hair in our hair makes me crazy! 🙂
Megan says
This is super interesting – I’m definitely guilty of buying the store brand to save money, but a comparison like this may actually convince me to switch… maybe I’ll just win it! 🙂
AmyH says
I keep a Swiffer duster Muppet (you know the one), sans handle, in my car glove compartment to get up dust in the car without just spreading it around again. (I have a black interior, and it’s shiny, so the dust is just highlighted EVERYWHERE.)
Ann says
Thanks for sharing the comparison. That saves us buying both products. I’d love to win as my floors could use the attention too.
Marybeth S. says
We have a lab and two cats in our home and my vacuum died this week. Using a broom is simply not working at all.I would love to see how Swiffer works for our furry home.
Angie says
Ooh! Pick me! Pick me! 🙂
Terri says
So good to know! I’ve got the real Swiffer products in my closet right now, but it’s great to have evidence!
Katy says
Love Swiffer products. And this post just reminded me to clean my bathroom.
Brenda says
I love Swiffer products and would love to win! Thanks for the informative post.
Rachel R says
I have similarly neglected floors in my house. My husband wonderfully does all the vacuuming, but we both hate hard surface cleaning.
Sidney says
I’d love to win that set.
So lucky for us you happened to have just the right tests to put these through their paces.
JILL BOWEN says
I’m still using a broom, how out of date is that!
Katia says
I use a broom too, that’s two of us 😀
amanda says
i love your blog!! it is proof that i am not alone in my struggles to keep the house in order. thank you
Dana White says
You’re definitely not alone!!
Yvonne says
Wow! That is a HUGE difference! I would LOVE to win the Swiffer Sweeper. Thanks for hosting and letting us know how it worked for you!
Rita says
Since I have carpet on EVERY single floor in this house, I can’t vouch for the sweeper and wet mop, but I do use the hand dusters (one in every room). I was in a Dollar General store one time and saw an off brand duster refill, which was much cheaper than Swiffer, so I bought a box. I wish I hadn’t. They were so flimsy and did not work as well Swiffer. I am happy to see that your test agreed with my opinion.
I also appreciate the tips you included here! Good to know.
Tammy M. says
Woo-hoo! I love giveaways!
Woo-hoo! I love that you posted the picture from behind/under your sofa!
Dana White says
Hahaha!!!
Carmen Henigin says
Always wonder if there is a difference! Great information!
Darcy says
I’d love to win this set! Thanks for keeping it real!
Aimee says
I’ve never tried a swiffer. With 5 kids, I’m sure it would be a help. And my under the couch is much worse. Thanks for showing real life!
Joellen says
I’ve often wondered how the store brand compares to the brand name Swiffer products. If it keeps my house cleaner with less effort, the brand name is worth the extra expense.
Kathy C. says
Sign me up – I’d love a Swiffer! Thanks 🙂
Jenny Haggerty says
Great post!!! I always wonder if I can get away with using store brand. It’s good to know that Swiffer wins!!! Thanks!!!
Dorothy P says
This looks like a great tool to help me keeping some of those ‘forgotten’ places clean! I would love to win this!
Christie says
Plenty to clean up here!
Holly says
Thank you for the comparison. 🙂
Megan says
Wow, the swiffer did a much better job!
Rachael says
I have been doing comparisons too. It is definitely worth the extra money on name products. I have found that nothing cleans my family’s clothes like Tide. I would love to win :)!!
Liv says
Speaking of name brand working better than store bought, I had to switch back to Cascade as my dishwasher is now stinky!!
Beth says
Yay! for motivation!
Rebecca Jones says
It’s always good to get first hand comparison information. I’ve often wondered.
Meg says
I buy the name brand at my local warehouse store when they are on coupon–sadly didn’t even know there was a generic option! Thanks for the comparison though. There are some things worth “splurging” on–I’ll add these to the list.
And I also love the dry cloth with the roomba–braava is it? I have the predecessor made by mint (pretty sure roomba bought out mint but who really cares I suppose–they look nearly identical) and it is a game changer. That little gadget picks up even more crud than when I use the standard dry mop handle.
Happy mopping everyone!
Katia says
Well, I don’t live in the States but maybe (just maybe) you could pick me and my Floridian brother would have a chance to clean better? 😉
KR says
I would love to be a Swiffer Ambassador! I don’t have a WetJet yet. Great post!
Sherryl Lynn Jones says
Love all the great information! ! And the Swiffer products !
Pamela Carlisle says
I would love to win the Swiffer package!!!
Frances says
Dear, compared to my house ALL of yours looks PRISTINE !
After struggling with major depression for over 15 years, my house is an utter pig sty.
I am so ashamed that we have had ONE visitor in YEARS.
Your blog has been VERY HELPFUL in teaching me to do better
But last month, after multiple prescriptions trials and errors , – Hallelujah ! – I FINALLY feel like a human being again ! I had forgotten how it felt
Therefore, with the added financial straits of not working, I am in DIRE NEED of a Swiffer Sweeper kit – which sounds like the PERFECT cleaning system
THANKS for helping all your fellow Sister Slobs !
Peace, Love and Blessings
Christy Pudyk says
Thanks for doing this! I’ve always wondered how they compare myself!
April L says
I have been so lax in cleaning my floors. I would love to win! Thx Dana & Swiffer for the giveaway!
Jean @ Howling Frog says
I should definitely get myself some of these! Thanks for the review!
Margie says
I have used the Swiffer pads and also the the Dollar Tree and other knockoffs. I too have noticed there IS a difference,and you get what you pay for. My Swiffer mop is showing it’s age,and I sure could use a Swffer wetjet since I have 400 sq ft of ceramic tile,and I am a senior citizen.
Gina says
I think sofas have an invisible sock dispenser underneath.
Mal says
I’m moving to a carpet free house soon. This would be a great pack to win.
LiAnne says
Nice reporting— very useful!
Thanks
Martha says
I appreciate simple visuals. I’d love to win.
JC says
I have already begun spring cleaning, following a year with a baby who was often in the hospital. The things being found under appliances and furniture…I can use all the cleanine power I can get!
Susan says
I didn’t know about sweeping in a figure eight with those. What a great thing to learn!
Yvonne says
I’ve done this too. Swiffer does do it better especially on those cat-hair-tumbleweeds (I have 2 long-haired cats). I’ve used the dollar store brand wipes and they are fine for a quickie but if you need to a scrub the real deal works way better.
Stephanie says
You are super brave to show your dirt and grime! Thanks for showing the results of your experiment!
lbw1138 says
I have all hard surface floors in my house. I could use some swiffer help.
Anita says
I’m ashamed to say – looking at the before pic, my first thought was “what is all that stuff stuck to her wall?” It took me a minute to realize the pic was sideways. My brain works a little slow most days. 🙂
Rene says
I never realized how much better the real thing worked. I would love to win the products.
Carrie says
Swiffers are awesome! Thanks for doing the comparison!
Becky says
Funny story here. I was having a gathering in my home where I would need to move my sofa and love seat to create more room. I moved them earlier in the day and cleaned under them and then moved them back. Later when we needed to move them it was clean under there. I just acted like it’s always clean under there. Lol
Dana White says
That’s EXACTLY what I’d do!!!
Amy says
I always wondered if there was a difference!
Joan says
good to know info. I would love to win one. We now have all hard floors. Our last house was all carpet except the kitchen and bath
Kathleen says
Great post! Cleaning up my fiancé’s former bachelor pad, so I am looking for efficient cleaning products!
Melody says
Thanks for the chance!
Cece says
I would love to this!
Susan says
Thank you for the information! I’m going to go read the swiffer instructions because I’d never heard of the figure 8 thing…. Now I’m curious!
Victoria says
Thanks for the demo of the difference between the two products. Have never tried the WetJet, may have to now. Use Swiffer dusters and Swiffer Sweepers. Always wondered why the store brands didn’t work as well.
Trish Smith says
Looking at the underneath of your sofa reminds me that my sofa has a floor under it that probably needs a swiffer too.
Sara says
Maybe it will help me get the strength to move my couches….
Kris says
I would love to win this Swiffer set! I’ve used the WetJet some, but not the dry pads. I have laminate wood floors in my living room, so the dry pads would work nicely.
Amy Z. says
Thanks for doing the comparison. It’s good to know that Swiffer products actually perform better!
Kate says
I love swiffer products. I resisted them for awhile but now that my little one is mobile, I try to keep my floors much cleaner than I ever have. Sometimes I even succeed, lol!!
April Cunningham says
I just bought a new Swiffer Wet+Dry this week because I had used my first one well past its prime. And we just moved to a home where ALL the floors on the main level are wood. It seemed time to get a new one since I can see me using it frequently, and my littles can push this around for “fun” while actually being very helpful. It was nice to see some Swiffer tips. I would guess that those are on the Swiffer website, but seriously, who goes looking for directions on how to use a Swiffer?
Elaine says
Good to know! I have too often been swayed by a lower price product only to be disappointed.
Amy Owen says
Love me some Swiffer!
Deb says
I’m glad to know Swifter brand beat the store brand. I’ve been tossing around the idea to get one.
Maria says
I wonder if my six year old son would be charmed enough by the novelty of a Swiffer to respond with joy instead of stinkiness to my request to sweep the kitchen.
Julie says
I’d love to win this! We’ve got a new baby in the way so I need all he help I can get in speed and cleanliness when it comes to the cleaning routine.
Wendy says
Swiffer always wins! I’ve used store brands of the dry & wet cloths – Swiffer is so much better! Thanks for hosting this giveaway, I’m desperately in need of some new Swiffer products.
Debbie says
Boy, I could sure use a swifter. I’m a first time cat owner and can’t believe the amount of kitty litter that is being tracked all over my bathroom floor.
Mary DB says
My Swiffer is one of my best friends! Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Courtney says
Great giveaway!! Thank you!
Natalia Gonzalez says
I just found your blog and really enjoyed this post. Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer Potter says
I found this post very interesting, especially the knowledge that the Swiffer products are still under patent….I recently bought the store brand box of the dusters and did notice a big difference between those and the Swiffer dusters. Sigh. Of course I bought the BIG store brand box.
LynneMarie says
Thank you for showing how much of a difference there is between the Swiffer and store brands. I’ve been using the store brands thinking they were just as good, now I know better.
Jennie says
We have ripped out our living room carpet and are preparing to have the hardwoods underneath refinished. My floor is practically begging for this! 🙂
Deborah says
I enjoyed this post and the detailed comparison!
Brittani A. says
As a firm believer in store brand is just as good, I knew Swiffer would win. And I’ve always dreamed of getting a box of their goodies like on their commercials.
Lisa Mitchell says
Hi, I’ve been interested in trying Swiffer products for some time now. By the way, I LOVE reading your blog; you are so hilarious! Wish I had your sense of humor.
Maggie says
I have used Swiffer Wet Jets for quite a while now. I am so glad to find out that the store brand in not as good. Now I don’t have to try that for myself!! Thanks.
Amy J. says
Love this – as a natural cheapskate, I always wonder if the generics are as good. I also really appreciate your honest pictures – makes me feel more motivated to tackle mine ;).
Debra R says
I have really enjoyed reading you blog since a friend introduced me a few weeks ago.
As someone who bought a house with all hard floors a few months ago and may (or may not) have done much sweeping, I could really use this prize pack!
Shannon Wadford says
Thank you for posting real results! I have always wondered how the store brand stacks up! I love that you share your life a struggle with all of us!
Venessa Litewski says
I’m physically handicapped so my hubby does the actual cleaning around here (although, to be fair, I have to point it out to him so that he knows what NEEDS cleaning — he just doesn’t “see” it! LOL) But, when I was able to do more around the house I used the Swiffer products. However; along with not “seeing” the mess, he thinks he’s saving lots of $$ to go with the generic store brand. I can now show him the “before & after” pics and (maybe) he will (finally!) “get it” 🙂 Thanks for the post! (and, I am sure glad it was the “under YOUR couch” pix and not mine!)
Brenna says
There is definitely a difference in the Wetjet pads. I bought Walmart brand last time and they are terrible. It’s like they can’t absorb the liquid, and just glide over the mess instead of actually cleaning it.
Amy S. says
I’ve been reading your blog off and on for years. I love your humor. I sometimes find myself laughing out loud. Thanks for the chance to win!
Bobbi Jo long says
I am in drastic need of a new swiffer mop. And now that I know the swiffer pads are superior I will definitely buy them in the future.
Dana White says
Check your email!!
Amy P. says
Thanks for doing the comparison!
Dot says
It is interesting to see this comparison. Swiffer seems to clean a lot better.
Susan Campbell says
Thanks I always like to know that someone actually tested a product before I buy it.
Shannon A. says
I am not surprised Swiffer won this challenge, but I learned some facts I didn’t know. I knew I loved those cloths for a reason. Thank you! P.S. The under the couch photo looks all too familiar…
patricia says
I love your comparison posts. I always learn something new. Love to win some Swiffer. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Sue Weissman says
You always have “real life” posts! Thank you! (Love the term cleaning nerdery….I’m with you there!)
wendy says
There really is a difference!
Stephanie says
Love your stuff!! Kept up with the routine since the first of January!!!
Jerrilyn Hendrickson says
I love Swiffer products!
Melissa Taylor says
I love your blog, and I’ve been slowly recounting your posts to my husband (as in “Oh, I heard/read a great idea from a blog I follow…” versus “Why are you intentionally sabotaging all of my efforts!?!?”). It’s been great for both of us, thanks!
Liz says
Would love to wi
Dora Scott says
Love your posts. I hate cleaning. I love collecting and have a hard time getting rid of things. With your posts, I have learned how to attack the problem of handling my clutter. I would love to win a Swiffer. I have thought about purchasing one, but did not know if I would like the product. Your post has help me make a decision. If I do not win one, I will be purchasing one soon. Thanks for your posts. Keep them coming. Happy Cleaning.
Maggie says
Your blog has inspired some major decluttering at my house. I’d love to win Swifter products! I’m also a thrifty store-brand buyer & am not usually happy enough with the results to stick with a cleaning routine.
CSP says
Love this post! I have tried multiple off-brand Swiffer-type products, but always come back to the original Swiffer in the end- it’s the best!
kacey Shoupe says
Love swiffers! And love that I’m not the only person whose floors can look like that :-/
Angie says
I didn’t know about the patent, that very interesting. Thank you!
TwinMominTexas says
I am getting better at the day to day stuff. And what a world of difference it has made! I am now ready to start a regular bathroom schedule and with two boys the floor needs to be done far more often than I’d like to drag out the mop. I’ve been wondering if Swiffer Wet Jet would take care of it? Thanks for the chance to win and find out!
Hilary says
Oh man, I think I will be horrified when I finally clean (everything) a few places in my house with a Swiffer. !
Juliet says
So good to know!
Rebecca says
I love that you were able to go to P&G headquarters and go through their training! AS As a fellow slob, I frankly take your recomendations more seriously because you just understand what is required of cleaning products in my house.
Kathy says
Thank you VERY much for this comparison! I bought an off-brand awhile back because it was on clearance. I can’t find the cleaner it uses, and the pads are hard to find, too. I thought it would be ‘good enough’ because ‘I can make-do’ and because it saved money. Now I know why I came to dread using it. I DON”T LIKE THE RESULTS OF THE EXTRA EFFORT!! Next time I’m in the store I’ll visit the mop aisle and get it right. I’ve also been considering buying a Shark to steam clean and disinfect. Do you have a comparison for those? I’m just beginning to research this one, and open for others’ input! Thanks!
Amanda Beyerlein says
Very cool! I love how you made your own science experiment out of it 🙂
Carol Anne says
I LOVE my Swiffer products, which are now at least 5 years old and in definite need of refreshing, but truthfully I’ll just move the old ones upstairs so I don’t have to carry them up and down anymore.
Karen says
I LOVE swifter! Smells amazing too!!!!
Karen Spillman says
I love Swifter! Their products are the best and they smell amazing!
Annie says
I’m sold! I usually buy the store brand cloths, but I am seriously rethinking that now!
Ashley says
I have never been a big swiffer user, but with our new laminate floors I have been tempted. This is quite an impressive comparison…thanks for sharing!
Angie says
I usually purchase the store because they cost less – it appears they may Work less as well.
Danielle says
Woohoo! In time to still enter for the Swiffer (plz&thx)! You are such an inspiration. A real, relatable woman! Thank You!
Bridget Welch says
I hate mopping. With a passion! But, I have guests coming in just 2 short weeks, so…I guess I should plan on mopping sometime soon. Sigh. At least I’ve been sweeping more frequently than in years past, thanks to your encouragement 🙂
Kylee Compton says
I, too, have had this experience. Swifter really is better than other brands. I usually don’t use them for my thorough cleanings (I’d like to say weekly here, but let’s be honest) but they are great for the quick clean up/spill/ unexpected guest. I’m out and could use more. Hope I win!
Debra says
Under the sofa is my biggest fear. Haha
Melissa says
I love Swiffer products!
Heather Genesio says
I prefer the real deal to the store brand! There really is a difference and not just in the price. Thanks for hard proof! You are my hero!
Heather Genesio says
Thank you for some real life proof that Swifter is the best. I’ve bought the store brand and they just don’t get the job done! I love your blog!
Jen says
Excellent, I was glad to read this post. I’ve always gotten the Swiffer cloths but wondered if it was worth it. Now I know definitively!
Kelly says
My kids do the sweeping and swiffing in our house. One time I bought the store brand because they were cheaper. But when my kids, ages 11 & 12, told me the swiffers did a better job, I went back to them. (If my kids will do the cleaning, I will buy them the equipment to get the job done!) The kids themselves commented on how they were fluffier so they could pick up more dirt, and, they are right!
Wendy chamness says
Love swifter products!!!!
Janell Zech says
Dana, have you tried the Swiffer Vac? It’s AMAZING! Has a Swiffer cloth on it, but is a stick vacuum. I’ve had mine for years and it does an incredible job on my hardwood floors. The Swiffer pad picks up the dust, and the vac at the front gets the bigger pieces that usually just get pushed around and you have to find a dustpan for. Now, no dustpan! I tried off brand cloths too, but your test is real – the Swiffer product is better!
Janell Zech says
PS – can we PLEASE teach people to say and spell Swiffer properly? There is no “T” in the word . . . just a little pet peeve of mine 🙂
Dana White says
Haha!! I think that’s a spell check/autocorrect thing on people’s phones!
Renee says
Just found your website and you are hilarious! Signed up!