Swiffer Dusters: 14 Common Questions Answered

Swiffer Dusters are one of the most popular dusting products on the market. Gone are the days of cleaning rags and furniture polish and hoping you don’t accidentally get that polish on the floor and slip. The simplicity of Swiffer Dusters makes them the go-to choice for busy families.

Although Swiffer Dusters are simple to use, people still have questions. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the dusting wonder product, including whether or not they work, how many times you can use one before throwing it away, what they’re made of, and so much more. 

swiffer questions answered

1. Do Swiffer Dusters Work?

Yes, Swiffer Dusters work very well. In fact, they can hold roughly two times more dust than a traditional feather duster. Swiffer 360 Dusters even remove up to 70% of dust and allergens that collect on surfaces.

2. How Many Times Can You Use a Swiffer Duster?

There’s no limit on how many times you can use a Swiffer Duster. It all depends on the amount of dirt on the surfaces you’re cleaning.

If you keep up with your dusting regularly, you may be able to use the same duster three or four times, but if you’re using the duster for a job that you don’t frequently do, like cleaning the top of the refrigerator, you may have to throw it away when you’re finished.

3. Can You Wash Swiffer Dusters?

While you shouldn’t wash the regular dusters with soap or put them in the washing machine, you can rinse Swiffer Dusters with warm water to remove some dirt and lay them out to dry.

Rinsing your dusters is a great way to reduce waste and save money. If you buy the Swiffer 360 Dusters, you can put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a little bit of detergent.

Make sure you lay them out or hang them to dry; they will fall apart if you try to put them in the dryer.

4. Do Swiffer Dusters Have Chemicals?

According to the Swiffer Duster Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), they are non-carcinogenic and practically non-toxic. They are flammable, however, and may emit aldehydes, ethanol, methanol, acetic acid, acetone, paraffin, and carbon monoxide when burned.

5. Are Swiffer Dusters Anti-Static?

Yes, Swiffer Dusters are anti-static and are, therefore, safe to use on electronics like laptops and televisions.

6. Do Swiffer Dusters Spread Dust?

Swiffer Dusters can hold up to two times the amount of dust that a traditional feather duster can hold, so if you only have a mild to moderate amount of dust, they will trap it rather than spread it around.

Of course, if you only dust a few times a year, the dusters aren’t strong enough to pick up all that dirt, so it will end up dropping onto the floor. In this case, you can sweep up the excess dust with your vacuum.

7. How To Attach Swiffer Dusters 

Attaching Swiffer Dusters to the handle is simple if you follow these easy steps:

  • Remove the duster from the packaging, stretch it, and fluff up the sides.
  • Look for the two channel openings that run down the center on one side of the duster.
  • Insert the forks of the handle into the channels and pull it down all the way.
  • Fluff your duster, and you’re ready to go!

8. Are Swiffer Dusters Recyclable?

Yes, certain Swiffer products, including Swiffer Dusters, can be recycled through a partnership with TerraCycle.

To participate in the program, sign up on the TerraCycle website and get a prepaid label to mail your used Swiffer products.

This waste will be separated by material and melted into hard plastic to be remolded into new products.

9. Are Swiffer Dusters Toxic?

The Swiffer Duster Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) states that the dusters are nearly non-toxic. However, they are flammable and can exude some chemicals if burned.

10. Where Are Swiffer Dusters Made?

Swiffer Dusters are manufactured all across the United States by a Proctor and Gamble company called Project Air LLC, based out of Cranberry, New Jersey.

11. How Do You Clean Swiffer Duster Pads?

You can clean Swiffer Duster pads by hand or in the washing machine. If you’re cleaning them by hand, fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.

Lightly agitate them with your hands to remove the dirt, and rinse them in warm water. Hang or lay flat to dry.

If you plan to wash your Swiffer Duster pads in the washing machine, you’ll need a mesh bag to keep them from sticking to the sides of the wash basin.

Launder on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, then hang or lay flat to dry.

12. Swiffer vs. Great Value Duster?

Swiffer Dusters are thicker and fluffier than store-brand dusters and, therefore, can hold more dust and dirt than the other brands.

They also have more texture which helps dirt and dust stick to the Swiffer Duster better than it sticks to the Great Value Duster.

Although the store-brand dusters are less expensive per box, you will need to use more of them to clean the same area as the Swiffer Duster, making them more costly in the long run.

13. Is It Better To Use A Mop or Swiffer?

When deciding if it’s better to use a traditional mop or a Swiffer, remember that different jobs require different tools.

For example, Swiffers are more convenient for everyday cleaning than traditional mops because all you need to do is put a pad on the Swiffer and go.

On the other hand, traditional mops are better for deep cleaning because they are sturdier, so you can apply more pressure to tackle a big mess. 

14. Where Can I Buy Swiffer Dusters?

You can buy Swiffer Dusters in nearly any grocery store, drug store, or supercenter, including Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, and Target. You can also order them online at Amazon or Vitacost.

Shauna Stone