When I bought one a couple of years ago, I thought to myself - this is a brilliant thing, but I'll just refill this same bottle of cleanser myself after it runs out. Only apparently the Swiffer people anticipated this, because the "bottle" is not a bottle at all - it looks like it has a screwtop, but instead it is sealed shut. Go ahead, try to uncap the one you have at home. I'll wait for you...
...Ridiculous, right?
So, inspired by this groovy instructable, I hacked my bottle to be endlessly refillable. I used the same method, but went with whatever I had around the house:
- heat up a small part of the bottom of the empty Swiffer bottle with fire (I used matches, but a lighter would be less dangerous)
- puncture a bunch of holes in the heated plastic with an awl
- cut the top of any reclosable container that has a cap (I used a milk jug top)
- glue this container top to the bottom of the Swiffer bottle so that the cap sits above the holes you made with your awl (I used scads of hot glue)
- pop off the cap, fill it up with the cleanser of your choice (I go with half-water half-vinegar), and clean to your heart's delight (with your homemade Swiffer rag of course)!
Hmm... of course, now I see that you could also follow these instructions to work with the faux Swiffer cap itself.
6 comments:
genius!
I wonder if you're breaking any federal laws.
Also, isn't your education in literature, not engineering? Go read a book, sheesh :)
/hug
Spreading this information now qualifies you to go straight to eco-Heaven.
Thank you for freeing me form the eternal bonds of BJs.
Just stopping by to let you know I added you to my blogs I love page. I'd love to feature a few of your posts sometime if you're up to it.
Stacy
www.kidsstuffworld.com
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for posting this. I got a free Swiffer Wet Jet and LOVED it. But it has been sitting in my garage for over a year because I refuse to buy refills for it. And now I can use it!!
sweet. this is great.
thx! ~Lisa
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