A Swiffer Sweeper is usually the first thing people reach for when the floor needs a quick cleanup. But that long handle and flat cleaning head can be useful in plenty of other places around the house, too.
Instead of keeping it tucked away until the next time you mop, try using it for dust, cobwebs, pet hair, and other small cleaning jobs. Some of these tricks can save you from dragging out the vacuum, reaching for a ladder, or spending extra time on hard-to-reach spots.
Here are 15 clever ways to put your Swiffer Sweeper to work beyond the floor.
1. Dust Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Ceiling fans collect an impressive amount of dust, and cleaning them often means pulling out a step ladder. A Swiffer can make the job much easier.
Attach a dry cloth and extend the handle as far as needed. Gently run it across the tops of fan blades and around accessible light fixtures to pick up dust without having to climb.
For safety, keep your feet on the floor and make sure the fixture or fan is turned off before cleaning.
2. Clean High Wall Corners and Ceilings
Cobwebs have a way of showing up in the corners you rarely notice. High ceilings and wall corners can be especially annoying to reach.
A Swiffer with a dry cloth can help. Run it gently along the corners and edges where dust and cobwebs collect. You can get those spots cleaned without carrying a vacuum upstairs or balancing on a chair.
3. Dust the Tops of Bookshelves and Cabinets
The tops of tall bookshelves and cabinets are easy to forget during regular cleaning. Unfortunately, they’re also great places for dust to settle.
Extend the Swiffer and run a dry cloth across the surface. Move slowly around decorations and other objects so you don’t knock anything over.
It’s a quick way to clean areas that usually require a lot more effort.
Related: 13 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches From Wood Furniture
4. Clean Artificial Plants and Flowers
Artificial plants don’t need water, but they still need cleaning. Their leaves can collect a surprising amount of dust.
A dry Swiffer cloth can be gently passed over larger leaves and petals to pick up loose dust. For delicate plants, use a light touch and avoid pressing down too hard.
Your faux greenery can look much better after just a few minutes of dusting.
5. Dust Lampshades
Fabric lampshades can become dusty without looking particularly dirty. A dry Swiffer cloth gives you an easy way to remove that surface dust.
Run the cloth gently over the shade, working from top to bottom. There’s no need for sprays or harsh cleaners that could leave marks on the fabric.
Just make sure the lamp is switched off and cool before you start.
Related: 11 Easy Ways to Soundproof Your Bedroom Without Major Renovations
6. Clean Window Blinds
Dusting individual blind slats can be one of those chores that takes much longer than expected. A Swiffer can speed things up.
Run a dry cloth across the slats, working from one side to the other. For heavier dust, you may need to replace the cloth partway through the job.
It’s a simple trick for keeping blinds looking cleaner between deeper cleanings.
7. Prep Walls Before Painting
Dust on a wall can interfere with a fresh coat of paint, so cleaning the surface first is a smart move.
A slightly damp Swiffer cloth can be useful for wiping away light dust and surface dirt from washable walls. Give the wall enough time to dry before painting.
For the best results, check the paint manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations first, since some wall finishes don’t respond well to moisture.
Once the surface is clean, you’re ready to create a fresh canvas for your new color.
8. Clean Baseboards and Trim
Baseboards are another part of the house that can gather dust quickly. They also require plenty of bending if you’re cleaning them by hand.
Attach a dry cloth to your Swiffer and run it along the baseboards. For taller trim, extend the handle and work from a comfortable position.
It’s a small change, but it can make this tedious chore much easier on your back.
9. Tackle Bathroom Ceiling Dust
Bathroom ceilings can collect dust, moisture, and, in some cases, mildew. A Swiffer can help with light surface cleaning, but be careful about using cleaning chemicals on the pad.
If you’re dealing with mildew, follow the instructions on the cleaning product you’re using and make sure the room has good ventilation. Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaners.
For regular dust, a dry or lightly damp cloth can be enough to freshen up the ceiling.
You can also use other methods to keep the room smelling fresh with these bathroom cleaning tips.
10. Freshen Up Your Car Interior
Your Swiffer doesn’t have to stay inside the house. A dry cloth can be handy for picking up dust from parts of your car’s interior.
Try it on the dashboard, center console, and other hard surfaces where dust tends to collect. It’s especially useful for a quick cleanup between more thorough car washes.
Just be careful around screens, vents, buttons, and delicate surfaces. Check the vehicle manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using any damp product.
11. Dust Computer Monitors and Keyboards
Desks can get dusty quickly, and your keyboard is probably collecting more debris than you’d like to think about.
A dry Swiffer cloth can be useful for picking up dust around the desk and other hard surfaces. For electronics, use extra care. Turn the equipment off and unplug it before cleaning, and don’t press a wet cloth against screens or openings.
For keyboards, a microfiber cloth or product made for electronics may be a better choice for deeper cleaning.
12. Clean Bathroom Shelves
Bathroom shelves collect dust, hair, and bits of dried product over time. A quick pass with a dry Swiffer cloth can take care of the loose debris.
Remove bottles and containers first, then wipe the shelf from one end to the other. If there’s sticky residue, use a cleaner that’s safe for the shelf material instead of relying on a dry cloth.
It’s an easy chore to add to your regular bathroom cleanup.
13. Find Small Metal Items
Here’s a clever trick for those moments when you drop a tiny metal item and can’t find it.
You can attach a magnetic sheet or magnetic material to the Swiffer head and use it to help locate small metal objects, such as an earring back or a loose screw.
Just make sure the magnet is securely attached before moving it around. This won’t work for nonmagnetic metals, but it can save you from searching the floor on your hands and knees.
14. Clean Around the Dryer
Lint is something you don’t want building up around your dryer. While the lint screen itself should be cleaned according to the dryer’s instructions, a Swiffer can help pick up loose lint and dust around the appliance.
Use a dry cloth around the floor, sides, and nearby surfaces. For the lint screen, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Regularly removing lint from the dryer and surrounding area is part of good dryer maintenance and can help reduce fire risks.
15. Pick Up Pet Hair and Dander
If you live with a dog or cat, you already know how quickly fur can end up everywhere.
A dry Swiffer cloth can pick up loose pet hair and dust from many hard surfaces. Try it on furniture, around pet beds, or along areas where your pet spends a lot of time.
For upholstered furniture, check the fabric’s care instructions first. A lint roller, vacuum attachment, or pet-hair tool may work better for heavier shedding.
Get More From Your Swiffer
You don’t have to use a different cleaning tool for every little job around the house. Your Swiffer Sweeper can handle plenty of quick dusting tasks beyond its usual spot on the floor.
Keep a few dry cloths handy and use the tool for those areas that are easy to overlook, especially high surfaces, corners, trim, and spots where dust collects. For tougher messes, use the proper cleaner and tool for the surface.
A few minutes here and there can make your regular cleaning routine feel much more manageable.
