Which Swiffer is best for wood?

With several different Swiffer products on the market, it can be tough to know which is the best option for keeping your wood floors clean without damaging them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the various Swiffer floor care systems to help you decide which is right for your wood flooring.

Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Cleaner

The Swiffer WetJet uses disposable, pre-moistened pads to clean and dust wood floors. The Swiffer WetJet starter kit comes with the WetJet spray mop, WetJet wood floor cleaner formula, and WetJet pads specifically designed for wood floors.

Here are the key features of the Swiffer WetJet for wood floors:

  • Squirt bottle dispenses cleaning formula onto the pad as you clean
  • WetJet wood cleaner is safe for unwaxed and polyurethane-coated wood floors
  • Pads trap dirt, dust, and grime to prevent scattering
  • Ammonia-free formula cleans without dulling shine
  • Disposable pads are easy to throw away after each use

The Swiffer WetJet is a solid choice for quick and convenient cleaning of wood floors. The wet pads pick up more dirt than dry dusting methods. And the wood floor cleaner formula is designed to be gentle on wood surfaces.

However, the disposable pads create extra waste and expense over time. You’ll need to continually buy new pads. Some users also report the pads failing to thoroughly clean grime trapped in crevices and corners.

Pros

  • Wet cleaning picks up more dirt than dry dusting
  • Easy and fast to use
  • Wood floor cleaner formula is safe for wood

Cons

  • Disposable pads create waste and added expense
  • May miss grime trapped in cracks
  • Not designed for scrubbing or heavy duty cleaning

Swiffer Sweeper Dry Cloths for Wood

Swiffer also makes dry electrostatic cloths specifically for wood floors. These disposable Swiffer Sweeper cloths use static electricity to attract and trap dust and debris from wood surfaces.

Here are the key features of Swiffer’s dry cloths for wood floors:

  • Disposable, electrostatic cloths attract dust like a magnet
  • Textured cloths trap and lock in dirt, dust, pet hair, and dander
  • Dry dusting is safe for all finished wood floors
  • Cloths fit Swiffer Sweep and Trap sweeper
  • Package includes 14 cloths

Swiffer dry cloths provide a quick and easy way to keep wood floors free of dust buildup between deeper cleanings. The electrostatic effect makes them better at attracting dust than traditional mops or brooms.

However, dry dusting has its limitations. The cloths don’t actually clean stuck-on dirt or debris. And you’ll need to continually buy replacement cloths, adding to long-term costs.

Pros

  • Electrostatic action attracts and traps dust
  • Safe, dry dusting for wood floors
  • Quick and easy dusting in between deep cleanings

Cons

  • Doesn’t clean stuck-on dirt and debris
  • Disposable cloths add waste and expense
  • Not effective for deeper, wet cleaning

Swiffer Wet Mopping Cloths

Swiffer also makes reusable wet mopping cloths that can be used with their wet mopping kits. These microfiber cloths attach to the reusable Swiffer Wet Mopping Pad Holder.

Here are the key features of the Swiffer wet mopping cloths and system:

  • Machine-washable microfiber wet mopping cloths
  • Cloths are safe for finished wood floors
  • Wet mopping picks up stuck-on dirt
  • Can be used with Swiffer cleaning solutions or your own floor cleaner
  • Reusable pad holder has swiveling head for maneuvering

The Swiffer wet mopping system provides a more thorough clean for wood floors than dry dusting. The reusable microfiber cloths also create less waste than disposable options.

However, some users don’t like having to wash the pads after each use. And the refillable bottle may leak or run out of solution while mopping.

Pros

  • Wet mopping removes stuck-on dirt and grime
  • Reusable microfiber pads create less waste
  • Can use your own non-toxic floor cleaner

Cons

  • Reusable pads must be washed frequently
  • Refillable solution bottle may leak or run dry
  • Not as convenient as disposable options

Swiffer SteamBoost Mop

The Swiffer SteamBoost mop uses steam power to clean sealed hardwood floors and other hard surfaces throughout the home.

Here are the key features of the Swiffer SteamBoost for wood floor cleaning:

  • Uses super-heated steam to loosen and dissolve messes
  • Steam kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs
  • Washable, reusable microfiber pads attach to mop head
  • Water tank heats up quickly and mop is ready in 30 seconds
  • Steam control buttons to customize amount of steam

The Swiffer SteamBoost combines steam cleaning with light scrubbing action from the microfiber pad. The steam helps sanitize floors and dissolves sticky messes. The reusable pad also makes this a lower-waste option.

However, steam mops may not be suitable for all wood floor finishes. Excessive steam could damage some wood floors. And the small water tank requires frequent refilling.

Pros

  • Steam cleans and sanitizes floors
  • Dissolves sticky, greasy messes
  • Reusable pad creates less waste

Cons

  • Steam may damage some wood floor finishes
  • Small water tank requires frequent fills
  • Not as effective for dry dirt and dust

Comparison Chart

Here is a comparison chart summarizing the key features and differences between the main Swiffer products for cleaning wood floors:

Swiffer Product Cleaning Method Floors Pros Cons
WetJet Wood Floor Cleaner Pre-moistened disposable pads All finished wood floors
  • Wet cleaning
  • Easy and convenient
  • Disposable pads create waste
  • May miss stuck-on messes
Sweeper Dry Cloths Disposable electrostatic cloths All finished wood floors
  • Attracts dust like a magnet
  • Quick and easy
  • Doesn’t clean stuck-on dirt
  • Disposable cloths create waste
Wet Mopping Cloths Reusable microfiber wet mopping cloths All finished wood floors
  • Wet mopping removes stuck-on messes
  • Reusable cloths create less waste
  • Must wash pads frequently
  • Refillable container may leak
SteamBoost Mop Super-heated steam and reusable pad Sealed hardwood only
  • Steam cleans and sanitizes
  • Dissolves sticky messes
  • May damage some wood floors
  • Small water tank

Recommendation for Best Swiffer for Wood Floors

When choosing the best Swiffer product for cleaning your wood floors, consider the condition of your floors and your own cleaning preferences.

For quick dry dusting between deeper cleanings, the Swiffer Sweeper Dry Cloths are a solid choice. The electrostatic cloths lock in dust and prevent scattering. Just be prepared to continually buy new cloths.

For deeper wet cleaning to remove stuck-on dirt and grime, the Swiffer Wet Mopping Cloths are your best Swiffer option. The reusable microfiber cloths mean less waste and expense over time. Just wash and reuse.

The Swiffer WetJet is also decent for convenient wet cleaning. But the disposable pads create unnecessary waste compared to reusable wet mopping cloths. And the SteamBoost is only suitable for certain sealed hardwood floors, so check your flooring first.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your wood floors. And incorporate Swiffer cleaning into your larger wood floor maintenance routine of dusting, mopping, and re-coating when needed.

With the right Swiffer product and good cleaning habits, you can keep your prized wood floors looking beautiful for years to come!