The Best Practice for Using the Swiffer Floor Cleaning System

Sweeper

• According to Procter & Gamble, the Swiffer Sweeper -- wet or dry -- does best on wood, tile and vinyl floors. Avoid using wet Swiffer pads on unfinished, oiled or waxed wooden boards, unsealed tiles or carpeted floors, however, as the moisture may damage them. Dry Swiffer Sweeper pads are recommended for picking up light dirt and both pet and human hair, due to the textures and grooves of the pads. You can also use dry Swiffers for hard-to-reach areas in need of a dusting. Wet cloths cater to a little after-meal clean up in the kitchen, as they sop up common spills and sticky spots. The swivel head of the Swiffer also makes the wet pads a good choice for bathroom cleaning, where you'll have to maneuver around fixtures.

WetJet

• The Swiffer WetJet, a mop-like device with a flat head and an attached canister-nozzle combo that dispenses a floor-cleaning solution, serves the same basic purpose as a Swiffer Sweeper with wet pads. The WetJet, however, caters to tougher cleaning jobs. Like the Sweeper, the WetJet works on surfaces such as finished hardwood, laminate and tile. Swiffer's official site recommends the WetJet for cleaning up muddy footprints or paw prints, and its scrubbing strips also break down dried-on spots and grime, making it well-suited to regular kitchen and bathroom cleaning. This is also the tool to use when sanitation is important, as the Swiffer WetJet Antibacterial Solution kills some types of bacteria.

SweeperVac and SteamBoost

• The Swiffer SweeperVac -- a slim, cordless vacuum cleaner with a flat head that accommodates Swiffer pads -- is best suited for picking up small bits of debris, such as hair, dirt, kibble, crumbs and cereal bits in-between regular vacuuming sessions. The SweeperVac also works on hardwood living room floors and textured surfaces when it's equipped with a dry cloth. The SteamBoost, which features thick Swiffer Steam Pads and a water tank for dispensing steam, is Swiffer's most heavy-duty product. Procter & Gamble recommends this tool for intensive cleaning of hard floors in the bathroom, kitchen and entryway.

Unofficial Tips

• While it's always safe to stick with manufacturer recommendations, some third-party sources offer tips for the Swiffer cleaning system. Apartment Therapy recommends using microfiber cloths or fleece fabric as a reusable pad for the Swiffer Sweeper. To get more life out of your dry Swiffer pads, “The Oregonian” encourages users to vacuum them between uses. Keep the pad securely attached to your Swiffer device and use a brush or nozzle attachment to avoid sucking up the pad.