How to Set Up a Swiffer WetJet: Simple Instructions

Download Article

Cleaning expert Alessandra Mendes shares Swiffer WetJet assembly tips

Co-authored by Alessandra Mendes and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: December 8, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Assembling the Swiffer

|

Changing the Swiffer Batteries

|

Video

|

Expert Interview

|

Q&A

Swiffer WetJets are a convenient way to clean your floors without pulling out a mop and bucket. They also come in a variety of different styles to suit different messes and floor types. If you’ve never had one before, don’t worry—setting up a Swiffer WetJet is pretty easy. We’re here to show you exactly how it works, from first-time assembly to changing the batteries, plus tips from cleaning expert Alessandra Mendes.

Swiffer WetJet Assembly Instructions

Cleaning expert Alessandra Mendes says to follow these instructions for putting together a Swiffer WetJet:

Snap the three pieces of the pole together, pressing until you hear a click.
Slide up the battery compartment to remove it.
Insert 4 AA batteries (included), then replace the battery compartment.
Line up the arrow on the cleaning fluid with the pole, then click it into place.
Attach the printed side of a cleaning pad to the bottom of the mop head.
Press the power button to dispense cleaning solution, then start mopping.

Section 1 of 2:

Assembling the Swiffer

Download Article

Open the Swiffer box, then remove and unwrap all the pieces. This includes taking any sticky tape or cellophane off the handle, floor piece, cleaning solution, and cleaning pads. Set all these items to the side for easy access.

Meet the wikiHow Expert

Alessandra Mendes is a cleaning specialist with ten years of experience in the San Francisco Bay area. She’s also the founder of Cleaning Glow, a high-quality, tech-friendly house cleaning service.
2
Attach the pole to the mop body. When you pick up the two pieces of the pole, they’ll be attached by a small cord. Straighten them out, so the notches on the near ends are lined up, then slide them together until you hear a “click.” Then, Mendes says to slide the pole into the slot on the mop body until it clicks into place.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Alessandra Mendes
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview}
- When you insert the pole into the mop body, be sure the handle is pointing toward the back of the mop. If it doesn’t click into place, you may have it reversed.
- If your Swiffer is pre-assembled, you may need to pull the handle to extend the pole. Once it clicks into place, it is permanently extended.
Advertisement
3
Remove the battery compartment and insert four AA batteries. Swiffer WetJets generally require four AA batteries. If you buy your new Swiffer, these are included in the package. Find the battery compartment near the area that holds the cleaning fluid. Slide the compartment up, then flip it over to find where the batteries go.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Insert the batteries, then slide the compartment back into place.
4
Insert the bottle of cleaning fluid into the mop body. Turn the bottle of cleaning fluid upside-down. Line up the arrow on the bottle with the pole you attached earlier. Then, Mendes says to insert the cleaning solution into the designated spot, pushing down until it clicks into place.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Alessandra Mendes
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview}
- Older models may need the lid of the cleaning solution to be turned slightly. In current models, there is a seal that will be broken by the Swiffer. If you suspect you have an older bottle, try turning the lid a quarter turn.
- When you buy a replacement bottle of cleaning fluid, there will usually be a sticky label over the bottle opening in the cap. Mendes says to peel away that tab before inserting the fluid bottle into the mop.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alessandra Mendes
  Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}
5
Attach a cleaning pad to the mop head. Find the side of the cleaning pad with two printed strips running along the top and bottom. This is the Velcro that will hold the pad in place. Place the pad on the floor with the Velcro side facing up. Then, press the bottom of the mop head down onto the pad firmly. The pad will then be attached to the mop.
- If there’s a blue or brown strip on your cleaning pad, this is the side that should be on the floor.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
6
Press the power button on the Swiffer to dispense cleaner. Once you’ve finished assembling the Swiffer, Mendes says to press the bottom of the handle to spray the cleaning solution onto the floor.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Alessandra Mendes
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} Mop the Swiffer back and forth to clean the floor.
- A two-to-three-second hold of the button will release enough liquid to clean approximately 10 square feet of flooring.

Section 2 of 2:

Changing the Swiffer Batteries

Download Article

1
Press the tab on the front of the mop and slide it upwards. On some Swiffers, the battery compartment is located on the front of the mop, opposite the cleaning solution. There will be a purple tab that’s slightly lighter than the purple mop body. Press the bottom of this tab, then slide it firmly up along the handle until you can lift it away.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- On some WetJet models, the battery compartment is under the cleaning solution. You may need to remove the cleaning fluid bottle and pop down a panel to access the batteries—there’s not a removable battery compartment.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- Check the owner’s manual if you’re not sure where your battery compartment is.
If you have a removable battery compartment, flip it upside-down. You’ll see a space for batteries on both the left and right sides of the compartment. Remove the old batteries from these compartments.^{[9]
X
Research source}
3
Insert the new batteries into the battery compartment. Replace the old batteries with new ones. Check to make sure you are putting them in the correct direction.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Recycle your batteries instead of tossing them in the trash. Your local township should have a recycling depot that will recycle your one-use batteries free of charge.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  United States Environmental Protection Agency
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices
  
  Go to source} Save them in a container until you’re ready to dispose of them.
4
Replace the battery compartment and test the Swiffer. Once you’ve inserted the new batteries, replace the battery compartment (or close the compartment lid and replace the cleaning solution). Press the power button to check whether the Swiffer is dispensing cleaning solution.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If the Swiffer doesn’t spray cleaning solution, double-check that the batteries have been inserted correctly.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

After using my Swiffer, it leaked. Is there a way to store without it spilling, or do I have to remove the cleaner each time?

Community Answer

Just make sure you pushed the refill bottles all the way down, then store the Swiffer in an upright position.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 16
Question

Do I need to remove all the plastic from the pads?

Community Answer

You aren't supposed to take anything off the pads. The brown strip should go down, meaning it will be against the floor.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 14 Helpful 18
Question

Do I keep the pads in the plastic that is covering the pads

Community Answer

Yes. The swiffer pads come in a plastic or cardboard box, but without other packaging. When you remove the pad from the box, it is ready to use.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 26