Yes, the pads are. The Swiffer handle is reusable, but the pads are made for one use. Dry sweeping cloths trap dust and hair and get thrown away when they're full. Wet cleaning pads are also single-use: once they've picked up dirt they can spread it back across the floor if you keep using them.
A few practical notes:
- Swiffer's own pads: Made to be thrown out after one floor, and they aren't designed to be washed and reused.
- Reusable microfiber pads: Some brands sell washable pads that fit Swiffer-style handles. You can wash these, but check that the pad attaches securely to the handle before you buy it.
- Wet-jet refills: The solution bottles refill, but the pads still don't.
If you want to cut down on waste, a washable microfiber mop is the usual swap. Check the pad material and the fastening before you buy.
