Why Estate Sales Are The Best For Buying Cleaning Supplies (And The Best Items To Score)

Estate sales are an excellent way to find useful home items at low prices — even stuff you would have never thought to buy, like cleaning supplies. While you may not think of estate sales when it comes to stocking your staples, it could actually be an ideal place to procure these essentials. Affordable barely used or new cleaning equipment and household cleaners are some of the best kept secrets to score at an estate sale.

So why are these particular sales a hot spot to obtain cleaning supplies? Simply enough, there are a ton of practical items that you can get for dirt cheap, especially since most people end up tossing those items, thinking no one would want opened products, or they were rejected by donation centers that don't put them out on the sales floor. Plus, other shoppers might ignore those essentials in favor of the most valuable things at estate sales, like vintage furniture or art. However, you'll discover that many professional estate sale companies will sell items in large lots, helping you gain a massive load of household essentials at budget-friendly prices. 

When considering these types of items, you'll need to be on the lookout for condition, where it was stored, expiration dates, and if electrical components work on powered cleaning tools. Check the containers for packaging that is coming apart, has mold or mildew inside, and shows signs of pests. If possible, ask where the items have been stored because drastic temperature changes can mess with the properties of cleaners. For cleaning tools, test them out if possible, and inspect them for damage.

Estate sales are great for scooping up pricey and good-quality cleaning equipment like metal dust pans, brooms, vacuums, and heavy-duty cleaning appliances. Many sales will also have outdoor and gardening cleaning supplies, like shop vacs, hoses, shovels, rakes, and lawnmowers. While rummaging through the items, you may even come across some vintage finds, like a 1950s floor sweeper that lasts even longer than some modern tools. Before purchasing these items, ask the sellers if you can test the product by plugging it in to ensure it works properly. Any appliances you plan on using should be cleaned and have replaceable bags, heads, and sponges changed before their first use in your home.

If you're lucky, you may even come across name-brand tools like Dyson, Shark, or Hoover. One thing to remember is that you might not be the only one thinking this — other people and even cleaning professionals may also try to claim all the high-quality equipment they find. So don't forget about a common mistakes to avoid when shopping at estate sales — showing up late. If you're looking to score the best deal, you also can arrive on the last day and haggle. But be mindful, the selection may be already picked through, and your chances of getting these supplies significantly decrease.

Equipment isn't the only thing you can score that will help with your cleaning — you might also find various cleaning solutions. Since you are perusing a sale at a home, there is a very high chance that these items will be there. Check in the laundry room, kitchen, utility areas, and garages for cleaning supplies that might be for sale. And don't be afraid to ask if you don't see anything out since some people may assume that others don't want used household cleaners. 

Products made from powder, like Comet, Borax, and OxiClean don't go bad, unless they come into contact with moisture, making them awesome supplies to walk away with. In many cases, you'll find newer bottles or boxes that may be mostly full or not even opened. Some sellers might group them in sorted lots to get customers to buy things in one transaction, especially on the last day, which is the best time to hit up an estate for the lowest prices. 

Be mindful to look at age and quality. You don't want a box or bottle that is disintegrating, doesn't have visible labels, or is full of mold and mildew. Older cleaning supplies may include dangerous chemicals as well. Your best bet is a recognizable brand in a sealed bottle that hasn't yet expired, but use your judgment when evaluating cleaning supplies at estate sales.