How to Get Free Cleaning Supplies for Low Income Families

If the cost of everyday essentials are putting a strain on your budget, you’ll be glad to know there are several organizations that offer free cleaning supplies for low income families. From food banks to action agencies, we’ve got a great list today.

Free Cleaning & Hygiene Supply Programs

There are many organizations that offer free cleaning supplies. Usually, you’ll see these marketed as free hygiene supplies or hygiene kits. That’s because they often include things like shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and other hygiene items as well as other cleaners.

Community Action Agencies

Community Action Agencies are a great resource for free cleaning supplies. For example, the Blue Water Community Action Agency can provide a personal hygiene packet that include shampoo, soap, dish soap, laundry soap, disinfectant cleaners, hand sanitizers and more.

Even if your local agency doesn’t keep these items in stock, they can usually point you in the direction of another organization or agency that does. That’s why I strongly recommend reaching out to your local CAA right away so that you can get connected with local resources that can help.

Community Cupboards or Community Cabinets

Many community organizations have a designated cupboard, cabinet or care box where people can donate cleaning supplies for low income families. These spaces may also include food, personal hygiene supplies or other necessary essentials.

You may be able to find something like this at your local food bank, community recreation center, schools, or other community organizations. You may need to ask around your neighborhood to find them because they aren’t usually well advertised.

Food Banks

Many food banks provide free cleaning supplies alongside their staple food items. That’s because they know that their low income customers can’t access these essential supplies with other benefits like SNAP.

Although not all food banks provide this option, many of them do. You’ll need to reach out to the food banks in your area to see if they have any additional cleaning supplies available.

Free Store or Necessities Shops

The Free Store has become an increasingly popular model in recent years. These shops are popping up in areas all over America to help low income people get access to essentials like food, cleaning supplies, and more.

For example, here’s a list of free stores that we found that provide free cleaning supplies:

• The Freestore in Des Moines, Iowa
• Necessary Shop in Niagara Falls, New York
• The New Free Store in Marquette, Michigan
• Free Store 15104 in Braddock, Pennsylvania

United Way

In many areas, the United Way has programs that can provide cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and other essentials.

For example, the United Way of Bucks County in Bristol, Pennsylvania, welcomes low income shoppers into their HELP Center. Shoppers can select their own items for no cost. However, you’ll need to be referred by a case manager from an approved member agency.

Other Churches & Charities

Many churches and religious organizations offer support to people in need, including cleaning supplies. This offer can vary depending on your area and congregation, though.

For example, the New Presbyterian Church of Irwin in Pennsylvania provides free cleaning supplies, including dish detergent, trash bags, bath soap, paper towels, and household cleaners to those who need them. This offer is through their Bountiful Blessings program. You’ll need to apply to receive help.

Call 211

You can always call 211 to connect with your local United Way resource line. They can help you find more local organizations that offer free cleaning supplies in your area.

Other Ways to Get Free Cleaning Supplies

There may be other ways to get free cleaning supplies as well. Here are some additional options that may be helpful to you.

• Free Samples: Sometimes you can order free samples of cleaning products directly from the manufacturer. For example, you may be able to get free samples of P&G products when you complete surveys.
• Freecycle and Buy Nothing Groups: Sometimes, people buy products that they don’t like or can’t use. This may be because they are moving urgently or had an allergy to a certain ingredient. Either way, these products often end up advertised in Freecycle or in your local Buy Nothing groups.
• Dumpster Diving: Perfectly usable products may end up discarded in dumpsters sometimes. This often happens when the products have misprinted labels or are damaged in shipping. Dumpster diving is legal in all 50 states but you’ll always need to check your local regulations before going this route.
• Ibotta: Sometimes, Ibotta will offer 100% cashback offers on cleaning supplies like laundry detergent, cleaning sprays and more. You’ll need to keep an eye on the 100% Cashback Offers section of their app to catch them. Download Ibotta now!

Relief Recap

If you’re a low income family struggling to afford cleaning supplies in the United States, there’s help available! Many organizations across the country offer free cleaning and hygiene kits, including essentials like soap, detergent, and disinfectant. Contact the organizations on this list for assistance.