A Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: UMaine’s ‘Clean Sweep Sale’ Returns To Alfond After 2 Year Hiatus

What started decades ago, as a way for the University of Maine in Orono to both unload old dorm furniture and get rid of the stuff the students left behind after graduation, the Bodwell Center's "Clean Sweep Sale" used to be located next to some old storage sheds.

However, the sale eventually grew so big that it ended up filling the inside of the Alfond Arena with all its glorious wares.

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Folks would come from near and far, and line up outside in the parking lot, hours before the doors would open, just to be first to get a crack at the bargains this sale boasted.

Everything from clothes to household items, home decor, and furniture...need a toaster, coffee maker, or a fan, chances are you could score all of the above, and then some, for way cheap at the "Clean Sweep" sale.

But when the Alfond wasn't available, thanks to a 2-year renovation project, organizers had to cancel the sale altogether in both 2024 and 2025.

Thankfully, it's making its triumphant return to campus this year, organizers say, right back in the newly renovated Alfond, on Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23rd.

"I can officially say YES! All of the departments involved are committed, and we are bringing back this program."

To give you an idea of just how great the bargains in this sale can be, I personally purchased six solid wooden bureaus from the sale almost 20 years ago.

It was old dorm furniture, so it was built to last. I think I paid something like $100 for the entire lot. One of them was probably worth about double that.

With a couple of coats of paint, those dressers are still standing in my house today.

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Who knows what treasures they'll have this year? But take it from a "Clean Sweep" veteran, you're going to want to show up early, and preferably in a vehicle with some space to haul your bargains away!