Should I clean vintage items before selling them at a flea market?

Light cleaning usually helps items sell. Wiping off dust, washing glassware, and laundering vintage textiles that can safely be washed makes pieces look cared for and helps shoppers see their true condition. A clean item often brings a better price than the same item covered in grime.

Be careful with anything that might be valuable. Aggressive cleaning, polishing, or refinishing can reduce the value of antiques, coins, old metal, and original painted surfaces. Collectors often prefer original patina, and scrubbing away age can hurt a piece far more than a little dust.

If you are not sure whether something is valuable, leave it as is and research it, or ask an antique dealer or appraiser before doing anything beyond a gentle dusting. When in doubt, the old advice holds true: do no harm.