17 Things You Should Absolutely Never, Ever Buy at a Thrift Store
Whether you want to save some money or minimize your carbon footprint, thrift stores offer many benefits for you and your family.
Thrift stores are a lifeline for those on a budget. They also allow people to promote environmental sustainability practices by reusing pre-loved items. However, not everything sold at thrift stores is a wise purchase.
While thrift stores are usually cheaper, some items aren’t worth the risk. In certain cases, it’s better to buy brand-new things. To avoid any confusion, we’ve created a list of items to avoid buying at thrift stores.
1. Mattress
A brand-new mattress can be expensive, but it’s worth avoiding second-hand mattresses from thrift stores. A used mattress can contain germs, bacteria, and tiny insects. As people sleep on it and sweat a lot during the night, it’s probably not as clean as it may look.
You never know if the previous owner used the mattress in a hygienic way or cleaned it regularly. Despite the cost, prioritize a new mattress to maintain cleanliness and peace of mind.
2. Car Seat
A car seat should always be in excellent condition. Even if it doesn’t show obvious signs of damage, it could be damaged from the inside. Something as small as a minor dent or tear in a car seat makes it unsafe for your child.
Unfortunately, you can never assess a car seat’s true condition. It may have been in a minor crash, which may affect its ability to protect your child. For your family’s safety, buy a new car seat or one with a known history of safe use.
3. Crib
It’s not safe to let your infant use an old crib. Even if it appears sturdy, you can’t be sure of the story behind it.
A wooden crib might not be durable or have hidden damage covered with paint. Foldable and fabric cribs might be infested with bugs or germs, which may do you child more harm than good.
4. Strollers
Don’t compromise your child’s safety by getting a used stroller from a thrift store — it’s not worth the discounts. And yes, I know that a new stroller is extremely expensive.
Apart from a lack of stability, a stroller can also be a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, dust mites, and bed bugs. There’s also a possibility that its model has been recalled or that its safety features are outdated.
5. Small Appliance
Most thrift stores don’t give you the chance to test appliances and electronics before buying them. To avoid bringing home junk, you shouldn’t buy small appliances from thrift shops.
These appliances could turn into fire hazards due to faulty or old electrical wiring. It’s safer and more reliable to purchase new appliances during sales to save costs, or ask around if friends of family have something that they don’t use anymore.
6. Stuffed Toys
It seems more practical to purchase kids’ toys for cheap since children outgrow them quickly. However, you should avoid buying stuffed toys at a thrift store.
A used stuffed toy from a thrift store can carry germs, dirt, and bugs. While you can try to clean and disinfect them at home, you can’t guarantee they will be thoroughly cleaned.
7. Underwear
I never want to wear an intimate piece of clothing worn by a total stranger. Yes, it’s possible to buy underwear at thrift stores; however, it’s not something you should do.
Underwear is generally cheap, so it’s best to buy brand-new. This will provide maximum comfort and assure you of the product’s cleanliness.
8. Bedding
Buying new bedsheets is the best way to keep your bed clean and comfortable. Unlike thrift store bedding, which may be difficult to sanitize completely, new bedding offers peace of mind.
I like to shop for bedding during sales, so I don’t have to spend a ton to get something brand new. Plus, I get to choose designs that match my room’s aesthetic.
9. Beauty Products
Avoid purchasing beauty products from thrift stores (we cannot emphasize this enough). Pre-loved beauty products can carry germs and bacteria in their containers, tubes, and brushes.
Even if a product appears sealed, it could be expired or tampered with. It’s especially risky to use secondhand products on your skin, where it’s more likely to cause contamination. For hygiene and health, only buy new beauty products from trusted stores and environmentally friendly brands.
10. Painted Items
You shouldn’t buy painted items at thrift stores. Yes, the beauty of vintage colors will be a great addition to your home. However, old paints might contain lead, which can harm you or anyone who comes into contact with it.
Similarly, avoid buying glassware with decorative paint. While suitable for display, using it for practical purposes may expose your family to lead poisoning, despite efforts to clean it thoroughly. For safety, only buy unpainted or certified lead-free items for everyday use.
11. Batteries
I’ve seen thrift stores that sell packs of batteries for a fraction of the cost. However, they usually carry off-brand ones without proven reliability and safety. Despite seeming like a steal, it’s best to avoid buying batteries from thrift stores.
These batteries might be nearing their expiration date or recycled, which can become fire hazards. They could also leak and damage your electronics.
12. Shoes
Buying branded shoes at a cheap price may seem like a great deal, but thrift stores aren’t the best place to do so.
Used shoes can carry risks, such as fungal infections from previous owners. Additionally, when you wear a pair of shoes for a longer time, you may experience discomfort or food problems if it doesn’t fit properly.
13. Pet Furniture
We all want our pets to have comfortable sleeping pads. However, it might not be a good decision to buy them from thrift stores.
Pet furniture, like mattresses, can harbor bed bugs and other germs that are difficult to eliminate. Additionally, thrift store items might retain strong odors. To keep your pets comfortable and safe, invest in brand-new sleeping beds.
14. Rugs
Buying rugs at thrift stores might seem like a good idea because of their beautiful vintage designs, but you’ll never know what they’ve been through. A rug could have been exposed to floods, germs, molds, and more, which isn’t always obvious.
To fix these issues, it may require costly professional cleaning. If that’s the case it’s better to go for brand-new rugs. To save money and a whole lot of potential issues.
15. Cookware
You avoid buying cookware from thrift stores, especially if you plan to use them for food preparation. While vintage cookware looks charming, it could contain lead or other hazardous substances.
No matter how hard you try to clean it, you can never guarantee that it’s completely safe to use. Saving a few bucks isn’t worth the risk to your health.
16. Helmet
Your safety should always be your priority, even if you’re trying to cut costs. That’s why buying a helmet at a thrift store isn’t advisable.
Helmets should be replaced every three to five years. Even if a thrift store helmet looks unused or new, it’s hard to determine its age and manufacturing date. Without this information, you can’t be sure if the helmet meets safety standards or if it can protect you properly.
17. Vintage Hardware
Vintage hardware may enhance the appeal of your home, but buying actual vintage hardware from stores may not be a wise choice.
Many vintage hardware items contain lead, posing a risk of lead poisoning. While you can test for lead before purchasing, it may be inconvenient or unreliable. For safety, avoid vintage hardware from thrift stores altogether. Opting for modern, lead-free alternatives is a safer choice.
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