11 Things to NEVER Buy at a Thrift Store

Buying used is often an easy way to find inexpensive, high-quality, and one-of-a-kind pieces. But in some cases, preowned or old items can be unsanitary, more expensive, and—in worst-case scenarios—dangerous. So, the next time you scour your favorite thrift shop (or an antique store or garage sale), think twice about these items.

Stuffed Animals

Yes, they’re adorable, but they’re probably dirty—or worse, infested with bed bugs or fleas.

Pet Furniture

You’ll never know what previous pets were up to on secondhand pet beds, houses, crates, blankets, and toys. To prevent stinky smells from overtaking your space, and to ensure your furry friend has a clean place to sit or sleep, buy ’em something brand new.

Pillows

Bringing home any sort of used textile or item covered with fabric puts you at risk for a bed bug infestation. In fact, bed bugs can survive up to one year in upholstered pieces. And with cute throw pillows available for just $10-$20, it’s both affordable and wise to go for something new.

Vintage painted items

“I shop at thrift stores for probably 50% of my stuff, so I’ve learned many tricks of the trade,” says Dustyn Ferguson, a blogger at frugal website Dime Will Tell.

He points out that old painted items — such as vintage dishware — can contain lead and contaminate whatever you’re eating.

“If you do buy, always test for lead,” Ferguson recommends.

 

Mattresses

This is the ultimate thrift store no-no. Just about every expert says buying a mattress at a thrift store is a terrible idea.

“Mattresses can be contaminated with dirt, skin cells and who knows what else,” says Ferguson. “Think of it like a sponge: Over time, it’s so contaminated you need a new one.”

And, of course, you don’t want to risk bringing bedbugs, lice or other hard-to-get-rid-of pests into your home.

Shoes

This is another purchase that earned a spot in 10 Things No One Should Ever Buy Used. The article explains:

“If you’re interested in having comfy feet and minimizing back pain, you might want to skip past the used shoe section at the thrift store. Shoes often come to conform to their first owner’s feet, which can make them uncomfortable for you.”

Electronics

J.R. Duren, senior editor at consumer review website HighYa, says it’s best to avoid thrift-store electronics when possible.

Cords could be frayed or internal wiring might be degraded, leading to safety problems when you plug it in.

Bedding

You can’t always completely sanitize bedding, notes Jennifer Hayes, founder of the website Smarty Pants Finance.

If you’re concerned about what used bedding could be harboring, she suggests looking for new sets of bedding. You can find them at big-box stores like Walmart and online retailers like Amazon for as little as $20.

Beauty products

Even sealed cosmetics could be expired or otherwise past their prime.

“In some cases, they may simply not work as well, but some cosmetics may collect bacteria over time and may pose a health risk.”

Car seats

We advise against buying secondhand child car seats and booster seats. 

“If it’s been in a crash, its integrity could be compromised. In addition, an old car seat could be expired. After years of sitting in the sun or freezing in the winter, the plastic may be degraded or the seat may be so old that it no longer meets current safety standards.”

Multiple federal safety websites, such as the website of the National Child Passenger Safety Board, offer tips and links to resources to help you choose the best car seat.

Cribs

This is another baby buy that you should not make at secondhand shops due to safety concerns.

The federal government implemented new crib safety standards in 2011. So, thrift-store cribs could have been built to dated standards.

Even if you’re certain that a thrift-store crib was made post-2011, the warranty could have lapsed, or the crib could have been recalled.

Source: bestproducts.com

Cover photo:  ©Tomekbudujedomek – Getty Images

 

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