Thrift shops can be homes for a bunch of treasures, hidden gems and great deals, but not everything on those shelves is a steal. Before diving into the second-hand world, you need a reality check, an honest list of what to buy and what not to buy. From dodgy electronics to kitchen gadgets, here are the biggest no-goes that will save you time and money. This list will definitely save you from some ‘’What was I thinking?’’ moments. Trust us, these 28 items should never enter your house if they’re coming from a thrift shop!
Cutting Boards Are A No
Think twice before grabbing that secondhand cutting board. There’s no real way to disinfect them fully and those deep grooves and knife marks are the perfect hideouts for germs and mystery stains. Even with some hardcore chemical action, nothing guarantees you that it will be 100% clean. And speaking of kitchen things, cutting boards aren’t the only items you should avoid. Wait until you find out what the number one dangerous kitchen purchase is!
Helmets: Big Red Flag
Trusting a used helmet is like playing roulette with your health. Safety products expire, and even if they didn’t, old helmets are probably outdated and unsafe. And speaking of safety, this next item is surprisingly even more dangerous to buy from the thrift shop.
You’d Better Sleep On The Floor Than A Second-Hand Mattress
Getting a used mattress is a really bad idea. There’s a big chance they’re filled with bedbugs, dust mites, and all sorts of disgusting crawlies. On top of that, you never know where those mystery stains came from. We’re sure you don’t want to sleep on that. It’s too risky, but you haven’t yet seen the top worst thing to buy at the thrift store.
Under(Don’t)wear
Absolutely skip underwear, undergarments, and lingerie at the thrift store. No matter how cute or quirky they look, just don’t. These intimate items are meant to be personal and they don’t really deserve your second chance. Not to mention that elastic wears out over time, so you don’t wanna invest in saggy underwear.
Skip Them Weird Shoes
Thrift store shoes? Hard pass. Unless you find some unworn pieces, skip the shoes section at the thrift store in all cases. Secondhand shoes can be stylish and cool, but they come with a bunch of hidden problems. Who knows what adventures (or foot fungus) they’ve seen? Plus, vintage shoes might be hiding some serious discomfort.
Thrift store electronics: pass
Another thing you need to stay away from is electronics. That retro blender might be looking cool, but there’s a good chance it’s one blend away from becoming a smoke machine. Purchasing used electronics means you’re signing up for hidden problems, outdated parts, and questionable wiring. Do you really want to spend your money on a fire hazard?
Car Seats
If you’re getting a car seat from a trusted friend or family member and it isn’t expired, that’s one thing. But never buy a second-hand car seat from anyone else. It isn’t about massive visible damage, it’s about minor stress fractures and flaws in the plastic that will lead to major damage if you get in a crash. A used seat will always have more of these than a new one, even if it hasn’t been in a real crash.
Make-Up
Secondhand makeup is just uncomfortable. There’s no way you can know what kind of place it’s coming from, if it’s been sanitized or not, or if you might catch a weird eye fungus from it. Your skin deserves better!
Swimsuits
Thrift store swimsuits? Just no. Think about all the pool chemicals, sweat, and beach sand that have been absorbed into the fabrics. Do you really want to sport someone else’s beach memories and potential skin issues? Treat yourself to a fresh, new swimsuit that’s clean, and get ready for your own adventures.
Stuffed Animals
Vintage stuffed animals can be cute, but they’re the perfect home for dust mites and allergens. Despite looking clean, they can come with dirt deeper in their fibers. Trust us, they’re not the cuddly friends your kids deserve, both speaking about hygiene and safety. Treat your little ones with fresh and clean plushies instead.
Vacuum Cleaners
Thrift store vacuum cleaners? Yikes. There’s literally no way of knowing what the previous owner was sucking up their house or what kind of skin condition they had. These dusty relics often come with clogged filters, weak suction, and mysterious smells. The point of vacuum cleaners is to make your house cleaner, not spread someone else’s dirt all over your house. Treat yourself to a new vacuum that actually works.
Puzzles
Imagine spending hours making a puzzle only to find out that the last piece is missing. Vintage puzzles might seem like treasures, but it’s just way too much of a risk. Plus, who knows what sticky fingers have touched those pieces?
Pillows
Some items in thrift shops just aren’t worth buying used. And pillows are definitely one of those. Bedbugs can crawl into the tiniest seam of fabric, so those cute-looking secondhand pillows can carry-who knows what-on them. Save yourself from itching and scratching and just get some new ones.
