25 Thrift Store Items That Aren’t Worth a Single Cent
Thrifting can be an adventure, uncovering hidden gems and forgotten treasures that add unique flair to our lives without breaking the bank. However, not all of the items found in a thrift store are stolen; some can come with hidden costs to health and safety.
It’s crucial to know which items to avoid bringing into your home, regardless of how tempting the price tag may seem. This guide explores the most common thrift store finds that may pose more risk than reward, helping you shop smarter and safer.
Mattresses
Bringing home a mattress from a thrift store can be a risky decision due to potential bedbug infestations and hygiene concerns. Bedbugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate and can quickly spread throughout your home. Additionally, used mattresses might harbor dust mites, bodily fluids, and allergens that are not visible to the naked eye.
Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture from thrift stores may contain hidden pests like bedbugs or fleas. The fabric and padding provide an ideal environment for these pests to thrive undetected. It’s also challenging to fully clean and sanitize these items, which may have absorbed smells, spills, and stains over the years.
Helmets
Helmets, whether for biking, motorcycling, or sports, are designed to protect by absorbing the impact during a crash. Once a helmet has been involved in an accident, its integrity is compromised, even if there’s no visible damage. Since you cannot guarantee a second-hand helmet’s history, it’s safer to buy a new one.
Shoes
Frequent use molds shoes to the original owner’s feet, which can make them uncomfortable for someone else. Additionally, worn shoes can have uneven soles that may affect your posture and gait, potentially leading to joint and back problems. The presence of foot fungi or infections is another concern when considering used footwear.
Car Seats
Safety standards for baby car seats change frequently, and used seats may not meet current safety regulations. Like helmets, car seats are meant to protect in one incident and can be rendered less effective by previous accidents. Moreover, the materials used in car seats can degrade over time, making older models a risk.
Nonstick Cookware
Scratched or damaged nonstick cookware can pose health hazards as the coating may flake off and mix into food during cooking. The chemicals released from degraded nonstick coatings can be toxic when ingested. It’s difficult to assess the wear and safety of second-hand cookware, so opting for new is advisable.
Makeup
Used makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, which can lead to skin infections and other health issues. Products that are applied close to the eyes and mouth, like mascara and lipstick, pose a higher risk. It’s best to buy these items new to ensure they’re safe and hygienic.
Swimsuits
Swimsuits from thrift stores can carry bacteria and other microorganisms from previous wearers. Even if washed, some pathogens can survive, and the intimate fit of swimsuits makes transmission more likely. For personal hygiene, purchasing new swimsuits is recommended.
Electric Appliances
Old or poorly maintained electric appliances can have frayed cords, faulty wiring, or inefficient motors that pose a fire hazard. Additionally, these items may no longer meet modern energy efficiency standards, costing more in the long run. Without a warranty or return option, you might end up with a defective product that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Toys
Second-hand children’s toys might not meet current safety standards or could be recalled items due to hazardous materials or design flaws. Wear and tear can also make toys unsafe, with small, broken pieces posing choking hazards. To ensure safety and peace of mind, new toys that comply with all current regulations are preferable.
Vacuum Cleaners
Used vacuum cleaners may not only have diminished suction but can also contain allergens and particulates collected from previous homes. These contaminants can be difficult to completely remove from the vacuum’s system. Buying a new vacuum ensures better performance and cleaner air in your home.
Perfumes and Lotions
Opened perfumes and lotions can deteriorate over time, especially if they have been exposed to light or heat. The change in chemical composition can affect the scent and potentially irritate your skin. Fresh products ensure you get the quality and experience intended.
Bed Linens
While washing can clean used bed linens, stains and fabrics worn thin from use might make them less appealing and comfortable. There’s also the risk of lingering dust mites or bedbugs despite thorough washing. New linens offer a fresh start without the worry of hidden contaminants.
Pet Items
Used pet items like beds, toys, and blankets can harbor pests and diseases from other animals. Even with thorough cleaning, it’s hard to ensure these items are completely free of health risks. For your pet’s safety and health, new items are the best choice.
Wetsuits
A wetsuit’s fit is crucial for its effectiveness in providing insulation and protection in water. Used wetsuits may have stretched or may have micro-tears that aren’t visible, compromising their functionality. Also, wetsuits are difficult to sanitize thoroughly, posing hygiene issues.
Hats
Hats are in close contact with hair and skin oils, and thus can accumulate bacteria and fungi from previous owners. Washing may not remove all contaminants, especially in materials that are sensitive to water or require special care. New hats ensure cleanliness and a better fit.
Personal Care Devices
Items like razors, hair clippers, or toothbrushes should never be purchased due to the risk of transferring skin infections or even blood-borne pathogens. The intimate nature of their use makes proper sanitization between users crucial. Always opt for new items in this category to ensure health and hygiene.
Pillows
Like mattresses, used pillows can be home to dust mites, skin cells, and body oils, and are difficult to clean thoroughly. Pillows also lose their shape and support over time, which can affect your sleep quality and neck alignment. New pillows ensure hygiene and structural integrity for better sleep health.
Undergarments
Undergarments are another personal item that should always be bought new due to the risks of transmitting skin infections and maintaining personal hygiene. The fabric’s close contact with the skin and moisture retention make it a breeding ground for bacteria. Always prioritize new purchases for these essential items.
Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals can be especially difficult to clean thoroughly and may contain allergens and dust from previous environments. They often attract dust mites and other allergens that can be harmful, especially to children. Buying new ensures they are clean and safe for children to cuddle.
Costume Jewelry
Used costume jewelry may contain nickel or other metals that can cause allergic reactions. Over time, the coating on costume jewelry can degrade, exposing the base metals that many people are sensitive to. New jewelry typically adheres to current regulations against harmful materials.
Workout Gear
Used workout gear, like yoga mats and weights, can absorb sweat, bacteria, and fungi. These items are often used extensively and may carry odors or other residues that are difficult to remove. For hygiene and performance, it’s best to start fresh with new equipment.
Pots and Pans
Cookware from thrift stores can be warped, which affects heat distribution and cooking efficiency. The nonstick surfaces may also be scratched, leading to uneven cooking and potential ingestion of flaked materials. For the best cooking results and safety, new, undamaged cookware is advisable.
Laptops and Computers
Buying used laptops and computers from a thrift store can be problematic due to potential issues like outdated software, incompatible hardware, or lingering viruses. These devices may lack the necessary updates that protect against security vulnerabilities, exposing you to risks. Investing in a new or certified refurbished device ensures you receive support and updates that keep your information secure.
Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles from thrift stores can harbor bacteria and mold, especially in hard-to-clean components like the lid and nozzle. Even with thorough cleaning, some pathogens might remain in scratches or grooves. For health reasons, purchasing a new water bottle ensures it is free from contaminants and safe for daily use.
Josh Dudick
Josh is a financial expert with over 15 years of experience on Wall Street as a senior market strategist and trader. His career has spanned from working on the New York Stock Exchange floor to investment management and portfolio trading at Citibank, Chicago Trading Company, and Flow Traders.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business. He has held multiple professional licenses during his career, including FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, 55, Nasdaq OMX, Xetra & Eurex (German), and SIX (Swiss) trading licenses. Josh served as a senior trader and strategist, business partner, and head of futures in his former roles on Wall Street.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh currently holds areas of expertise in investing, wealth management, capital markets, taxes, real estate, cryptocurrencies, and personal finance.
Josh currently runs a wealth management business and investment firm. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Top Dollar, where he teaches others how to build 6-figure passive income with smart money strategies that he uses professionally.