9 Everyday Items You Should Never Skimp On, According to Redditors

Sometimes pinching pennies can get in the way of your saving goals — or just make your life a lot harder. A pair of hiking boots that you plan on wearing for a 15-mile trek? Unless you don't mind blisters and foot pain, you should aim to spend top dollar. That said, it isn't always easy to know which products are worth the extra cash. A particularly opinionated bunch of tightfisted Redditors shared products that they never skimp on, and we've compiled some of the most popular items below.

This story was updated in September 2023.

Given that thrifty folks usually look past brands, it's telling that multiple r/Frugal users are Dawn loyalists. "Dawn works, every time, without crazy amounts of elbow grease and requiring only a small quantity of soap," one Redditor writes. Experts agree. In multiple dish soap rankings, Dawn's products come out on top.

When it comes to home improvement, it's worth investing in high-quality masking tape, one Redditor argues. "The cheap stuff I still had in the basement is total crap compared to the roll of professional masking tape the plasterer left me." As far as brands go, one commenter mentions FrogTape, though other reputable brands like Scotch and Duck also come highly recommended.

Buying the cheapest charger off of Amazon might seem like a good idea ... until you realize you've purchased four in the past year. Instead, Redditors recommend paying more for a charger from Anker or another top-rated company.

Redditors are Scrub Daddy stans. "They last forever, get super clean in the dishwasher, and are a way better experience than cheap sponges," one commenter writes of the brand. On the other hand, if you're more ecologically inclined and want to reduce microplastics, consider purchasing plastic-free washable sponges on Etsy.

Related: Scrub Daddy vs. Scrub Mommy: Which Viral Cleaning Sponge Reigns Superior?

As the old adage goes, don't skimp on anything that separates you from the ground — and that includes a mattress. "You spend at least a third of your life in it. That’s more time than anything else. You should really push yourself to spend as much as you’re able to for a good mattress," one Redditor writes. Unsure where to start? The Sleep Foundation has a comprehensive guide.

Related: The Best Ikea Mattresses

While Redditors are split on which brands are best — Adidas, Dansko, and Florsheim received mentions — most agree that pricier shoes last longer and are better for your feet. The only exception is for kids who are still growing. "I put relatively inexpensive shoes on my kid because she outgrows them before they fall apart," one top-rated comment reads.

Related: The Best Cheap Hiking Boots and Shoes

Good knives don't have to be expensive. You just need to know where to look. One Redditor recommends KIWI knives from Thailand, which cost around $10 each. If, however, you splurge on a high-end knife from Shun or another top brand, then just be sure to have a set of "guest knives" around for housemates who're prone to throwing everything in the dishwasher.

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Since your tires are the only contact between your vehicle and the road, investing in high-quality tires ensures better grip, safer handling, and potentially longer tire life. Skimping on them can lead to an increased risk of accidents, faster wear, and poor performance. As one Redditor writes, "Never skimp out on what you put between yourself and the ground." We have to agree — there's probably good reason why the saying "better safe than sorry" has stuck around. 

Cheap skincare, cleansing products, and cosmetics can contain harmful chemicals that might irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. When it comes to personal care products, it's worth investing in higher quality to ensure the ingredients are safe. "I’m not walking around with an itchy scalp, dry hair, and a literal film of weirdness on my skin to save a few dollars a week," writes one Redditor.