17 Things You Should Never Buy at a Thrift Store

While thrift stores can be a great place for finding bargain deals and hidden gems such as designer clothes, home goods, and jewelry, there are some things that you should avoid buying due to safety, hygiene, or other reasons. If thrifting is a way of life for you (virtual high five), it's always a good idea to use your best judgment when deciding what is worth purchasing. 

Buying used may seem cheaper at the moment, but some items could wind up being more expensive in the long run if they break — or could carry germs and bacteria that could get you sick. Here are 15 things you should never buy at a thrift store.

Grabbing non-stick cookware at a thrift store might seem like a steal, but it’s more likely to cost you in the long run. The non-stick coating on pots and pans isn’t built to last forever, and if it’s chipped, scratched, or peeling, it could be dangerous. Older non-stick coatings, especially those made with Teflon, can release toxic chemicals when heated — a risk you definitely don’t want in your kitchen. 

Plus, thrift store cookware has a mysterious backstory. You don’t know how it was cleaned, what chemicals were used, or if it was ever overheated (which can further break down the coating). Instead of gambling with your health and your meals, it’s smarter to invest in new, intact cookware that you know is safe.

Sure, a reusable water bottle or travel mug might seem like a steal at a thrift store, but think twice before you sip. Over time, scratches, dents, and tiny crevices can form on the inside, especially in plastic bottles — perfect hiding spots for bacteria. 

Older bottles may even contain BPA, a chemical that’s been phased out of newer models. And while stainless steel or glass may seem safer, you never know if they’ve been dropped, cracked, or damaged in ways you can’t see. When it comes to items you drink from every day, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Buying opened puzzles at a thrift store is a gamble you probably don’t want to take. Even if it looks complete, there’s no guarantee all the pieces are actually there. Missing or damaged pieces can turn a relaxing puzzle night into a frustrating ordeal. 

Plus, puzzles that have been handled repeatedly are more likely to carry germs, bacteria, and who-knows-what-else from previous owners. And if the pieces have been forced together or mishandled, they might not even fit as snugly as they should. Sometimes, it’s just not worth the risk.

Used dog beds and other pet furniture can harbor bacteria such as parasites, fleas, and other allergens that can be harmful to your pet's health. Used dog beds may also have loose stuffing or other damage that can pose a choking hazard to your furry pal. 

While buying a used dog bed may seem like a cost-efficient option, it's worth it to spend a bit more and invest in a new, quality bed that is clean and comfortable. (Or you can save money by making your own). 

Generally, it is not recommended to buy makeup or skincare products at thrift stores due to the risk of these products being expired, contaminated, or tampered with. Makeup and skincare products have expiration dates, and using expired products can cause irritation, infection, or other adverse reactions to your skin. 

Additionally, some products may have been mislabeled or altered, making it difficult to know what ingredients are in the product and whether it's safe to use.

Used pillows may have accumulated dirt, sweat, or dead skin cells over time, making them a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. They may also contain dust mites, pet dander, or other allergens that can trigger allergies or respiratory problems in humans and pets. 

It's always best to purchase new pillows from a reputable retailer to ensure optimal comfort and prevent potential health hazards.

While some electronics such as record players and battery-powered appliances are generally safe to buy at a thrift store, used vacuums are an exception. They could have damaged parts that affect their suction power or make them less efficient in picking up dirt and debris. 

Vacuums sold at thrift stores may also be outdated or lack new features such as HEPA filters or allergen-sealing bags that can help keep the air in your home cleaner. 

Don't cave while your kid begs you to buy them that cute teddy bear at the thrift store. Since used stuffed animals may have been exposed to dust, pet hair, or mold, they can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues, particularly in children. In addition, stuffed animals in thrift stores may have damaged parts — such as eyes, buttons, or loose seams — that can pose a choking hazard to young children.

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Believe it or not, antique crystal or china sold at thrift stores may contain trace amounts of lead that can be toxic to humans. Lead was commonly used as an additive in glassmaking until the late 20th century to give crystal an added layer of weight and clarity. It can also be difficult to determine the authenticity of antique crystals without proper expertise or equipment, and thrift stores may not have the knowledge or resources to identify them. 

Need to differentiate whether crystal has lead in it? Tap it gently with a knife, says Webstaurant store. If it makes a drawn-out chiming sound, it's probably lead crystal. On the flip side, regular glass makes a duller sound when struck.

This one seems pretty self-explanatory, but we generally recommend buying new mattresses due to hygiene and safety reasons. Mattresses can harbor creepy crawlers such as bed bugs (major yikes), mold, and other allergens, which are difficult to spot with the naked eye — and are impossible to completely remove and sanitize. 

Used mattresses may also not provide the necessary support for your body, which can lead to back pain and discomfort. 

Since helmets cannot be run through the wash, there could be remnants of lice or dirt in them. If that isn't reason enough to deter you, used helmets may also be damaged or outdated, compromising their ability to protect your head in the event of an accident — especially if they've been involved in a previous accident. 

Since helmets are designed to absorb the force of an impact and prevent or reduce head injuries, they may not be as effective if they have been subjected to wear and tear. 

This one goes without saying, but bathing suits and intimate wear should always be bought new. Used bathing suits and underwear may have been exposed to body fluids or other contaminants, making them a potential source of infection or skin irritation. Undergarments found at thrift stores have also likely being stretched out after being washed a bunch, and won't provide the proper fit or support your body needs. 

Since shoes tend to mold to the shape of the original wearer's feet, this can lead to a poor fit for a new owner — causing potential discomfort, foot pain, or posture problems. Over time, the cushioning and soles will also wear out and offer less traction, which can increase your risk of slips and falls. 

Plus, you never know if the shoes were properly sanitized prior to making their way to the thrift store, and they might still harbor bacteria, fungi, or lingering odors from previous owners. We recommend spending a bit more and investing in a quality pair of shoes to ensure optimal fit and comfort.

Purchasing medical equipment from a thrift store is another risk that's not worth taking. Items like blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, and glucose monitors should be purchased new to ensure they're sterile and safe to use. Plus, you never know if items sold at thrift stores may be lacking important things like instruction manuals, warranties, or other key components that can compromise their safety and reliability. 

Since baby cribs and car seats found at thrift stores may be outdated or damaged, these can pose a safety hazard to infants and young children. Older cribs may not meet current safety standards, such as spacing requirements between the slats or the use of drop-side rails. Car seats may have been involved in a previous accident or are expired — making them ineffective in protecting a child in the event of a crash. 

In fact, we recommend staying away from children's safety equipment at a thrift store altogether.

Since used tires may be worn or damaged, buying them at a thrift store can pose a safety risk. Without knowledge of their past use, exposure to harsh conditions, or whether they've been subject to recalls, you can end up with bigger problems down the road. In addition, the perceived savings of buying used tires can be deceptive, as the cost of premature replacements and potential vehicle damage outweighs the initial price. 

When it comes to tires, we recommend spending a bit more on new ones to ensure all safety standards are met — giving you more value and peace of mind in the long run. 

That secondhand flat iron might look like a bargain, but there’s no guarantee it’ll work the way it should. Hair dryers, curling wands, and straighteners from thrift stores often have frayed cords, sketchy wiring, or heating issues that only show up after you’ve taken them home. These tools also have a limited lifespan, and older models may not meet current safety standards. 

Worst of all, if it overheats or shorts out, you could end up with more than just a bad hair day — think fire hazards. It’s smarter to buy new and avoid the risk.