Thrifting is my love. Walking into an operation like Maplewood Thrift & Collectibles in Rochester, where a labyrinth of crowded shelves of treasures awaits, is like being on a treasure hunt with each aisle having the potential to hold a vintage treasure or an offbeat find. I’ve snagged everything from a retro typewriter that’s now my desk’s centerpiece to a designer scarf for the price of a latte. But not every deal is a steal. Some items, despite their tempting price tags, are more like traps waiting to spring hygiene hazards or safety risks. Pick up your pretend magnifying glass, because we’re going in depth on the 14 things you never want to purchase at a thrift store, along with reasons that will keep your thrifting game bright and bougie.
Mattresses
Start with the obvious: secondhand mattresses are a definite no. I once saw a cushy-looking mattress at a thrift store and thought, “Wow, what a deal! ” I then envisioned what could be inhabiting it, and my enthusiasm disappeared quicker than my previous paycheck. Mattresses absorb sweat, skin particles, and gasp bed bugs. Those pesky little creatures are almost undetectable and a hassle to get rid of. And on top of it all, mold and allergens can breed in the materials, compromising your health.
Even when it appears clean, a second-hand mattress conforms to its former owner’s shape, sacrificing the support you require for a restful night’s sleep. The consequence? Backaches that no deal is worth. As Interior Impressions’ Amy Leferink says, “Anything that can’t be cleaned completely such as a mattress is a no-go.” Avoid the gamble and spend the money on a fresh one, such as the Mubulily Queen Mattress on Amazon for $179.99. Your sanity (and sleep) will thank you.
Pillows
Where mattresses are a warning sign, pillows are their devious accomplices. I was foolish enough to purchase a second-hand pillow once, thinking a hot wash would make it my own. Big nope. Pillows become sweat sponges, drool or saliva sponges, and dust mite havens, building a love nest for bacteria and mold. Those lurking allergens cause sneezing fits or worse, particularly for sensitive people like me who develop hay fever at the scent of dust.
Washing isn’t always enough there’s grime that’s deep-seated. And used pillows do lose their fluff, leaving you with a lumpy mess. For a clean, cozy sleep, opt for new pillows such as the Utopia Bedding Queen Size set on Amazon for $26.54. They are soft, supportive, and do not come with someone else’s sleep history.
Bathing Suits and Undergarments
This one’s a no-brainer, but I’ve seen people rummaging through bins of previously worn swimsuits and underwear in search of the brand name. Trust me, it’s not worth it. These things are too intimate, with risk of bacteria, bodily fluids, or skin irritations remaining even after cleaning. I once thought of a cute thrift store bikini but took a step back when I realized that I couldn’t know its history.
Used underwear also becomes less elastic, so they are saggy and uncomfortable. Protect your skin and comfort by purchasing new, such as the SHAPSHE Women’s One Piece Swimsuit on Amazon for $56.99. It’s new, comfortable, and ensures your beach life stress-free.
Baby Cribs and Car Seats (Baby Gear)
Safety is not optional when it comes to children. I once splurged on a charming old crib at a secondhand store, envisioning it in a nursery. Then I heard about the dangers. Older cribs may have dangerous slat spacing or recalled drop-side rails that can cause strangulation. Car seats are more deceiving they have expiration dates, around six years, and a crash history (not easily seen) that can make them worthless.
You can’t keep track of thrifted baby equipment’s history, and that’s one risk no parent should take. Honey Collins of Honey Collins Interiors puts it aptly: “A cute old crib might be adorable, but it might be a serious danger.” Invest in new, such as the Koonie Portable Stroller Fan for $6.99 on Amazon, to keep your child safe and cool.
Helmets
Helmets are life savers, provided they’re brand new. I once considered a second-hand bike helmet, reasoning it looked brand new. A cycling buddy educated me: helmets are made for one big impact. If you have crashed in them, the internal foam may be weakened, even if they seem okay. That’s a hidden risk you might not notice but possibly sense in a crash.
Hygiene’s another problem helmets absorb sweat and can get bacteria or lice. Ew. For safety and sanitation, purchase new, such as the Retrospec Dakota Helmet for $29.99 on Amazon. It is up to today’s standards and keeps your head safe.
Makeup and Skincare Products / Makeup Brushes (Personal Care Products)
A worn-out lipstick or moisturizer at a secondhand shop may be a bargain, but it’s a recipe for disaster. I once picked up a secondhand makeup brush and thought I could sterilize it. No way bacteria can embed themselves deep in bristles or product, causing skin irritations or infections. Opened cosmetic products do have expiration dates, and you have no idea how they were kept or if they are contaminated.
Brushes are particularly problematic; even the most vigorous cleaning could fail to remove trapped germs. For your face’s health, use fresh, such as the e.l.f. Flawless Face Kit for $14.20 on Amazon. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and assured clean, so you can shine without concern.
Stuffed Animals
I’ve been there my nephew pleading for an adorable thrifted teddy bear. But soft toys can be allergen traps, carrying dust, pet dander, or mildew. Even a good cleaning may not dislodge set-in grime. Loose buttons or eyes on a soft toy can be a choking hazard for children. I once purchased a soft toy that was musty-scented regardless of how many times I washed it.
For safe snuggling, go new, such as the Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny for $18.99 on Amazon. It’s soft, safe, and playtime-ready without risks concealed.
Water Bottles and Travel Mugs
A glitzy secondhand water bottle or travel mug may seem like a find, but wait. I have thought about a smooth stainless steel mug, but then I considered the small scratches on the inside where bacteria can nest. Plastic bottles are worse they may have BPA, a chemical removed from newer bottles for health reasons. You don’t know if a secondhand bottle was dropped and cracked, making it unsafe.
Since you’ll be sipping from these daily, it’s worth investing in a new one, like the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle for $29.95 on Amazon. It’s clean, durable, and BPA-free for worry-free hydration.
Vacuums
I adore a bargain on electronics, but vacuums are a gamble. I used to think a second-hand vacuum was a bargain until it hardly picked up crumbs. Second-hand vacuums tend to have worn-out components, lowering their suction capacity. Older machines may not have contemporary features such as HEPA filters, sending dust back into your air rather than capturing it.
Fixes are more than the vacuum, making your deal a headache. For a sparkling house, buy new, such as the Shark Navigator Lift-Away for $199.99 from Amazon, with strong suction and allergen-capturing technology.
Nonstick Cookware With Scratches or Chips
A thrifted nonstick pan can sound like a kitchen coup, but scratches or chips are cause for concern. I once used a thrifted pan, then fretted about flaking coating in my food. Battered nonstick surfaces, particularly older Teflon, emit toxic chemicals when heated. You can’t also be certain how the pan was maintained abusive cleaners or excessive heat break it down further.
To cook safely, purchase new, such as the T-fal Professional Nonstick Fry Pan for $39.99 on Amazon. It’s in one piece and trusty, making your meal hazard-free.
Vintage Crystal or China
Vintage china or crystal can beautify your table, but I learned the hard way that danger can be disguised as beauty. Pieces made before 1970 contain lead, and it can leach out into food or liquids. I once dropped a thrift-store crystal glass and heard that familiar tinkle, but without testing devices, I couldn’t verify its safety.
Unless for decoration purposes only, avoid these risks. Opt for new, such as the ACMLIFE Bone China Tea Cup Set for $29.99 on Amazon, for safe and fashionable dining.
Shoes
Second-hand shoes can be seductive, particularly if they’re old. But I wore a pair once, and they’d been molded to some other person’s feet because they had. Used shoes compromise cushioning and traction, threatening to cause discomfort or slipping. Hygiene is also an issue; bacteria and fungi can persist even after being cleaned.
For convenience and safety, purchase new, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam Sneakers for $74.99 on Amazon. They fit perfectly and make your feet happy.
Opened Puzzles
Puzzles seem harmless, but I’ve been burned by a thrifted one missing half a dozen pieces. It’s maddening to get close to finishing only to hit a dead end. Opened puzzles can also carry germs from repeated handling, and mishandled pieces might not fit right.
For frustration-free enjoyment, pick up a fresh puzzle, such as the BSIRI Wooden Brain Teaser for $10.99 from Amazon. It’s intact and ready for a night in.
Hair Styling Tools (Flat Irons, Curling Irons, Hair Dryers)
A second-hand curling iron could vow professional-grade locks, but I once inserted one into an outlet only to discover it flickered menacingly. Pre-owned styling devices can have damaged cords or malfunctioning heating coils, which can cause fires or burns. Older units may not comply with today’s safety regulations, and fixing them is not worth the trouble.
To style safely, go new, such as the Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron on Amazon for $19.99. It’s trustworthy and makes your hair routine safe.
Your Thrifting Playbook
Thrifting at stores such as Maplewood Thrift & Collectibles is fun, yet it’s not without risk. Avoiding these 14 items mattresses, pillows, intimates, baby equipment, helmets, make-up, stuffed animals, water bottles, vacuums, nonstick pans, old crystal, shoes, puzzles, and styling equipment will keep your finds safe and enjoyable. Years of thrifting have shown me that the best finds are ones that bring no regrets. Happy thrifting, and let your cart be full of treasures, not traps!
