Floral Pattern
Floral Pattern

17 Things You Should Absolutely Never, Ever Buy at a Thrift Store

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Yellow Star

Helmets: Safety equipment like bicycle or motorcycle helmets can have invisible damage that compromises their protective qualities.

assorted-color clothes hanged inside department store with lights turned on
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Yellow Star

Car Seats: Similar to helmets, used car seats may have unseen wear or damage, or could be expired, making them unsafe.

a picture of a field with a tree in the background
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Yellow Star

Mattresses and Bed Pillows: These can harbor bed bugs, dust mites, and other allergens, and their condition is hard to fully assess in a thrift store setting.

selective focus photography of clothes
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Yellow Star

Upholstered Furniture: Unless you can thoroughly clean it, avoid upholstered furniture that may contain pests or allergens.

a picture of a white house with trees in the background
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Yellow Star

Shoes: Heavily worn shoes can be molded to the original owner's feet, potentially causing foot problems.

a woman sitting on the ground with a tattoo on her arm
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Yellow Star

Non-Stick Cookware: If the coating is scratched or peeling, it can be unsafe and less effective.

a bunch of colorful shirts hanging on a rack
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Yellow Star

Makeup and Skincare Products: Used or even new but old makeup and skincare can harbor bacteria and have diminished efficacy.

a living room filled with furniture and lots of windows
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Yellow Star

Baby Bottles: Used bottles may have scratches or residue that make sterilization difficult.

a teddy bear sitting on a rocking chair in a room

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