The short answer: skip items where safety depends on an unknown history (car seats, bike helmets, cribs), items that are hard to clean (mattresses, pillows, cosmetics), and items that cost more to fix than to replace (scratched nonstick pans, untested electronics, damaged particleboard furniture). Almost everything else is fair game.
Thrift stores are full of bargains, but a low price is not always a good deal. Some items carry safety risks you cannot see, and others are simply poor value once you add repairs. Here are twelve things experienced thrifters usually leave on the shelf.
Safety Items With Unknown History
1. Car seats
Car seats have expiration dates, can be weakened by a crash you cannot detect, and may be missing parts or subject to recalls. Most safety organizations recommend buying new or getting one from someone whose history you know.
2. Bike and sports helmets
A helmet is designed to protect you through one significant impact. A secondhand helmet may have hidden damage in the foam, and materials also degrade with age.
3. Cribs and some baby gear
Crib safety standards have changed over the years. In the United States, drop side cribs were banned in 2011. Older cribs, bassinets, and some infant sleep products may not meet current standards or may have been recalled. Check recall databases before buying any baby gear secondhand.
Items That Are Hard to Clean
4. Mattresses and pillows
These can harbor bedbugs, dust mites, and allergens that are difficult to remove. Many thrift stores no longer accept them for this reason.
5. Makeup and skin care
Opened cosmetics can carry bacteria, and you cannot verify how they were stored. Sealed products may be fine, but check expiration dates carefully.
6. Heavily worn shoes
Shoes mold to the original owner’s feet, and worn insoles can hold odor and fungus. Lightly worn shoes, especially dress shoes and boots with replaceable insoles, can be great finds. Skip pairs with collapsed heels or damp, smelly interiors.
7. Upholstered furniture with any sign of pests
Inspect seams and crevices with a flashlight. If you see dark spots, shed skins, or insects, walk away. Our used furniture checklist explains what to look for.
Items That Are Poor Value
8. Scratched nonstick cookware
Once a nonstick coating is scratched or flaking, it no longer performs well and most manufacturers recommend replacing it. Look for cast iron, stainless steel, or enameled pieces instead. A rusty cast iron skillet can even be restored; see how to restore thrifted cast iron.
9. Untested electronics
If a store will not let you plug it in and there is no return policy, you are gambling. Many stores have a test outlet at the register, so ask to use it.
10. Printers
Used printers are often cheap because replacement ink or toner can cost more than the printer itself, and old cartridges may have dried out.
11. Damaged particleboard furniture
Swollen, chipped, or wobbly particleboard is very hard to repair and usually gets worse after a move. Spend a little more on solid wood.
12. Vintage painted items for everyday food use
Some older painted dishes, mugs, and toys may contain lead in their paint or glaze. Decorative use is generally fine, but be cautious about using older painted dishware for food or giving painted vintage toys to young children. Home lead test kits are available if you are unsure.
What to Buy Instead
The best thrift categories are ones where age often means better quality: solid wood furniture, natural fiber clothing, cast iron and stainless cookware, glassware, picture frames, books, and home decor. Our guide to thrifting for home decor and our 15 thrift store secrets will point you toward the best finds.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
Before you buy, ask three questions. Could hidden damage make this unsafe? Can I clean it thoroughly at home? Will repairs cost more than buying it new? If the answer to any of these is yes, it is probably a pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy used clothes at thrift stores?
Yes. Clothing is one of the best thrift categories. Wash everything before wearing it; our cleaning guide covers each fabric.
Should I buy used kitchen items?
Many are excellent buys, including cast iron, stainless steel, glass bakeware, and utensils. Avoid scratched nonstick pans and cracked or crazed dishes for food use.
Can I buy used baby items safely?
Clothing, books, and many toys are fine. Be cautious with car seats, cribs, and sleep products, and always check for recalls.