While you can find some absolute bargains at a thrift store, you need to be careful of what you pick up. Some things can be more trouble than they’re worth because they’ve got some dangers you never even thought about. Here are 18 things you should definitely avoid getting from a thrift store and why.
Used Plastic Containers
You might think those plastic containers would be useful for the kitchen or storing things. Sadly, lots of them actually absorb odors and stains from being used so often. Some of the older plastics might also have BPA and other chemicals that can be quite harmful to you. You’re better off going for a new container because they’re safer.
Old Couches and Chairs
Vintage stuff is always in, but be careful when buying anything that was made before 2010. It could have some nasty chemical inside, known as fire retardants, which can be pretty deadly. Plus, who knows what your furniture’s been through? You should check the date first and perhaps skip it unless you’re sure it’s completely clean.
Faux Leather
Faux leather jackets and bags are definitely cool, although the fact that they might start falling apart? Not so cool. Over time, these things can start peeling or cracking, and nobody wants to be making a flaky fashion statement. It’s usually a better call to buy something new if you want something that lasts.
Hats
No matter how much they might complete your outfits, hats from the thrift store can have things like lice or skin bugs hidden in the lining. Unfortunately, it can be pretty hard to clean them without ruining their shape. You might want to just leave them behind and buy a new piece from a store instead.
Old Appliances
Forget what you thought about that cute vintage mixer. If it’s from a thrift store, it could be more of a hassle than a help because large appliances often have a ton of issues, which can be more expensive than buying new ones. They’ll also use up a lot of energy, meaning that the price difference doesn’t really work out.
Jars and Bottles
It’s a real chore having to clean out old jars and bottles, but if they’re from a thrift store, you’ll have to do it. They might have sticky residues or even cracks that you don’t notice right away. Sometimes, it’s easier to buy new ones instead of turning your cleaning into a huge DIY project that’s just not worth the time.
Holiday Decor
If you’re thinking about decking the halls with some thrift store decorations, make sure you watch out for old holiday lights. They might just short-circuit your festive cheer with damaged wires or busted sockets, which is a huge fire hazard. Instead, keep your holidays bright and safe with some new decorations that you can count on.
Gym Equipment
Used exercise equipment can be a bit of a gamble. Although it might look fine, it could have worn-out parts that could break down while you’re mid-stride, giving you a workout plan that could really trip you up. And if you’re serious about your fitness, trying to save a buck at the thrift store might end up just burning you out.
Costume Jewelry
You never really know how old jewelry is in the thrift store, meaning you won’t know if it contains lead or any other poisonous materials. Unless you’ve got a lab at home, you probably won’t know what you’re getting, so maybe don’t risk turning your skin green. Stick to the pieces that you can actually trace the origins of.
Old Glasses
Those retro frames at the thrift store might be stylish, but those old prescription lenses won’t do your eyes any favors. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of good vision care, so don’t skimp on your eyes. You’re better off looking elsewhere for your glasses unless you’re planning to replace those old lenses with your prescription ones.
Packaged Food
You might not realize it, but some thrift stores sell canned goods and packaged food that’s still in date. Even so, you won’t know if the packaging’s damaged, and it’s easy for people to make a mistake and not notice the expiration date. That’ll give you a not-so-tasty surprise, so stick to fresh food from the grocery.
Safety Gear
Although they could help you out a lot normally, out-of-date fire extinguishers and smoke detectors won’t do you any good in an emergency. The chemicals in the extinguisher will probably be off, while outdated smoke detectors may not follow current safety procedures. Your safety is priceless, and it’s absolutely worth paying a little more for.
Musical Instruments
An old musical instrument could actually cost you more to repair than a new one. There could be hidden damage that you’re not aware of that could affect the instrument’s sound or quality. If you’re not ready to find out exactly where it came from, you might want to skip the solo performance.
Footwear
All shoes mold themselves to their owner’s feet, and vintage shoes are no different. They might be really worn down, which could mess up the way you walk or cause you some aches and pains. Or worse, they might have some germs like athlete’s foot, and this could easily spread to your feet when you wear them.
Stuffed Animals
Even though they’re adorable, stuffed animals are a perfect breeding ground for dust and germs, especially if they’re pre-owned. Unfortunately, washing them might not get all the gunk out, so it’s probably better to get something new for the little ones. They deserve a toy that they can hug safely.
Office Chairs
Used office chairs usually aren’t worth the lower price you’ll pay for them, as worn-out cushioning and shaky wheels might not give you the support you need. You’re better off buying a new chair that’ll keep your back supported, especially if you’re working long hours at your desk like most of us do. Making an effort now will help you avoid back problems later.
Antique Radios and TV Sets
They might look cool, but old radios and TV sets from thrift stores aren’t always safe to plug in. For starters, the old wiring can be a real fire risk, and they almost certainly don’t work with today’s digital signals. If you really want to get one, be prepared to gut and modernize the insides.
Cutlery and Kitchen Knives
Most knives and cutlery at the thrift store are actually dull and worn out. While this might sound annoying, it’s actually pretty dangerous because dull blades can slip more easily while you’re cutting things. This can increase your chances of a kitchen accident, so you’re better off slicing and dicing with a new set instead.
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