Thrift Shopping: Never Buy These 10 Things Secondhand
Listen, bestie—you know me. I love a good thrift find as much as the next girl. Hell, maybe even more. Catch me in the right mood, and I’ll convince myself I need a vintage sewing machine—and I don’t even sew.
But even I, have my limits.
I mean sure, I believe in sustainability. And I definitely believe in a good deal. But bestie, some things are better left exactly where you found them—or you might find yourself collecting more than just regrets (i.e., bed bugs, a weird rash, even a stomach ache).
So, in the spirit of keeping it real, here’s a list of things I would never thrift—no matter how cheap.
That said, these are my preferences. If you don’t share my sentiments, we can agree to disagree. It doesn’t mean we can’t still be thrifting besties—it just means you’ve got a little less competition.
And in the interest of our new found friendship, I’ll do my best not to give you the side-eye if I see you snag a box of ramen off the shelf.
And that, my dear, brings me to my first category of things I don’t thrift…
1. Food
Yes, these noodles are absolutely just thrown on the shelf at Goodwill. They won’t take your brand new with tags $60 Christmas wreath in July, but they’ll sell this…
Food.
Okay, let’s hit this section head-on, because I know your thoughts are probably going one of two ways.
You’re either dumbfounded that this category even made the list—like, “Okay, Captain Obvious, no one’s buying food from a freakin’ thrift store.”
Or you’re in the camp of, “Woah, Judge Judy. Not everyone has the luxury to afford alternative options.”
And this, besties, is where two worlds collide: those who thrift as a hobby, and those who thrift out of necessity.
As someone who’s lived on both sides of the fence, I’ve crowned myself uniquely qualified to speak on the topic.
Listen, there’s no shame in facing hardships or turning to less conventional methods to put food on the table.
But there is a time and a place—and honey, in my opinion, the thrift store aint it.
There’s a big difference between getting something from a food pantry or an organization that specialize in providing low-income families with food and essentials, and getting it from some random thrift store that got it from God knows who or where.
These organizations typically have partnerships with reputable companies to source consumables, or they take donations and run food drives with established processes for inspecting and handling incoming items.
A lot goes into food safety, and I wouldn’t bet my life on some random thrift store’s ability to meet standard compliance.
It’s just my opinion—but with the current state of the world, people are far too weird and a little too sketchy to be buying food from anywhere but a grocery store or a very trusted specialty organization (i.e., food pantry, local church organization).
There’s no telling what journey that food went on before it hit thrift store shelves:
How many decades did it sit in grandma’s cabinets? (Yes, I know expiration dates exist for a reason.)
How long did it sit in the trunk, exposed to harsh temperatures through changing seasons, before eventually being dropped off for donation?
How long did it kick around the sorting bins in the back, before finally making its way to store shelves?
We’ll never have the full picture of the journey it took to get there—but I can promise you: it’s seen some things.
Look, I realize I like to spin humor into my blogs, and yes, I’m being a bit facetious. But in all seriousness, you have no way of knowing where it’s been, why it was donated, or what’s been done to it.
I mean seriously—we’ve got girls out here licking grocery store ice cream all willy-nilly like the’re on tour at Willy Wonka’s factory. Need I say more?
And honestly, most thrift stores don’t even resell food anyway. But since some do, this cautionary message had to make the list.
If it’s food, it’s a hard pass for me.
Note: I’m not referring to items like drinks or candy that the store gets from a reputable supplier.
For example, my local Goodwill keeps a drink cooler behind the counter so customers can purchase beverages. The store has a supplier for those, so I’d be comfortable grabbing something like that.
Other than that—if it goes in your body, it’s a hard pass.
But what about the items that go on it?
2. Makeup
“I thrift the things that don’t matter, so I can splurge on the things that do”
Because makeup is hella expensive, we love to snag a deal—any deal—almost as much as we like to conveniently forget that it expires.
Listen, bestie, I get the temptation.
You’re pursuing your local thrift store and stumble upon some crazy expensive, discontinued makeup palette, and everything in you wants to buy it.
But we both know that purchase would be made against your better judgment.
Why?
Because makeup is a lot like the food we just talked about.
I don’t care how new it looks—you just never know what happened to it or why it ended up there.
We’ve got people making a whole career out of dumpster diving for makeup to resell on various platforms.
Maybe what you just stumbled across are the leftovers they couldn’t sell.
Hell, maybe some jaded ex wanted to stick it to his girl one last time and donated her entire makeup collection to the Salvation army. Who knows.
Either way—even if it looks like it’s in perfect condition—chances are, it’s old.
And as makeup gets old, it starts to break down, which can lead to:
Separation
Changes in texture or consistency
Weird, off-putting smells
Worse? Using expired or tainted makeup can cause eye infections, skin irritations, and a whole host of other adverse reactions.
And don’t even get me started on how used makeup harbors bacteria. That stuff can lead to even more severe issues.
Bestie, we’re talking about your beautiful face here—and that’s not something to be trifled with.
Take it from me: if I didn’t buy it from a reputable store, it’s definitely not going on my skin.
I thrift the things that don’t matter, so I can splurge on the things that do (i.e., food, makeup, perfume)
Now—there is a caveat to this.
If you’re someone who wants to collect vintage makeup or accessories to use as props, decorations, or just for the sake of nostalgic collecting—then by all means, collect away.
I just wouldn’t advise using them.
No matter how gorgeous that red lipstick from the 1950s looks. Mkay?
Oh yeah…
Did I just mention perfume back there?
3. Perfume
Don’t let the bottle fool you—Vintage perfume is about as questionable as the cough drop floating around the bottom of your grandmother’s purse.
Hell, if the cost of makeup has us willing to look the other way, then the cost of perfume just about has us in a chokehold.
Perfume prices don’t just have us forgetting it expires—they’ve got us all running around out here with a serious case of amnesia.
Like, we definitely see it getting cloudy, a little discolored even. And sure, we’ve noticed those little floaties once or twice. But you better believe we’re ready to risk it all before tossing out that bottle of perfume we’ve been using since high school. (Shouldn’t we have changed our signature scent by now!?)
Anyway—perfume is another really weird one when it comes to thrifting.
Yes, it gets old. But even more concerning? It can be incredibly difficult to tell if the contents of the bottle have been tampered with or adulterated in some way.
Listen, I’m not trying to waste my money on overpriced perfume water any more than I’m trying to unknowingly risk my life on a spritz of someone’s home brew.
Again—if it goes on my body, it’s going to have to be a no for me.
That said—just because I wouldn’t use thrifted perfume doesn’t mean I wouldn’t collect the bottle.
Some perfume bottles—especially vintage ones—make gorgeous decor for vanities, bathrooms, or even bookshelves. And bestie, I am here for it.
Just like with makeup, collecting perfume bottles gets a big thumbs up from me.
But I stress: collecting, not using.
Speaking of old and used…
4. Used Shoes…Especially Sneakers
I definitely couldn’t walk away from these like-new Sam Edelman leather boots—I mean less than $10, come on. I had to.
Okay bestie, there are definitely some nuances to thrifting shoes. So before I totally lose you—hear me out for a second.
Let me start by saying: I love thrifting shoes.
Sandals, sneakers, high heels, winter boots—you name the footwear, and I probably love to thrift it.
That said, I make it a point to avoid purchasing shoes that show signs of being worn more than a handful of times.
I thrift this way for a few key reasons:
Being selective keeps me from ending up with an apartment full of shoes I never wear.
Seriously babe, I simply do not have the closet space for that.
There’s no shortage of new-to-like-new shoes.
Which means I can afford to be choosy—so I choose not to buy obviously used footwear.
I don’t buy seriously worn shoes for the same reason I don’t walk around the locker room barefoot: There's an increased risk of picking up something I don’t want—like athletes’ foot or planters warts.
Sweaty old sneakers are basically a breeding ground for that kind of stuff.
And sure, you can wash and sanitize them…but you could also adopt my shopping method. Because it’s a hell of a lot easier to clean a like-new shoe than a stinky used one.
And of course, I realize some people might disagree—and that’s totally fine.
My decision to pass just means more opportunity for someone else.
Speaking of dirty, stinky, and hard to clean things…
Might as well throw pillows on the list while we’re at it.
5. Pillows
Okay, pillows are another weird one—because some people are like, “Hell no, girl,”
And others are like, “What do you mean? Sign me up.”
Listen, pillows are just something I will never buy used—they’re seriously a hard pass for me.
For one, pillows actually do expire.
Now, maybe that’s just a sneaky marketing tactic to get us to buy more, or maybe they really are that gross. (I mean, I’m saying “expire” like we didn’t just admit to our complete disregard for expiration dates earlier… but I digress.)
Seriously though—when you stop and think about everything that happens to a pillow over time (especially in homes with kids or pets), there’s just no way to get them clean enough.
We’re talking: Trampled on, drooled over, chewed up—and God only knows what else.
You do you, babe—but for all those reasons, pillows are, and always will be, on my list of things I never thrift.
That said, there are exceptions, because of course—I’m not opposed to thrifting a throw pillow specifically for the sham, if it’s in immaculate condition. Because a sham can be easily cleaned and sanitized.
In my opinion, shams are kind of like thrifting blankets—which I’m totally here for. But you better believe the pillow insert would be on a fast track to the dumpster.
Speaking of things that need to find their way into the trash—and not your home…
6. Used Mattresses
Listen, in a lot of ways, this one goes without saying. I think most of us already understand why buying a used mattress isn’t ideal.
For starters, risking a bedbug infestation is not something anyone wants to deal with.
Add on the fact that human beings can be downright nasty creatures—we’ve got people out here raw-dogging their mattress, no sheet or protector in sight.
Then they just roll up with a mattress covered in sweat stains, bodily fluids, and God only knows what else—like, “Hey, just here with a donation.”
Like… glad you finally splurged on an upgrade, Chad—but no one wants your crusty frat mattress. Mkay?
I mean seriously, a forensic scientist would have a field day with these things.
Okay, I’m totally poking fun, but in all seriousness—we all know how expensive mattresses can be. And we all know how different affordability can look from one person to the next.
So, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re looking for an affordable mattress, by all means—turn to the secondhand market.
Because secondhand doesn’t always mean used.
There are places that specialize in used furniture and often carry inexpensive, still-new mattresses.
Habitat for Humanity is a perfect example—they routinely sell mattresses donated by manufacturers.
If you’re in a pinch and can’t find a new mattresses through secondhand sources, check out discount stores like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, where it’s not uncommon to find a decent queen sized mattress for under $200.
Now, if that’s still out of your price range and you absolutely have to go the used route, try to find one that’s still in the plastic.
Keeping the plastic on was actually a pretty common practice among our grandparents’ generation—so estate sales might be your best bet for finding a used mattress that’s still wrapped by the manufacturer. (And if you need a breakdown of other secondhand shopping options available, check here)
And no—just because I said “our grandparents’ generation” doesn’t mean the mattress will be as old as they are. Gosh, even they need a new mattress from time to time. Sheesh.
Mattresses aren’t the only thing you should opt to buy new…
7. Used Bath Towels
I mean seriously, would you ever guess these towels are almost six years old—looks really can be deceiving.
Used bath towels have always been one of those things that just kind of weirds me out whenever I see them at thrift stores.
Maybe it’s just me, but I feel about used bath towels the same way I feel about used underwear—just no.
Bath towels are one of those sneaky items that can somehow still look new even when they’re actually really old.
I don’t know if I dare admit this, but I’ve had the same set of Kate Spade bath towels for almost five years—and I swear, they still look almost brand new.
Which is exactly why I don’t trust my ability to judge the newness of used ones.
I think about all the places on the human body a dirty towel has been…
All the spills and dirty floors these things have seen…
And yeah, just no.
All the soap in the world couldn’t get them clean enough.
So, unless it is brand new with tags, I’m not touching it.
Honestly—even then—I probably wouldn’t buy it unless it’s one of those thrift shops that gets store overstock. Mostly because I can’t deal with mismatched sets, and let’s be real: the odds of finding a full matching set are slim to none.
Instead of buying used bath linens, I recommend keeping an eye out for end-of-season sales and clearance deals. Because seriously—I’ve seen thrift stores mark used towels at upwards of $5. You can find brand-new ones for the same price in the clearance section at places like HomeGoods.
Remember—just because it’s used and you’re thrifting it doesn’t automatically make it the best deal.
And what about the things that are hard to clean, but also too expensive to buy new…
8. Area Rugs
Old rugs are too dirty—new rugs are too toxic—call me Goldilocks I guess, because I want a rug that’s just right.
Area rugs are a unique one, and I realize I might lose a lot of people here—but hear me out.
They’re that one thing that’s too expensive to buy new, but also way too expensive to have cleaned if you buy them used.
Trust me—I love the idea of finding a gorgeous area rug secondhand.
However, experience tells me that anything preloved I find has probably: been trampled by the dirty outside shoes of dozens of people—is potentially covered in poorly cleaned pet stains—and is almost definitely harboring years’ worth of dust and dander.
That’s not a carpet I’d feel comfortable just rolling out in my home, no questions asked. But i also realize I’m just not the type of person to spend several hundred dollars having a rug professionally cleaned either.
Believe me—I wish I was. But I’m just not.
So, for me, that lands area rugs on the list of things I don’t thrift… for now at least.
But if a professional cleaning is in your budget, then by all means—you do you, Bo.
Speaking of the professionals…
9. Upholstered Furniture With Rips
All I can say is that I wish I had the skills to reupholster furniture…
Much like area rugs, damaged upholstery is a hard pass for me.
What can I say—my motivation, practical skillset, and budget only get me so far in this wild world of used merchandise.
It’s definitely no secret that I’m nit-picky about how things look and how well they’ve been taken care of.
Which means I’m, like, physically unable to overlook damage to upholstery. It would drive me crazy to constantly see the flaw.
But just like with area rugs, it would be way too expensive to have the upholstery professionally fixed.
And unfortunately—as much as I hate to admit it—I lack the necessary skills to undertake any such repair with confidence. (Aside from recovering a basic dining chair. I think I could handle that… maybe. Probably.
Anyway, I’m an optimist—but I’m also painfully aware of my limitations. And that includes both my skillset and my budget.
10. Small Kitchen Appliances
For anyone wondering if it’s even possible to keep a crockpot clean—I’ll go ahead and leave this picture right here… ;)
By now, you’re probably starting to realize I have a few quirks—and it just so happens that I’m really weird about how dishes and food-contact appliances are cleaned and maintained.
Seriously, small kitchen appliances always fall into the half-ass cleaned category...if even that, honestly.
Think about those crockpots you’ve seen brought to the potluck —crusted with years’ worth of food stuck to the outside. Or those coffee pots so coated in grime, people mistake the empty carafe for a full pot.
One hundred percent you know what I’m talking about.
Odds are, you’re either picturing a specific someone…
Or you’re just now realizing you are the specific someone.
If it’s the latter, I hate to put you on blast like that, bestie—but take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
Because thrift stores are cold, hard proof that there are plenty more of you out there.
We know you.
We love you.
We just don’t want your old crusty appliances, is all.
No, no—you can keep the coffee makers, blenders, food processors, crockpots…
And for the love of God, you can definitely keep the air fryers.
Unless it’s brand-new-in-the-box, we don’t want it. Oh—unless it’s a KitchenAid stand mixer. We’ll definitely take those.
Every Great Thrifter Has Limits: Find Yours
For all my quirks—I still won’t pass up a gorgeous fur coat for the right price. Proof that we all thrift by our own rules…
At the end of the day, you can sort of approach thrifting like dating: set your standards high, know where you’re willing to compromise, and hold firm to what’s a hard pass.
And remember—we all have our own thrifting non-negotiables. I won’t judge yours if you try not to judge mine. Well, I won’t judge yours either way. People in glass houses and all that…
Anyway, these are my no-go’s. Nothing more than a reference point for you to consider while setting your own standards.
If yours look different? That’s totally fine. We can still be thrifting besties—you can have first dibs on all the towels and crusty crockpots—I’ll happily snatch all the haunted mirrors.
At the end of the day: trust your gut, never be afraid to go your own way, and don’t let a $2 price tag lure you into a situation filled with regret.