10 Things You Should Never Thrift (Or Buy Secondhand)
So you’re probably wondering, “What are things I shouldn’t thrift or buy secondhand?”
You should never thrift anything that carries health, hygiene, or safety risks—and if an item cannot be properly sanitized or professionally cleaned, it’s better to buy it new. Here are 10 you should avoid buying secondhand: food, makeup and beauty products, perfume, used shoes, pillows, mattresses, bath towels, area rugs, damaged upholstered furniture, and used small kitchen appliances.
Let’s be honest—not everything you find at a thrift store worth bringing home. In fact, there are some things you should never thrift or buy secondhand—especially when it comes to items like food, beauty products, home essentials, and everyday household goods that carry real risks.
As much as I love a good thrift find, some items are better left on the shelf. Because sometimes what looks like a bargain can turn into a bed bug infestation, a mystery rash, or a regret you didn’t see coming.
So in the spirit of smart, safe thrifting, here are 10 things you should never thrift—no matter how cheap they are.
If you’re new to thrifting or are still trying to figure things out , you might want to check out my Thrifting for Beginners series before frolocking off on your own thrift adventures.
Things You Should Never Thrift
Food: safety and storage are unknown
Makeup and beauty products: expire and harbor bacteria
Perfume and fragrance: can degrade or be tampered with
Used shoes (especially sneakers): carry bacteria and mold to someone else’s wear pattern
Pillows: tap dust, bacteria, and allergens
Used mattresses: high risk for bedbugs and long-term buildup
Bath towels: hold bacteria and are hard to fully sanitize
Area rugs: require expensive professional cleaning
Damaged upholstered furniture: costly to repair or reupholster
Used small kitchen appliances: difficult to clean internal parts
Bottom line: If it affects your health, hygiene, or can’t be fully cleaned—it’s not worth the risk.
1. Is it Safe to Buy Food at a Thrift Store?
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…
No—food is one thing you should generally avoid buying from a thrift store because most aren’t equipped to safely inspect, store, or regulate consumable products the way food banks and grocery retailers are.
This topic comes up because thrifting exists in two very different worlds—the casual hobby thrift enthusiast and those who rely on it out of necessity. And while there’s absolutely no shame in needing help, thrift stores just aren’t designed for food safety.
Organizations like Feeding America follow strict sourcing, storage, and inspection standards. Thrift stores? Not so much.
And listen, not to sound dramatic—but in a world where people are a little too sketchy, I’m not gambling my life on thirst store food.
That food could have been sitting in someone’s cabinet since the early 2000s, survived a few heat waves rolling around in a trunk, and been tossed around donation bins before landing on a shelf.
I mean seriously—we’ve got people out here licking grocery store ice cream like they’re on tour at Willy Wonka’s factory. Need I say more?
Food belongs in places with actual safety standards and regulations—not random thrift store shelves.
Note: I’m not referring to sealed snacks or drinks some thrift stores stock from reputable suppliers near the checkout counter.
2. Why You Should Never Buy Used Makeup or Beauty Products
“I thrift the things that don’t matter, so I can splurge on the things that do”
Used makeup and beauty products aren’t safe to thrift because expired or contaminated products can harbor bacteria, mold, and irritants that may cause breakouts, infections, and skin damage.
Because makeup is hella expensive, we all love a good deal almost as much as we love to conveniently forget that beauty products expire.
And just like thrifted food, you have no idea where it’s been, how old it is, or why someone got rid of it in the first place.
Over time, makeup can separate, change color and texture, and develop some deeply questionable smells. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, expired makeup can also harbor mold and bacteria that may lead to breakouts, irritations, and infections.
And listen—I get it. You spot a discontinued luxury palette and suddenly your survival instincts disappear.
But that palette could be years past expiration, stored improperly, or passed around more times than a church collection plate.
If it’s going on your skin, it’s worth buying new from a trusted source. Because bestie, we’re talking about your face here. Don’t be out there damaging your skin like some Victorian Era debutante.
Note: Collecting vintage makeup for nostalgia or display is totally different. Just maybe refrain from dousing your face in it.
3. The Risks of Buying Secondhand Perfume and Fragrance
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.
Secondhand perfume isn’t worth the risk because expired or tampered fragrances can break down over time, cause skin irritation, and leaves you guessing what’s actually inside the bottle.
Perfume might seem like a great thrift find, but it’s another thing you should skip.
Because if makeup prices tempt us, perfume prices have us in a full-blown chokehold—and that’s exactly what makes this one risky.
Perfume doesn’t last forever. Over time, it can oxidize, turn cloudy, change color, and lose its original scent. According to Molton Brown, expired perfume may also cause skin irritation.
And honestly? The bigger issue is that you have no idea what happened to that bottle before it landed on a thrift store shelf.
Was it opened? Diluted? Stored in gym bag for 10 years? At that point, you’re not just guessing age—you’re gambling on what’s actually inside.
We’ve all seen it—that suspicious perfume bottle our mom had sitting in the back of the bathroom cabinet—looking a little cloudy with a few mysterious floaties drifting around inside. Somehow we still convinced ourselves it was totally fine—because kids.
Now imagine buying that exact bottle from a thrift store. Absolutely not bestie.
If it’s going on your skin, skip the thrift store and stick with a trusted source—perfume definitely included.
Note: Vintage perfume bottles can make gorgeous decor pieces, so collect away. Just don’t take a stroll too far down memory lane by using it.
4. Thrifting Used Shoes: Hygiene and Health Risks
I definitely couldn’t walk away from these like-new Sam Edelman leather boots—I mean less than $10, come on. I had to.
Heavily worn secondhand shoes can carry bacteria, fungus, and worn-down support, making it safer to stick with lightly used or like-new pairs when thrifting footwear.
Used shoes—especially heavily worn sneakers—are one thing you should be careful buying at a thrift store.
The good news? There’s usually no shortage of shoes that are brand new or barely worn, so there’s really no reason to settle for heavily worn pairs that look like they carried the last owner through the apocalypse.
According to Goodwill’s show sanitizing guidance, pre-worn shoes can carry bacteria and fungus that may lead to issues like athlete’s foot. And while they do offer guidance on sanitizing footwear, seriously worn shoes—especially sneakers—can be difficult to fully clean.
And honestly—hygiene isn’t even the only issue.
That pair of sneakers might look fine at first glance, but if the soles are broken down and molded to someone else’s feet—well, let’s just say it gives a whole new meaning to “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.”
Thrifting shoes can absolutely save money—but the best finds are the pairs that still look and feel close to new. Your feet deserve better than some worn out gyms shoes that were probably donated from the lost and found bin.
5. Why Secondhand Pillows Are a Thrifting No-Go
Used pillows aren’t ideal to thrift because they can trap dust, bacteria, mold, allergens, and years of everyday buildup that you simply can’t see from the outside.
For starters, some pillows literally come with an expiration date. Over time, they absorb sweat, oils, dust, allergens and honestly—things we probably don’t want to think too hard about.
According to Interiors Home, old pillows can harbor bacteria, dust mites, and even mold that may contribute to acne, allergies, and asthma flare-ups.
And that’s the problem with thrifted pillows: even if the outside looks clean, there’s really no way to know what’s happening inside.
Especially in homes with kids, pets, droolers, snackers, and the general chaos of life, pillows go through a lot more than a quick wash can fix.
Now, I will make one exception here: decorative throw pillows.
If the sham or cover is in immaculate condition, sure, thrift away. But the insert? That thing better be on a fast track to the dumpster.
6. The Hidden Dangers of Buying a Used Mattresses
Used mattresses aren’t worth the risk of buying secondhand because they can harbor allergens, stains, bacteria, and worst of all bedbugs.
And honestly, it kind of goes without saying—but the biggest concern is obviously the bedbugs. Because hell no!
But beyond that, there are people out there raw-dogging their mattress—no sheet or protector in sight. Their mattress is just out here absorbing years of sweat, stains, bodily fluids, and everything else that if you actually stopped to think about would definitely keep you up at night.
I mean seriously, a forensic scientist would have a field day.
At a certain point, no amount of cleaning can erase the history a mattress has been through.
If you can avoid it, a used mattress just isn’t worth the risk. Sleep is one area where “mystery condition” might end up being more than you bargained for.
Note: Secondhand doesn’t always mean used. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity often carry affordable new mattresses, and discount retailers like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet frequently sell budget-friendly options, including queen-size mattresses under $200.
7. Can You Sanitize Used Bath Towels? (Why to Skip Them)
I mean seriously, would you ever guess these towels are almost six years old—looks really can be deceiving.
Thrifting bath towels isn’t ideal because years of everyday use allow them to absorb moisture, odors, and bacteria—making them difficult to fully sanitize without commercial-grade cleaning systems.
The problem is that towels can still look fluffy, clean, and perfectly new long after they’ve been heavily used—which makes them especially tricky to judge secondhand.
And since towels are literally designed to absorb everything, they naturally hold onto moisture, bacteria, and whatever else they’ve come into contact with over the years. And let’s be honest—regular washing doesn’t exactly guarantee you’re getting a cootie free towel.
And before anyone says “Well, hotels reuse towels”—yes, but hotels wash linens in commercial-grade systems with strict sanitation standards. That’s not the same as a random towel donated from someone’s musty basement.
Once you actually start thinking about where a towels have been—bathrooms, floors, pets, spills, gym bags, random nether regions—it becomes impossible to overlook.
At a certain point, no amount of laundry sanitizers and scent boosters can convince me a thrifted towel is clean enough
Some things are just better bought new, and bath towels fall firmly into that category.
Note: Keep an eye out for clearance deals and end-of-season sales instead. Stores like HomeGoods often sell brand-new towels for prices similar to—or cheaper than—what thrift stores charge used. Remember—thrifting doesn’t automatically make something the best deal.
8. Why Thrifted Area Rugs Often Aren’t Worth the Bargain
Old rugs are too dirty—new rugs are too toxic—call me Goldilocks I guess, because I want a rug that’s just right.
Secondhand area rugs can trap years of dirt, odors, pet stains, dust, and allergens—making them difficult and often expensive to properly clean before bringing them into your home.
Area rugs are one of those thrift finds that sound like a great idea—until you really stop to think about it.
They sit in an awkward middle ground—too expensive to feel great about buying new, but also too expensive to clean if you buy them used. And that’s where the problem starts.
According to Google, the average cost to have an area rug professionally cleaned is about $175, and that can go up quickly depending on size, age, and material.
Let’s be honest—most secondhand rugs have seen years of foot traffic, dirt from outside shoes, pet stains, and a steady buildup of dust and dander over the years. Without a professional deep clean, there’s really no way to know what you’re bringing into your home.
That beautiful vintage rug might look like a score at first glance, but rolling it out in your living room without a second thought? That’s a bold move bestie.
If you’re not planning to invest in professional cleaning, it’s better to skip thrifted rugs altogether—some savings just aren’t worth what might come with them.
9. The Hidden Cost of Repairing Damaged Upholstered Furniture
All I can say is that I wish I had the skills to reupholster furniture…
Damaged upholstered furniture often costs more to repair than it’s worth, making many thrifted pieces expensive restoration projects instead of affordable deals.
Like thrifted rugs, this one really comes down to practicality—and a little self-awareness about your time, budget, and skill level.
Because yes, technically you could reupholster that damaged vintage chair yourself. But realistically? Most of us are one YouTube tutorial away from turning a “fun DIY project” into a full-blown emotional crisis.
And professional reupholstery—gets expensive fast.
That $20 antique fainting couch might feel like the deal of the century—right up until you realize the average cost to reupholster it is around $1800 (so Google says). That kind of expense is where a bargain hunter’s dreams go to die.
If a piece already needs major repairs before you even bring it home, it’s probably not the bargain you think it is. Sometimes it’s better to pass and wait for something better to come along.
10. Why Used Small Kitchen Appliances are a Health Risk
For anyone wondering if it’s even possible to keep a crockpot clean—I’ll go ahead and leave this picture right here… ;)
Used small kitchen appliances aren’t worth buying at thrift stores because they’re difficult to fully clean, and hidden buildup, bacteria, and residue can remain in internal parts and crevices.
The issue is that they’re notoriously hard to clean thoroughly—especially in the small cracks, crevices,and components you can’t fully see or reach. Let’s be honest, most people aren’t deep-cleaning their appliances on a regular basis.
Which means what you see on the outside is rarely the full picture.
So when those items end up at a thrift store, you’re basically taking a gamble on how they were used—and how often they were cleaned.
Think about those crockpots at potlucks with crusted-on food, or coffee makers so coated in buildup the carafe looks permanently full. Now imagine that same level of “clean” sitting on a thrift store shelf—hard pass.
Unless it’s brand new in the box, it’s probably not worth the risk. If it’s used to prepare your food or drinks, you’re better off buying new.
That said, I might risk it for a KitchenAid stand mixer or Breville espresso machine—because those are hella expensive, always.
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…
When it comes to thrift shopping, knowing what items to never buy secondhand is just as important as finding a good deal.
At the end of the day you can approach thrifting kind of like dating—set your standards high and know where you’re willing to compromise. And remember—we all have our own “items to never buy secondhand” non-negotiables. If your list looks completely different, that’s fine—you can have dibs on dirty towels and crusty crockpots, and I’ll thrift the haunted mirrors.
So bestie—what’s a thrift store item you would never bring home? Drop it in the comments or share your own “hard pass” list, because we all have at least one thing we refuse to buy secondhand—and I’m curious what’s yours?