Shopping at Goodwill is a great way to save money on dishes, books, picture frames, baskets, and home décor. Some secondhand items are worth a closer look, but others can bring cleaning headaches, hidden damage, or safety concerns, so buying new is a better choice.
A low price doesn’t always mean you’re getting a good deal. Here are 10 items I’d think twice about buying at a thrift store.
Untested Appliances
A blender, coffee maker, or lamp may seem like a bargain, but it’s hard to know its condition without testing it first. If the store won’t let you check whether it works, I’d skip it and spend that money on an appliance I know functions properly.
Related: 7 Things Many Goodwill Shoppers Get Completely Wrong
Upholstered Furniture
A secondhand sofa or armchair can hide pet hair, stubborn odors, stains, allergens, or unwanted pests deep within the fabric. Unless the furniture comes from a trusted source and can be thoroughly inspected and cleaned, I’d look elsewhere.
Related: 12 Things People With Always-Clean Homes Never Do
Rugs
Used rugs can hold dirt, pet odors, moisture, and allergens that aren’t obvious during a quick inspection. Professional cleaning may cost more than the rug itself, so I’d only buy one if its condition is clear and cleaning makes financial sense.
Related: 15 Things Shoppers Say They Only Buy at Dollar Tree Now
Pillows
Pillows absorb sweat, skin oils, dust, and other residue during years of use. Since new pillows are often affordable, I’d rather buy a fresh pair than wonder what might be hiding inside a used one.
Related: 9 Things in Your Kitchen That May Be Dirtier Than Your Countertops
Mattresses
A used mattress may have hidden stains, moisture damage, odors, or signs of bedbugs that are difficult to spot in a store. Since a mattress affects both sleep comfort and hygiene, I’d prefer to buy a new one from a retailer with a clear return policy.
Cribs
Older cribs may have missing hardware, damaged parts, or designs that don’t meet current safety standards. For a baby’s sleeping space, I’d choose a new crib that meets current safety requirements rather than risk an item with an unknown history.
Car Seats
A used car seat may have been in a crash, stored in damaging conditions, or passed its expiration date without showing obvious signs of trouble. I’d buy new unless I could verify the seat’s full history, recall status, expiration date, and condition according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Swimwear and Underwear
Swimwear and underwear are worn close to the skin, and their fabric can stretch, thin, or wear out after repeated use and washing. Since these items are often available at reasonable prices new, I’d skip secondhand options and choose ones that fit well and feel comfortable.
Nonstick Cookware
Used nonstick pans may have scratched or worn coatings that are difficult to judge at a glance. I’d buy new cookware if the coating is peeling or badly damaged, since a replacement offers a clear idea of the pan’s condition from the start.
Stuffed Animals
Secondhand plush toys can hold dust, pet hair, odors, and other residue, while older toys may have loose seams or small parts that pose risks to young children. I’d only consider one that can be cleaned according to its care instructions and has no damaged stitching, loose pieces, or other safety concerns.
