Never Buy These 10 Things at a Thrift Store

1

Vintage painted items

He points out that old painted items — such as vintage dishware — can contain lead and contaminate whatever you’re eating.

2

Mattresses

This is the best place to buy used things. no-no. Almost every expert says it's a bad idea to buy a mattress at a thrift store.

3

Shoes

If you want your feet to feel good and your back to hurt less, you might want to avoid the used shoe area at the thrift store. 

4

Electronics

When you put it in, it could be unsafe because the cords are frayed or the wiring inside is worn out.

5

Small appliances

He says that things like blenders and kitchen tools, which you can't test well in the field, are probably out of warranty.

6

Vacuums

A Consumer Reports story says that the average lifespan of a vacuum cleaner is only about eight years.

8

Beauty products

Some makeup may just stop working as well after a while, while others may collect bacteria and become a health risk.

9

Toys

There are more worries about toys than just lost puzzle pieces or a set of parts that isn't complete.

10

Car seats

In "7 Things That Prove Cheaper Isn't Always Better," we say that you shouldn't buy used car seats or booster seats for children.

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