For me, few things compare to the thrill of the hunt when thrifting. Not knowing what hidden gems are waiting to be unearthed is simply exhilarating. It’s probably a stretch, but as The Spruce’s Senior Visual Editor, I would even argue that thrifting is part of my job.
As a home website, The Spruce’s team is full of expert thrifters so I am in good company. There are many potentially valuable items you should never pass up at thrift stores, but what about the items that are better left on the shelf? Read on for our editors’ tips on what you they would personally pass on at thrift stores.
Linens & Bedding
Trent Lanz / Stocksy
For me, thrifting used linens and bedding is generally a no-no. I live in New York, so the threat of bedbugs is always looming. I’d rather not take the chance of bringing something into my apartment that may be harboring pests.
There are some exceptions of course. If I came across a really rare find, like a vintage tablecloth, I might immediately place it into a plastic bag after purchasing and take it straight to a dry cleaner before placing it in my home.
Kate McKenna, Senior Editor, echoes this sentiment.
“I would probably skip used linens and towels from a thrift store,” she says. “I am sure they do their best to clean things before putting them out for sale, but you just never know what level of care and frequency of cleaning these items had in their previous homes.”
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Books
Jessica Ruscello / Unsplash
Hear us out on this one: everyone loves the look and feel of an old book, but there may be repercussions to thrifting them.
“Even though I’m an avid reader, I never shop for books at a thrift store,” says Associate Editor Aliyah Rodriguez. “I know it’s a great way to save money (because why are books so expensive these days?) but I just can’t get over the idea of book lice or bed bugs in between my pages. And before anyone suggests putting them in the freezer—I know, I just don’t want to read my books weeks later and a frozen bug drops out.”
(Some) Glasses
Manuel Breva Colmeiro / Getty Images
Social Media Editor Sara Brown says that although she loves vintage glassware, she’s hesitant about purchasing any from a thrift store.
“Some glassware from the past contained lead and other toxic substances,” she says. “I’d rather not buy a pretty glass at the expense of exposing myself to harmful toxins.”
Her tip?
“If you plan to drink out of vintage glassware make sure to test it for lead! Buy lead testing kits online and you won’t have to wonder if you’re accidentally poisoning yourself.”
Rusted, Scratched, or Tarnished Cookware
Nicolas McComber / Getty Images
“I would not take any rusty or tarnished cookware,” says Associate Editorial Director Jenny Hughes. “I know you can get a lot of those marks out, but I don’t trust my deep-cleaning abilities enough to be able to do it.”
Hughes also has reservations about buying scratched pans, especially non-stick ones. Scratches can compromise the non-stick coating, potentially freeing harmful chemicals that could end up in your food.
