10 Things You Should Avoid Buying at a Thrift Store And the Reasons Why

Thrift stores became more popular after the opening of Ebay auctions. As resellers searched the market, the addiction of buying second hand, and saving a bundle spread like a contagious disease. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with shopping second hand. You can find some great deals at local thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets across the nation. But, you really should avoid buying somethings second hand, after all there is no way of knowing where these items originated from.

1) Mattresses. They really shouldn't be resold, but they are. If you need a new mattress, and you find one like new for $20.00 pass it up. I know it's hard to do, however mattresses can hide a lot of secrets. Second hand mattresses may have been soiled by bodily fluids, even if the outside looks clean. Also you need to think about bed bugs. These little bugs can hide in the inside of the mattress, and you never see them. Remember bed bugs feed at night, on humans.

2) Underwear. I can't count the number of times I have seen ladies buying used undergarments. Never buy undergarments second hand, even if you plan on bleaching them. It's just gross. Stores like Ross or TJ Max sell undergarments at a discounted price. You can find panties for .99 cents, and bra's for less then a few dollars at discount store.

3) Swimsuits. This is pretty much the same as underwear, and most swimsuits can not be bleached. It's best to spend a few extra dollars to get a new one.

4) Cosmetics. It might seem weird to think about ladies buying used cosmetics, but they do it. I have seen "grab" bags of Mary Kay for only a few dollars. In buying used or old cosmetics you run a chance of acquiring infections, and disease.

5) Stuffed Animals. A lot of grandparents like to buy second hand stuffed toys for the kids. Stuffed animals could contain viruses, disease, and even head lice. You can typically find cheap stuffed animals at local dollar stores for a buck, and they are brand new.

6) Rugs. O.K this one is iffy. If you buy a second hand rug, you need to wash it. Rugs can cost $40.00 or more to clean, so in the long run you would be better to buy new. Rugs can contain viruses, germs, diseases, and more commonly fleas. Flea eggs take a while to hatch, and you really don't want a flea infestation in your house.

7) Comforter's. Unless you plan on paying to have it cleaned, don't even think about it. Again you are looking at about $40.00 in cleaning fee's.

8) Eyeglasses. How many times have you seen eyeglasses selling second hand? Do not buy them, they aren't yours. Prescription eyeglasses are expensive new, but remember each pair is make for a certain pair of eyes. Using someone else's glasses can cause more damage to your eyes, and cost you more in the long run.

9) Wigs. Used wigs, and hair pieces should not be wore, at all. And whatever you do, do not try them on in the store. Head lice, fleas, virus, and more can be found in used wigs.

10) Hats. Just like the wigs.

It's understandable that some people just can't afford to buy new, and find themselves in a situation where if they don't buy it used, they just won't have one at all. If you find yourself in this predicament it's alright. Just remember to think healthy. You should always wash anything you buy second hand. There isn't much you can do to clean a mattress, but at least heavily spray it with a disinfectant like Lysol, and put a plastic mattress cover on it before use.

With undergarments, swimsuits, and other clothing bleach if possible. If the garment can not be bleached, then you should wash in hot water, and allow them to dry throughly in a dryer, before wearing. The same rules apply to stuffed animals. If you really must buy it second hand, then wash it well, and dry in dryer. With comforters, and rugs, unless you have a large machine you will have to have them cleaned. Check with your local Laundromat to see if they have large machines available. With wigs, and hats, unless you really need them, you shouldn't buy them. If you do try to wash it as practically as possible.

As a rule of thumbs, wash everything that you buy used. Almost anything can be disinfected with sprays like Lysol. Soap and water go along way, but use bleach whenever you can. After all your trying to save money, and nothing is more costly the Doctor bills.