15 Garage Sale Items You’ll Regret Buying
Love secondhand shopping? Garage sales can be a prime destination for bargain hunters, but some deals just aren’t worth the risk. Sure, that vintage lamp or lightly used dining room table might be a steal, but certain items are better left untouched. From hygiene issues to safety hazards, here are more than a dozen items you should never buy secondhand at a garage sale — no matter the price.
1. Cribs and Baby Gear
Something to consider is that older cribs, strollers, and baby seats may not meet current safety regulations. Many have been recalled due to design flaws or hazards, making them unsafe. If you want to buy these items secondhand, or if you found a deal that’s just too good to ignore, consider pulling out your phone and doing a quick search to see if there are any recalls or safety concerns about the product.
2. Mattresses and Pillows
Used mattresses and pillows often contain dust mites, bacteria, and even bed bugs. Bleh. Even if they look clean, you never know their history, and professional cleaning can cost more than buying new. If you found a deal that’s too good to pass up, or you’re just set on buying a mattress secondhand, learn how to check for bed bugs. It will save you a lot of time, money, and stress.
3. Upholstered Furniture
As with used mattresses, couches, chairs, and other upholstered items often have mold, dust, and even pests lurking below the surface. Even if the item looks clean, deep-set odors and allergens can be nearly impossible to remove. Almost everyone with pet allergies has a story of getting a secondhand couch or chair home just to start having a reaction. It’s just not worth it.
4. Power Tools
Tthe wiring in old power tools can become faulty over time. Buying them secondhand can be risky even if they look like they’re in good shape. Though if you find some cool antique tools, it could be worth a closer look!
5. Non-Stick Cookware
Non-stick pots and pans are made with some pretty gnarly chemicals. Over time, and especially if the non-stick surface is scratched, those chemicals can be released into your food and are a huge safety hazard. When buying cookware secondhand, look for stainless steel or cast iron.
6. Bicycles and Scooters
Bikes and scooters from garage sales often have worn-out brakes, weak frames, or missing parts. If they haven’t been properly maintained, they can be dangerous to ride. Consider taking any secondhand purchases to a bike shop to have them tuned up and checked out before riding.
7. Used Shoes
Shoes conform to the wearer’s feet over time, making them less supportive and comfortable for someone new to start wearing them secondhand. Bacteria and odors are also a concern, especially with running shoes.
8. Older Electric Kitchen Appliances
While the nostalgia of a vintage appliance may be appealing visually, they can be downright dangerous. The wiring and heating elements can wear out and become faulty and a hazard.
9. Stuffed Animals and Plush Toys
Plush toys are difficult to clean thoroughly and can harbor dust mites or bed bugs. For families with small children, the risk of hidden germs makes them a bad buy.
10. Personal Care Items (Makeup, Hairbrushes, Razors)
Used beauty and grooming tools can spread bacteria, fungi, or even lice. Many also have expiration dates, making them ineffective or unsafe over time. Things like combs can be sanitized, but it’s best just to buy these items new.
11. Old Cameras and Lenses
Dust buildup, damaged internal components, and outdated technology make many secondhand cameras unreliable. While there are a lot of great deals you can find, there are a lot of issues that you won’t be able to see until you get a roll of film developed or try transferring the photos to your computer (in the case of digital cameras). If you find something you just can’t pass up, take it to a camera shop and have it inspected and cleaned.
12. DVDs, VHS Tapes, and CDs
Many secondhand DVDs and CDs are scratched and no longer play properly. VHS tapes degrade over time, and even if they work, many people no longer have a VCR to play them. If you find something you just can’t pass up, give it a good thorough inspection.
13. Board Games and Puzzles
Games and puzzles often have missing pieces after years of use by the original owner. With board games, it might be easier to determine whether or not all the pieces are there, and it’s next to impossible to tell for puzzles. If you roll the dice on buying these secondhand, make sure you get a good price for your gamble.
14. Electronics
Unless you can plug in the device and properly test it before you buy it, secondhand electronics are a big gamble.
15. Underwear and Swimwear
Hygiene concerns make these garage sale items a poor choice for secondhand shopping. Even if they look unused, there’s no way to verify how clear or safe they are to wear.