This is an item you’ve likely seen at your local thrift store. But purchasing a slow cooker or any item without knowing if there is a dysfunctional motor or faulty wire could be a fire hazard and dangerous.

While that used stuffed animal might be absolutely adorable and a great gift idea for a child you love, it’s probably not a great idea to take it home. You don’t want to take the risk of it being infested with bed bugs or fleas.

These complex pieces of machinery are easily damaged when dropped or handled incorrectly. It might not be worth the risk of losing all your data or having a glitch when performing an important task.

The Green Science Policy Institute found that 80 percent of furniture made between 1984 and 2010 may contain harmful chemicals. These items can also be prone to infestations of bed bugs.

Thrifted pieces aren’t the best choices for nurseries. This is because you can’t be sure if the items were made to be child-safe or if the item was recalled.

A potential for pee, poop, puke, and fleas. Need we say more?

Upholstered headboard could be harboring bedbugs or fleas. It’s best to opt for a wooden or metal one if you’re buying secondhand.

An appliance like a vacuum cleaner might not be reliable and could break down after you buy it. You should see if it comes with a warranty or be prepared to have it not last long if you are making a second-hand purchase. You should also consider whether it is sanitary.

We spend a lot of time in our beds leaving all kinds of human body fluid behind. You don’t want to sleep in someone else’s. Spend a few extra bucks and buy yourself brand-new bedding.

Vintage crystal items may have been made with 32 or more percent of lead oxide. S0, it’s best to stay away from crystal items that have the potential to contaminate your food or drink.

If you can’t test the appliance before you purchased it, then don’t buy it. You don’t want to get home to find out that it’s broken.

If you’re interested in purchasing vintage dishware, plan on only using it for decoration. They could be made with lead or other toxic substances.

While it might be tempting to purchase some reclaimed construction materials for your next project, it could be dangerous. Items like doors, windows, and molding that were made before 1978 could have remnants of lead on them.

Make sure you don’t take home anything with old or chipped paint. This is because it could contain lead.

It’s also a good idea to avoid secondhand items that have vintage hardware. Though it may look beautiful, it could also contain lead.

This one should be a no-brainer. Aside from visible or invisible stains, you don’t want to run the risk of bed bugs.

Used cookware may be a tempting cost-savings or aesthetically pleasing option, but it’s best to avoid them. These items could be rusty or have chipped non-stick coating which could make them unsafe.

This is another no-brainer. You know how gross your pillows can get. Why would you want to use someone else’s? On top of that, you have to worry about bed bugs.

Secondhand shoes can be worn out and have diminished support. They can also carry a lot of icky bacteria or fungus.

Buying used shapewear, panties, or other swimsuits secondhand is a bad idea. Even if cleaned well, you run the risk of exposing yourself to bacteria and fungi.

Buying used makeup is an awful idea. Expired makeup can make you break out with pimples, a rash, or an infection. If the makeup is sealed, you should make sure it isn’t past its expiration date.

You don’t want to pick up hats or helmets at the thrift shop. They could be carrying lice and other weird bacteria or infections.

Secondhand rain gear might seem like a good idea to buy, but it’s not. They can wear out over time and lost their ability to keep our moisture.

It’s best to avoid electronics like phones or TVs from the thrift store. You can’t be sure if it’s in good working order or not or how long it will be. It would break within a day or have a defect it takes you a few days to realize.

Safety gates may have missing parts or be worn out, potentially failing to keep your child safe.

Helmets may have hidden damage or a compromised protective layer, rendering them ineffective in case of an accident.

Used car batteries can have diminished capacity and a shorter lifespan, leading to unexpected breakdowns.

Older electric blankets may pose a fire hazard due to worn wiring or heating elements.

Used tires could have hidden damage, reduced tread life, or may be unsafe due to their age.

It’s unwise to buy personal hygiene items like razors or toothbrushes secondhand, as they may harbor bacteria or germs.

Older space heaters may lack safety features and could be prone to electrical issues or fires.

Used smoke detectors may not function correctly, potentially putting your safety at risk.

Secondhand hair dryers may not be up to safety standards and could be a fire risk.

Used baby items may not be free of harmful chemicals or could be damaged.

Pre-owned pet car seats may not offer proper protection, endangering your pet during travel.

Used fire extinguishers may be expired or not properly maintained, rendering them ineffective in emergencies.

Prescription glasses should be custom-fitted to your eyes and prescription, making secondhand ones unsuitable.

Hygiene concerns make buying used undergarments inadvisable.

Personal items like swimsuits should be bought new due to hygiene reasons.

Scratched nonstick cookware can release harmful chemicals into your food.

Used bike locks may be worn out and less secure, putting your bicycle at risk of theft.

Old wiring may be unsafe and not up to code, posing fire risks.

Used car parts may be unreliable, affecting your vehicle’s safety and performance.

A used bowling ball may not provide the right fit or performance level you need.

Used weights might have structural issues that compromise safety during workouts.

Hygiene is a concern with used makeup applicators, which can harbor bacteria.

Pre-owned electric razors may be less effective and unsanitary.

Used dishwashers may have mechanical issues or hidden mold problems.

Older gas appliances might have gas leaks or safety concerns.