16 Things You Should NEVER Buy at Thrift Stores, No Matter How Cheap They Are

Yes, they're adorable, but they're probably dirty—or worse, infested with bed bugs or fleas.

Strong smells may be a sign that the couch or chair you spotted is one of the 85 percent made between 1984 and 2010 that contain harmful fire retardant chemicals in its fabric, according to a study from the Green Science Policy Institute. The only way to be sure is to have the piece tested for toxins.

You’ll never know what previous pets were up to on secondhand pet beds, houses, crates, blankets, and toys. To prevent stinky smells from overtaking your space, and to ensure your furry friend has a clean place to sit or sleep, buy 'em something brand new.

While everyone knows bed bugs love to nestle in mattresses, they can also make a home out of just about anything that's upholstered, and tend to gravitate toward bedroom furniture, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gizmos like vacuum cleaners tend not to hold up for very long, according to Consumer Reports. If you are going to pick one up from your local thrift store, you should always test it—and all other electric-powered products—before you purchase.

A word to the wise: Make sure you know it works before you bring it home.

Over the decades, there have been millions of cribs recalled, in addition to improved crib safety standards put in place, according to HealthyChildren.org. Invest in a safe bed for your little one by purchasing one that's new and up to latest standards.

Two words: bed bugs!

Scratched, rusty, or worn-down baking sheets, pots, pans, and other go-to kitchen supplies are likely not safe for actual use, according to Reader's Digest. Chipped or scratched non-stick coatings and rust are not safe to consume food off of, and over-used cookware may seep harmful chemicals into your food. When it comes to vintage kitchen cookware, you may want to stick to just using them for decoration and not for food consumption.

Bringing home any sort of used textile or item covered with fabric puts you at risk for a bed bug infestation. In fact, bed bugs can survive up to one year in upholstered pieces, according to the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University. And with cute throw pillows available for just $10-$20 on Target.com and Amazon.com, it's both affordable and wise to go for something new.

Cheaply made utensils can cause metals and chemicals to leach and contaminate your food, but sterling silver and stainless steel are safe to use.

Strollers can take a lot of wear and tear, but there are a myriad of reasons you should purchase a new one when you have a baby. The biggest concern is safety, as items may have been recalled or outdated and without the manual you'd never know.

It's essential to wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorized vehicle, but in order to keep up with safety standards, most experts recommend replacing them every three to five years. Even if you find what appears to be an unused helmet at a secondhand shop, there's no way of telling when it was made.

Rain boots at a thrift store may seem like a bargain, but waterproof apparel can wear over the years and become less effective. Trust us, no one likes soggy feet. Best to buy a new pair.