A charity shop worker has admitted there’s a used item she would never buy. Stacey made the candid thrifting confession as she thinks people need to know about it
Lots of people use charity shops as they are great places to visit to bag deals; however, sometimes people highlight issues that can be experienced when visiting. One charity shop worker recently admitted there’s a key item she’d never buy if it was used, as she thinks it’s best to avoid it.
Stacey, known as Queen of Preloved on TikTok, is known for sharing thrifting hacks online, and she also talks about what it’s like to work at a charity shop too. However, keen to give her followers some inside information, she decided to reveal the one secondhand item she’d never snap up.
It’s not the first story of its kind to be shared on the topic either. Previously, someone else admitted there’s a side to charity shops that many people don’t see.
What would she avoid?
In a candid clip, Stacey said: “Here’s what I wouldn’t buy from a charity shop. Knickers.
“I just wouldn’t buy knickers, because that’s obvious. I mean, you do you, if you don’t mind sticking them through the washer.
“It’s just the imagery – the fact that someone has, you know – and I will buy bras if the elastic is good, if they are clean, if they are a good shape. I will buy bras.
“To be fair, I don’t see knickers in charity shops either but, if there were to be them, I wouldn’t buy them. I won’t buy a water bottle either.
“It’s just my thing, especially ones with straws. It’s just not for me, not unless it’s brand new with a tag on, obviously.”
The clip got a lot of people talking, and they had all sorts of things to say. Dozens of people commented to share their thoughts.
One said: “I wouldn’t buy any kitchen appliances like mixers or blenders etc. It just gives me the ick.”
Another added: “We do get new underwear in the shop I volunteer in. We had a Stanley cup on Saturday, used. Got £15 within 30 minutes of putting it out.”
A third replied: “Ew, same. I don’t put out knickers, bras or tights unless all brand new with tags. Swimwear I am fussy. Give them a good check. If any doubt, chuck it out.”
What you need to know
More often than not, you cannot donate used knickers to standard high street charity shops due to strict hygiene and safety rules. However, there can be exceptions for brand-new items, specialised charities and textile recycling schemes.
Unworn underwear with original tags attached is sometimes accepted by select local or independent charity shops. This means you should always check with the shop before attempting to donate any.
Some charity shops also won’t accept used water bottles due to hygiene concerns. They can be hard to clean so some places won’t accept them.
However, some will accept those that are in a brand new condition. If you need any advice, contact your local charity shop for further assistance.
