7 Items You Should Never Purchase at a Dollar Store

Back in the day, you could buy an entire pizza or a couple gallons of gas for just a dollar. Today, you’d have a hard time finding anything that inexpensive unless you’re shopping at the dollar store. Dollar stores are a fantastic place to buy certain essentials that other places charge far too much for. But despite the plethora of high-quality goods available, some of the items sold at dollar stores are priced that low for a reason. In these cases, it’s worth paying a little bit more for better quality and durability. Here are seven items that you should never purchase at a dollar store.

Batteries

The batteries typically sold at dollar stores are made for low-drain devices, meaning they provide less power and have a shorter lifespan than other pricier yet worthwhile options. Also, these generic batteries are notoriously made from low-quality materials, so they’re more likely to leak and potentially damage your electronics. Stick to reputable battery brands. While these types of batteries may cost more upfront, you won’t have to worry about replacing those cheap dollar store batteries every month after they die.

Liquid Detergent

The inexpensive liquid detergent sold at dollar stores is highly ineffective, and you may just end up washing the same load of laundry multiple times to achieve a proper clean.  These shoddy detergents are usually heavily watered down and fail to tackle grime and dirt as effectively as more trusted brands like Tide. Also, remember that detergents lose effectiveness in time, so be wary of those cheap dollar store brands that may have been sitting on the shelf for months.

Tools

Dollar store tools are far more trouble than they’re worth, as they’re often made of cheap materials and will likely break the moment you begin your first DIY project. Imagine the top of a hammer flying off when you try to hit a nail into the wall, or a screwdriver head snapping in two — both of these incidents would just lead to huge headaches. Investing in a more durable toolset is absolutely essential for most homeowners, so try and shop for a higher-quality brand such as Black + Decker.

Windshield Fluid

Don’t be tempted by those giant jugs of Driver’s Choice windshield washer fluid sold by Dollar Tree, as that product is notorious for being less effective in the wintertime. Using it may put you at risk of being stuck with an icy windshield and no way to clean it. That’s why it’s absolutely worth paying the $10 extra for a more trusted brand like Prestone for some added reliability and peace of mind.

Plastic Food Containers

Tupperware is a leading brand in the plastic food container space for a reason: Their products are dishwasher, microwave, and BPA-safe. But at dollar stores, the only food storage containers you’ll find are those made from flimsy plastic possibly full of toxins. This may result in the storage container melting in the dishwasher or releasing harmful chemicals if placed in the microwave. When it comes to food safety, don’t cut corners by shopping at the dollar store.

Phone Chargers

Phone chargers purchased at the dollar store may give you a couple days of reliable juice before they fritz out and never work again. These devices are shoddily made, and you’ll just need to buy a replacement before too long. Always stick to phone chargers made by companies you can trust, like those produced by Apple and Samsung. These devices will not only last longer but will charge your phone quicker than any dollar store alternative.

Toilet Paper

Dollar store toilet paper is often made up of thin, single-ply sheets that fail to do a good job at cleaning. This cheap toilet paper is also just plain uncomfortable, as you may be left with redness and chafing after each use. Brands like Quilted Northern provide a more thorough and comfortable clean without breaking the bank, so leave those cheap dollar store brands on the shelf.