It can be smart to purchase secondhand items to save some cash whilst also reducing waste. However, not every pre-owned item is wise to purchase. For example, here are some items you should always avoid buying secondhand to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Car Seats
Another secondhand purchase that is just too unsafe to risk is car seats. A used car seat may have been involved in an accident, weakening its structure, and they’re also often subject to safety recalls, which will be impossible secondhand. So, it’s really risking your child’s safety over nothing.
Tires
It may be tempting to purchase some secondhand tires for your car as they’re pretty expensive, but that would be a bad decision. Used tires often have uneven wear and may be damaged internally, which can lead to blowouts or poor traction, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Footwear
Not only is the idea of secondhand footwear gross due to potential fungi and bacteria, but it’s also going to be uncomfortable. Shoes mold to the original owner’s feet, and your feet will be shaped differently to theirs, so you could risk discomfort or even injury from wearing them.
Mattresses
This might seem obvious, but as Sureclean International explains via Linkedin, used mattresses can harbor allergens, bedbugs, and other pests. Mattresses also lose support over time, causing discomfort and even causing back issues. So, it’s wiser to invest in a new mattress to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
Upholstered Furniture
Just like mattresses, pre-owned upholstered furniture can contain dust mites, mold, and other gross allergens, so they’re best to avoid. Stains and odors from previous owners are also difficult to remove, so just buy a fresh one to avoid infecting your home with problems.
Helmets
While they don’t get too dirty, helmets aren’t a wise secondhand purchase as they may have protected someone in a crash before, compromising their structural integrity. They may look fine, but you can’t be sure of its history, so it’s just not worth it, especially when they’re relatively cheap.
Swimsuits and Underwear
Most people don’t even think about buying secondhand underwear or swimsuits, but if you are, drop that thought. They can harbor nasty bacteria and other pathogens that could cause serious health risks, so for hygiene reasons, just buy some fresh from the store.
Blenders and Food Processors
When somebody sells a used blender or food processor, it could have hidden damage that ruins its performance, making it only a matter of time until it breaks. Furthermore, residues from previous use can be difficult to clean thoroughly, so it’s not worth the hassle; just buy new appliances.
Laptops, Tablets, and Smartphones
Similarly to kitchen appliances, used laptops, tablets, or smartphones could have all sorts of issues, even if they seem fine on first use. For example, battery degradation, outdated software, or damaged charging ports could all be lurking in your device. Don’t get us started on the potential for data breaches.
Baby Bottles
It should be obvious why buying secondhand baby bottles is a terrible idea. Due to their heavy use, they may not meet current safety standards, and they can even contain harmful chemicals from being worn out. When they’re so cheap, it’s irresponsible to risk your baby’s health like that.
Stuffed Animals
People like to buy stuffed animals secondhand, as it gives them a second chance with a new child. However, they will undoubtedly come bundled with dust mites and bacteria, making them a potential health hazard for children. It’s best to buy them new or at least clean them very thoroughly.
Vacuum Cleaners
Everybody knows how fragile and temperamental vacuum cleaners become over time, so risking a secondhand purchase is not wise. In addition, they’ll likely contain residue dust and allergen residue from the past house it was used to clean, so opt for a brand new vacuum to ensure cleanliness and performance.
Non-Stick Cookware
Many people don’t realize that the coating on non-stick cookware can degrade over time, releasing harmful chemicals into their home-cooked meals. For this reason, you should only buy new non-stick cookware, but if you’re looking for secondhand pots and pans, cast iron or stainless steel is much less risky.
Cameras
Just like other gadgets, buying cameras secondhand isn’t smart, as the previous user could have damaged them in ways that are not hidden. However, such problems can be even more serious for cameras, including sensor damage or shutter wear. You’ll use your camera for years, so just buy it new.
Cosmetics and Skincare Products
There are two reasons why buying cosmetics and skincare products secondhand should be avoided. Firstly, they have a limited shelf life, and secondly, secondhand use could apply foreign bacteria onto your body, causing skin irritation or infections. Buying these items new is important to ensure they are safe and effective.
Kitchen Knives
The problem with purchasing secondhand kitchen knives is that they may be dull or damaged, and such defects are difficult to capture in a photograph. Therefore, there’s no way of knowing whether the knives have been damaged, and if they are, they won’t be effective and could even be dangerous.
Baby Cribs
Safety standards for baby cribs have changed over the years, so when buying secondhand, you never know when you could be purchasing a safety hazard for your child. In general, it’s never worth purchasing secondhand childcare products because the money saved will never outweigh the severity of the risks.
Electrical Tools
When completing one-off DIY jobs, it might be tempting to buy preowned electrical tools, saving you from purchasing them for a single job. However, that’s not wise; they may have worn parts or hidden damage that can make them ineffective or even unsafe. Grab them new, or consider renting them.
Toiletries
This should be obvious, but secondhand toiletries, such as razors, toothbrushes, and hairbrushes, are absolute no-gos for secondhand purchases. They pose significant hygiene risks, such as bacteria and other pathogens, and let’s be honest–you really do not want to use someone else’s toothbrush.