18 Things You Should Absolutely Never Buy Secondhand (And Why)
Popping tags at the thrift store and garage sale hunting are activities I’ve enjoyed indulging in over the years. However, there are plenty of items that you should never buy secondhand. Here are some top offenders and why you should opt for brand-new options on these items.
1. Baby Bottles
Baby bottles were once made with a dangerous chemical that has since been removed called Bisphenol A (BPA). According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it accumulates in several human tissues and organs, potentially harming human health through different molecular mechanisms. It may cause nerve and behavior problems in infants and children. This chemical has been banned in baby bottles, so skipping secondhand is better.
2. Car Seats
Did you know you are supposed to replace your car seat if it’s involved in a motor vehicle accident? After that, they’re supposed to be replaced immediately. However, there’s no way to know a secondhand car seat’s history. So it’s best to buy new.
3. Helmets
Similarly, helmets are not ideal to buy at thrift shops or secondhand stores. There is the pressing matter of safety. WebMD, “Most helmets are made to hold up through only one crash. Or one drop on a hard surface. Once that happens, the foam inside squeezes and won’t protect you the same way, even if it looks fine.”
4. Mattresses
Secondhand mattresses are a nasty little risk. They are havens for bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens. But there’s a far more sinister threat it poses: bedbugs! Those nasty pests are extremely difficult to eliminate and cost a small fortune. People typically need to throw away furniture and carpet with a bedbug infestation.
5. Pillows
Pillows are another breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and dust mites. And again, you run the risk of introducing bed bugs into your home with secondhand pillows and bedding.
6. Cosmetics
Cosmetics and makeup brushes that have been opened and used put you at risk for bacterial issues, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). They are breeding grounds for all sorts of other people’s germs.
It may sound harmless. However, a 27-year-old woman named Jo Gilchrist was completely paralyzed after developing a staph infection that attacked her spine. Don’t share makeup and brushes.
7. Toiletries
Similarly, avoid buying preowned personal hygiene products, including nail clippers, razors, toothbrushes, lotions, and other skincare products. They may harbor bacteria and fungi that can cause health issues. Also, they may be well past their expiration dates and unsafe for use.
8. Undergarments
It should go without saying that underwear, bras, and lingerie are things that you are much better off buying brand-new. Who wants to wear used underwear? You never know if the person who donated the item washed it properly. Then, it’s passed through who knows how many people’s hands.
9. Swimsuits
It’s all about cleanliness, and a used swimsuit is gross. Did you know you’re not supposed to wash swimsuits in hot water? It causes the material to wear thin.
However, even if it’s been washed in hot water, there’s no way to make this garment genuinely clean again. According to STD Check, you can get an STI or STD from wearing a used swimsuit. So, this one is a no-brainer.
10. Shoes
Did you know that buying used shoes can cause discomfort and pain? That’s because they take the shape of the original wearer’s feet. The wear and tear on the soles can also cause discomfort by not providing adequate support. If you buy secondhand shoes, swap out the insoles for greater comfort and support.
11. Upholstered Furniture
You run the same risk of bedbug infestations when you buy any secondhand furniture. Furthermore, you may encounter rodent issues if you’re a yard sale advocate or someone who grabs used furniture curbside.
12. Small Appliances
Buying secondhand small appliances, such as hand mixers, blenders, and even lamps, is a significant fire risk due to old, faulty wiring. Also, an appliance with a worn or frayed cord can generate dangerous heat levels, igniting surfaces like hand towels, rugs, and curtains and starting a fire.
13. Vacuum Cleaners
Used vacuum cleaners can be risky due to loose wiring, and vacuum cleaners aren’t built to last longer than eight to ten years. So you have no idea how much usage one has on it. Another nasty tidbit of fact is that most people do not properly clean their vacuums. You also run the risk of introducing infestations like fleas to your home.
14. Hats
Hats are worn on someone’s head, collecting sweat and debris, and are rarely washed. Yuck! Another ick factor is the possibility of a lice infestation. Avoid buying used hats, but if you insist, ensure you sanitize them adequately before placing them on your head.
15. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are a breeding pool of nasty, filthy germs and bacteria. Think about all the little, sticky fingers all over them. Even worse, if kids don’t hesitate to put sticky fingers on their stuffed toys, imagine what else is on their unwashed hands. No, thank you.
16. Tires
Don’t buy used tires! Seriously, you never know where or how they’ve been used. Consumer Reports warns: “The tire could have been driven overloaded, underinflated, or to excessively high speed. Any one or a combination of these factors could lead to internal damage not visible from the outside.” In matters of safety, it’s always better to buy new.
17. Area Rugs
Area rugs are filthy! They harbor grime, dander, allergens, and possible bacteria or infestations. Most people don’t properly care for their rug’s cleaning needs. So it is best to buy new.
18. Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick coatings on cookware often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which break down very slowly in the body and can cause health issues, including lowered immunity and kidney disease. Used nonstick cookware often has scratches in the coating, increasing health risks.
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Olivia Jones is a self-professed money geek who strives always to find the best buy. It started when she was faced with overwhelming credit card debt and an acknowledgment of an unhealthy compulsive buying disorder. She's since overcome her debt by budgeting, saving and investing, and aims to share her best tips to help others overcome their own shopping addictions by developing healthy money habits.