Living costs are increasingly high, so many people try to save money and prevent waste by shopping secondhand. However, there are some items that you should only purchase brand new. Here are 19 products you shouldn’t buy used to ensure you stay safe and happy!
Car Seats
Car seats have strict safety standards, which can change over time. Used car seats may not meet these standards and may become damaged when used. Verywell Family explains that: “While a used car seat might save money, it could also compromise safety.” It’s just not worth it!
Crash Helmets
Crash helmets are required for many sports and are a great way to help keep yourself safe, but just like with car seats, they’re just not worth cheaping out on. Used helmets may have damaged or weakened materials that you can’t see from past accidents, meaning they won’t protect you as it should.
Mattresses
Mattresses are undeniably expensive when new, but they’re worth your cash. Even if they appear clean, secondhand mattresses can be unhygienic and carry allergens. Over time, they can also become less supportive, and the last thing you want is an aching back!
Baby Cribs
There’s no denying it–baby products cost a lot of money, and cribs are pricey. However, you must purchase a new one to keep up with current safety standards, something that older options may have neglected. After all, surely you only want the best for your baby!
Electronics with Lithium-Ion Batteries
Although some refurbished electronics can be safe, those with lithium-ion batteries should be avoided. The batteries can wear and become damaged over time, making them more prone to overheating. The NHS states that if they overheat, they pose a: “risk of a serious fire or explosion.” Yikes.
Swimsuits
Buying a used swimsuit is seriously unhygienic (yes, even if it’s washed) and can also result in a bad fit. Even if you buy your regular size, the fabric is likely to become loose over time because of its stretch. The material can also break down due to the chlorine in the pool.
Makeup
You might be surprised to know that makeup has expiration dates, and secondhand makeup may be expired! It can also be unhygienic since it’s been used on someone else’s face. Try the drugstore for cheap deals on makeup products instead; don’t risk getting an infection!
Shoes
Unless you’re getting lightly used footwear from someone you know, it’s probably better to steer clear of buying used. Feet can carry lots of bacteria and sweat that you don’t want to share with others. Aside from hygiene, shoes become molded to a person’s foot, so used footwear may not support you anyway.
Tires
Although part-worn tires can be safe, they need to meet many strict standards, so it’s better to avoid them. The UK Government claims that “There could be serious risks if there is an underlying issue with a second-hand tire,” so do you really want to roll the dice over a few bucks!?
Personal Hygiene Products
Products like razors, sponges, washcloths, toothbrushes, nail clippers, and soaps should never be bought used—even if you’re on a tight budget. They can hold all sorts of bacteria and fungi, which can cause health issues. Gross! Avoid at all costs.
Underwear
This one is quite obvious, but it’s important to be clear that you should never buy used underwear. Even if it’s well-washed, it’s just not hygienic, plain and simple! Plus, if it’s been worn a lot, it probably won’t fit you well, as the elastic becomes loose with regular wear.
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets are great for keeping you cozy in cold weather, but they can be dangerous if they’re worn or damaged. Even if you buy them new, they should be replaced every ten years, so never buy one secondhand for your safety; the last thing you want is a fire!
Harnesses for Pets
Pets are family, so they need to be kept safe when they’re in the car! If you use a safety harness for your pet, it should be purchased new to ensure it isn’t damaged. Even if a second-hand bargain looks undamaged, there could be hidden wear and tear, so don’t risk it.
Safety Gear for Sports
Lots of sports require gear to keep you safe (such as climbing ropes, knee pads, and mouth guards). Like the helmets we discussed earlier, this gear must be bought brand new to ensure it isn’t damaged and meets safety standards. To be effective, it also needs to fit you properly!
Vacuum Cleaners
Buying a secondhand vacuum cleaner from a trustworthy source may not be dangerous, but it’s still not a good idea. Not only are there hygiene concerns, but vacuums’ performance will always decline over time. So, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you won’t get your floors as clean as you’d like!
Furniture with Upholstery
You can find some real bargains when it comes to thrifting furniture, but generally, you’ll want to avoid buying used upholstered furniture. It can hold onto all sorts of smells, stains, and hidden bacteria – it can even have ‘bed bugs.’ Trust us; that’s a problem you do not want to have!
Swim Caps and Goggles
When used, chlorine can damage the materials in swimming caps and goggles, making secondhand options risky purchases. The cap, in particular, may become loose and not fit as tightly as it should, so you’re far better off finding some affordable, brand-new ones.
Breast Pumps
This probably won’t surprise you, but breast pumps are designed for one person only and can be very unhygienic to share. The FDA states, “Even if a used device looks really clean, potentially infectious particles may survive in the breast pump and/or its accessories for a surprisingly long time.” Avoid!
Makeup Brushes and Sponges
Finally, makeup tools can hold onto bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils from the previous owner’s skin; they may even have residual makeup left over beneath the surface that you can’t see… Do you really want to put that on your face!? Thankfully, makeup brushes and sponges are pretty cheap, so there’s really no reason to make this compromise!
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