Most people love saving money and cutting corners where they can. Still, there are a handful of items you should never buy secondhand. While it’s true that you can find some incredible deals by purchasing items that have been previously owned by others, it’s in your best interest to purchase some of these important items completely brand-new.
A smart way to save extra cash while still shopping for brand-new stuff would be to purchase whatever you can find from your shopping lists at bargain shops and dollar stores. Click here to discover the 35 items you should always feel comfortable purchasing at a dollar store.
To compile this list of things you should never buy used or secondhand, 24/7 Tempo consulted several money-centered websites. These include US News Money, Money Crashers, and Yahoo Finance.
Mattresses
Buying a used mattress is a terrible idea since mattresses are often filled with dust mites, bedbugs, and other hidden problems. Used mattresses have undoubtedly been collecting buildups of dander and dead skin from previous owners over time. Sometimes, mattresses even start growing mold you won’t easily notice unless you’re doing a deep investigation. Sure, finding a cheap mattress on Craigslist might seem appealing based on how much money you’ll save. Being faced with any of these hygienic issues simply isn’t worth it, though.
Car seats
Anyone with a little one to take care of should purchase a brand-new car seat. Used car seats can be dangerous for a slew of reasons, starting with the fact that car seat designs are changed and updated almost every year. Utilizing a car seat that came in handy for someone else’s child a few years back doesn’t mean it’s still a car seat that’s worth your while now. Overtime, car seats can be recalled or redesigned for safety issues that pop up at random. Little ones should always be buckled into car seats that keep them as safe as possible.
Cosmetics
One of the biggest problems that comes along with buying secondhand cosmetics is that your chosen products might be nearing their expiration dates. The same way food and drinks will spoil in your refrigerator, makeup can go bad in your cosmetic bag. More than likely, secondhand makeup has been sitting around without being used for an unknown period of time. Another issue that comes into play is that used makeup is potentially full of germs and bacteria from the previous owner.
Underwear
It’s pretty obvious that trying to cut corners shouldn’t include buying someone else’s previously used underwear. Since underwear covers the most intimate parts of the human body, everyone should purchase fresh undergarments whenever necessary. While it’s not that big of a deal to purchase used T-shirts, jackets, or pants, underwear is its own special case. Because of wear underwear sits on the intimate parts of your body, a more serious level of germs must be considered.
Cribs
When it comes to the list of essential baby items required, cribs are certainly a big deal. Finding a crib that suits all your needs can cost a few hundred dollars. It’s still worth it when taking care of a newborn child. Cribs that have been previously owned might look like they’re in good condition at first glance, but there might be hidden issues that aren’t easy to point out. A small child could sustain injuries from a crib that was previously owned, which is highly problematic.
Stuffed animals
Buying stuffed animals for little ones to play with is a thoughtful thing to do on holidays and birthdays. The truth about buying stuffed animals that have been used is that they’re filled with an unseen number of germs that would gross just about anyone out. Youngsters are known for skipping out the hand washing process after using the bathroom, picking their noses, playing outside, and more. They play with their stuffed animals without washing their hands all the time! For this reason, used stuffed animals simply shouldn’t be on your radar.
Tires
Cutting corners by purchasing used tires is an easy way to put your life at risk. This is a dangerous idea since there might be internal damages you can’t see from the outside. If the rubber on a tire is already deteriorating from old age, there’s a chance the tires won’t have enough friction to keep you safe on the road. If your health and well-being are a top priority to you, used tires should never be an option.
Nonstick cookware
Purchasing nonstick cookware that’s already been used is a terrible mistake. Once the coating on nonstick cookware starts chipping away, it’s pretty much impossible to get it back. This means the food you’re cooking in previously owned nonstick cookware has a higher chance of getting stuck inside the pots and pans. Even if the coating hasn’t started peeling yet, the lifespan of nonstick cookware that’s been previously owned isn’t impressive enough to spend your money on.
Hats
A lice infestation is one of the most inconveniencing and terrible things for a person to deal with. An easy way to catch lice is by purchasing a hat that was previously owned by someone else. You never know what other peoples hair care methods are, which means it’s impossible to keep track of how hygienic someone’s head really is. It’s best to purchase hats that are brand new to avoid this possibility.
Bed sheets
Buying previously owned bedsheets isn’t smart for the same reasons it’s problematic to buy a used mattress or used underwear. When people have been sleeping on the same bedsheets for years, bacteria and dead skin cells get stuck in the fabric. You can wash the bedsheets and pretend they’re brand-new, but that doesn’t always work out. It’s possible that much of the bacteria and dead skin cells will remain after the washing and drying process is complete.
Helmets
Making sure you’re as safe is important if you care about your health and well-being. That being said, it’s not smart to buy a used helmet that’s already been through the wringer with a previous owner. Helmets are supposed to keep your head intact if you get into an accident on a bicycle, motorcycle, or other activity. With a brand new helmet, you’ll know your head is actually being protected by something that hasn’t been worn down or weakened.
Upholstered furniture
Watch your back before bargain hunting for upholstered furniture. Since the history of an upholstered piece of furniture before you found it will always be a mystery to you, you’ll never know exactly what’s living inside of the padding and fabric. Most people spend almost as much time sitting on their sofa as they do on their bed. Make sure your sofa is brand-new and hygienic since it’s where you’ll likely spend a lot of lounge time.
Swimsuits
In the same way you’d want to avoid purchasing used underwear and other intimate pieces of clothing, previously owned swimsuits are another item you shouldn’t even consider. Swimsuits touch the same private areas of your body that underwear does. This means a completely different level of exposure to germs is on the table when this is something you dabble with. Instead of saving money on swimsuits by purchasing them used, wait until colder seasons roll around to buy swimsuits when they’re on sale.
Surge protectors
If you’re curious to know about the lifespan of a surge protector, they typically survive for up to five years. Interestingly, some surge protectors will burn out in two years or less! Watch out for your own self-interest by avoiding surge protectors that have previously been used by others. You’ll get the best bang for your buck by buying a brand-new surge protector you can use from the start of its power until it reaches its final moment of burn out.
Rugs
Buying previously owned rugs might seem like a good idea if you’re ready to spruce up your living space. This idea is actually quite terrible when you consider all the dirt and germs that might be festering inside the fibers of a rug. No matter how many times you wash or vacuum a rug, infestations can still occur.
If a rug is on the brink of bringing an infestation into your home, it can be a huge inconvenience. Some of the most common critters to catch a ride into your house are fleas, ants, and bedbugs. Sometimes, it’s best to shop for things that are brand-new off the store shelf. (Click here to discover the 10 things baby boomers are shopping for only in physical stores.)