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Mattresses -

Secondhand mattresses should be avoided from both a hygienic and functional perspective. The shape and material of mattresses degrade with use, so they won't provide the support and comfort of a new mattress.

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Mattresses -

And then there are the whole sanitary implications of possible exposure to pests, allergens, mold, and bodily fluids.

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Pillows and bedding -

The same applies to pillows and bedding. Pillows lose their firmness and original structure with use, and they, too, are exposed to a number of germs. Used bedding is more likely to contain stains from bodily fluids.

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Helmets -

Whether you’re looking to buy a skiing helmet or one for riding your bicycle, secondhand is not your best option. In addition to the hygienic implications of wearing someone else’s helmet, they do have a shelf life, so you may be compromising your safety by purchasing a used one.

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Electric blankets -

An electric blanket may feel great on a cold night, but you may be putting yourself at risk of overheating and potentially starting a fire. This is because you won’t really know how old a blanket is, and how the electric components are inside.

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Stuffed animals -

Stuffed animals are likely to accumulate dust and allergens, including bedbugs and bacteria. Plus, worn-out pieces such as eyes or buttons can become loose and potential choking hazards.

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Nonstick cookware -

This type of cookware contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can be harmful to humans when broken down. Used cookware may contain scratches or dents, potentially exposing you to these chemical compounds.

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Surge protectors -

Like other electronic equipment, secondhand surge protectors may be damaged, which defeats the purpose of protecting against surges. New products are cheap enough and definitely worth the investment.

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Rugs -

Rugs collect dirt, bad odors, and even infestations. Cleaning a rug professionally can be expensive, so think twice before grabbing a secondhand bargain and having it cleaned, as you might just be paying the same as you would for a new rug.

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Cribs -

Since cribs are often assembled by the owners, there is a certain degree of risk involved in placing your baby in them. Also, safety regulations for infants change all the time, and you don’t know if the used crib complies with the latest (and supposedly better) safety regulations.

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Baby strollers -

The same goes for baby strollers. Though it might be tempting to buy a used one, sometimes any damage is not immediately obvious as they are typically made with several pieces, putting you at risk of purchasing a defective item.

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Baby bottles -

Older baby bottles may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), and you don’t want your baby to be exposed to these harmful chemical compounds.

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Swimsuits -

Buying used swimsuits is like buying secondhand underwear, with an additional problem. Most of these can’t be washed in hot temperatures or dried in a tumble dryer, which means bacteria and other germs may survive, putting you at risk of infections.

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Shoes -

You might be tempted to buy a pair of cool vintage shoes, but shoes often take the shape of their wearer’s feet over time, so they may feel very uncomfortable to wear.

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Hats -

Hats are in close contact with a person’s head, which means lots of hair oil and sweat. Many hats also mold their shape to the wearer’s head, so they might not fit as you’d expect.

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Wetsuits -

Neoprene degrades over time, as does the stitching and glue used to put all the parts of the suit together. Plus, some people pee in their wetsuits, and because they can’t be put in the washer or cleaned with regular soap, germs may be present.

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Retro lamps -

Granted, retro lamps are really cool, but there is a risk associated with them: poor wiring, which can cause a fire.

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Old small appliances -

The same goes for small appliances where wiring may be compromised. In addition, appliance motors also wear out, which increases the risk of hazards.

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Laptops -

Brand-new laptops can be expensive, and while some stores sell reconditioned ones, buying a secondhand laptop from another person might not be a great idea. People often sell these because they no longer perform to their highest standard. For instance, the hard drive might be compromised.

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TVs -

To test a TV before buying, it’s ideal that you wait until it's fully heated up. This can take a few minutes. Plus, there are a number of possible problems that you can only spot by using it.

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Computer games -

Many games are issued with single-use serial numbers and key codes. If the previous owner registered these codes, then the new owner won’t be able to play the game.

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Tires -

It’s not easy to get a tire’s complete history. Watch out for signs of damage, including cuts, bubbles, splitting seams, and bald spots. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it’s safer to stick with new tires.

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Makeup and makeup brushes -

Used cosmetic items may contain germs, including bacteria and fungi.

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Vacuum cleaners -

Not only can these appliances have electric issues, but they are seldom cleaned properly, so you'll risk bringing germs into your home.

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Pet supplies -

Avoid buying secondhand pet food and treats. You don’t really know how old it is, when it was opened, or how it has been stored. Some products may have expired, infested with mold, or even been recalled.

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Jewelry -

Used jewelry can be cleaned but still contain traces of toxic substances or allergens. Plus, there is also the risk of being ripped off and purchasing a fake piece.

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Perfume -

Fragrances have expiry dates, though most won’t be explicit on the bottle. There is also a risk of purchasing a counterfeit when buying these secondhand.

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Speakers -

Damage to speakers isn't always obvious. They may sound fine initially, but a tiny tear will worsen over time due to the vibrations from playing music.

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School supplies -

Pencils, rulers, and folders are so competitively priced that you won't really benefit from buying these secondhand.

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Personal hygiene products -

These are called personal hygiene products for a reason, right? Do not buy them used.

Sources: (U.S. News) (Reader's Digest) (Housewife How-Tos) (Southern Living)

See also: Parenting on a budget: Money-saving tips for families

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