In an era of eco-consciousness and budget-friendly living, thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces have become go-to destinations for savvy shoppers looking to furnish their homes without breaking the bank.
However, the world of second-hand shopping isn’t as rosy as it may seem. While buying used items can often be a smart financial and environmental choice, certain home essentials should never make it onto your pre-owned shopping list.
In some cases, you may even end up spending more if you unknowingly bring home the risks and dangers that certain used household items carry. To that effect, let’s take a quick look at 9 such items.
9. Helmets
Helmets are designed to protect your head from impact in case an accident occurs while riding a motorcycle or bicycling. However, when you buy a second-hand helmet, you have no way of knowing how many impacts this protective headgear has already absorbed, which may compromise its effectiveness.
While you can easily spot any damage on the outer shell, but assessing whether the inner liner has been compromised is difficult. Additionally, since helmets are rarely cleaned, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria that can transfer to your scalp.
8. Car Seats
Like helmets, car seats are best purchased new. Once a car seat has been in an accident, no matter how minor or if exposed to extreme elements, its durability is compromised. Car seats also have expiration dates, and once they are out of date, they’re no longer safe to use and may not adhere to the latest safety standards.
7. Appliances
While we all know that buying brand-new appliances can be costly, in many cases, it’s a good investment compared to buying used ones. Purchasing second-hand appliances comes with its own set of risks, as their usage history and maintenance records are unknown to you.
There is also the issue of warranty concerns you’d have to factor in since used appliances rarely come with warranties. Additionally, as appliances degrade over time—with their motors wearing out and wiring becoming loose—safety and performance also become concerns.
6. Nonstick Cookware
Many folks opt for nonstick cookware nowadays, thanks to its slick coating that helps prevent food from clinging to utensils and makes cleaning much easier. However, old nonstick pots and pans were often made from toxic materials that could be hazardous if nicked or scratched.
Nonstick cookware typically contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which break down very slowly in the body and can cause potential health problems. Given these concerns, you’d be better off finding new and inexpensive options that meet current health standards.
5. Stuffed Animals
Although the cuteness and cuddliness of second-hand stuffed animals can be appealing, these toys are magnets for dust, mites, and allergens. They can also be breeding grounds for lice, bedbugs, and bacteria. Some plush toys may have loose buttons or eyes that can pop out, creating choking hazards for new young owners.
4. Baby Cribs
You may be excited to purchase newborn items when expecting a little one. However, regardless of how tempting it may be to buy a vintage crib, purchasing second-hand should never be an option unless it meets current safety standards.
Back in 2011, the government changed safety standards for baby cribs due to cases of infant deaths related to old designs. In addition to recalled cribs, older models may have missing crucial hardware that could put your child’s safety at risk.
3. Upholstered Furniture
Purchasing used upholstered furniture can be tempting due to cost savings, looks, or vintage charm. On the flip side, one of the biggest dangers of buying these hand-me-downs is pest infestation.
Bed bugs and other pests may be hiding in the fabric and seams of sofas and chairs, making them difficult to detect. Additionally, there may be hidden structural issues, such as loose joints and worn-out springs, as well as health hazards like allergens, mold, and bacteria. You also want to avoid unpleasant smells, including smoke and pet odors, which can be difficult to eliminate and may end up permeating your home.
2. Intimate Apparel
Some online marketplaces and even thrift stores sell used intimate apparel, including bras, underwear, lingerie, and swimsuits. However, purchasing these items comes with health and hygiene concerns.
Even if they appear clean, these items may still contain traces of bodily fluids or skin cells from previous owners posing health risks, such as infections and skin irritations. They may also harbor lice or scabies and could have been exposed to unsanitary conditions, further increasing the risk of contamination.
1. Mattresses & Bedding
There are several reasons why buying used mattresses and bedding is probably not a good idea. For one, older or lower-quality mattresses tend to conform to the bodies of their previous owners, making users uncomfortable. The biggest concern is that they can be home to all sorts of nasty things, including bed bugs, allergens, dust mites, bodily fluids, and bacteria.
The last thing we want is to end up spending a ton on pest control after saving a little by buying second-hand bedroom essentials.
Sources: CBS News, Southern Living, U.S. News, Housewife How-Tos