While it is important to save money, there are some items you should never buy secondhand!

In a world where anything is possible and everything we want is at our fingertips, it’s hard to stay away from online shopping. And with reseller sites like Etsy, Craiglist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, The RealReal, Poshmark, and so many others, there’s hardly anything you can’t get preowned.

Even though you can save money, should you get all of these things used? The decision is simple for some items, but sometimes it isn’t worth the potential of getting a health disease or compromising your safety. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of things you should never buy secondhand, and we’ll talk about all the reasons why in today’s article. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

1. Laptops

While many people purchase used laptops and other electronics because they’re cheaper, that doesn’t mean it’s worth it. Experts say that laptops, for instance, are some of the things you should never buy secondhand because every defect they might have will get exacerbated over time. Besides that, you won’t have access to customer service or a warranty, so in this case, you’re better off with a new laptop.

But don’t worry; you can still save money and get the gadget you want. Many retailers offer refurbished items that are still covered by warranties, and they’re usually cheaper. You shouldn’t skip big electronics stores, such as Best Buy, either, because they offer great discounts on display models.

2. Cookware

Cookware is another thing you should never buy secondhand because it can harm your health. Experts say you should invest in non-stick cooking tools and take care of them to last longer.

With improper care and washing, the coatings can easily break down over time, so they’re more difficult to clean, and those coating particles might end up in your food. Not to mention, they might also release dangerous chemicals, and you’re more likely to get sick without even knowing why.

… Psst: professional cooks say you should replace your non-stick cookware every three to four years, but you can use special products to take better care of them. Here’s something that will prolong the life of your kitchen tools!

3. Upholstered furniture

Getting used furniture is a great way to invest in unique pieces with personality, but upholstered furniture, on the other hand, is one of the things you should never buy secondhand, and here’s why.

Bed bugs are the worst thing you could bring into your home, and we all know how difficult it is to get rid of them. Besides that, the upholstery might be very dirty, difficult to clean, or even molded. If you find a piece you love, make sure you call a professional to do the cleaning or reupholster it yourself.

4. Footwear

It took me a long time to agree with this one, but I finally accepted it: footwear is one of the top things we should never buy secondhand! Used shoes, regardless of how pretty they look, have most likely already been broken in to fit the foot of the person who wore them before you. This could cause pain or damage, especially if you purchase running shoes.

Moreover, you have no idea about the former owner’s health, so you could end up with a bacterial or fungal infection, which can easily spread through small cuts, skin fissures, or under the nail beds.

5. Blenders and juicers

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good bargain, but I also want my kitchen gadgets to do their job fast. If you’re like me, you should probably stay away from used blenders and juicers.

These tools need sharp blades to function at their best, and if you purchase them used, it might take longer to cut duller parts. Besides that, they might block, cause a mess, and take longer to clean.

Keep reading to discover other things you should never buy secondhand!

6. Camera lenses

If you’re a professional photographer or you’re passionate about photography, you know how expensive and sensitive camera lenses are. While purchasing used ones can save you a ton of money, we would say that camera lenses are items you should never buy secondhand. Or at least not until you examine them thoughtfully.

It doesn’t take more than a tiny scratch to wreck a fantastic photo shoot, so if you already plan on spending money, you’d better do it on a high-quality product that works wonderfully.

7. Mattresses and pillows

Let’s continue with these things you should never buy secondhand because we have many to cover. Even though high-quality mattresses and pillows can cost a pretty penny, buying these items used can cause you health issues.

You might purchase things that have mold or bedbugs lurking inside, and it’s not easy to get rid of them. You might not see the potential danger even if you check it carefully, so you’d better take it to a professional cleaner if you plan to buy these things secondhand.

Experts recommend you purchase a mattress that has at least a 10-year warranty. If you get it from the store,  sit and lie on it, and even try to take a 10-minute nap to see whether it’s worth buying or not. Comfort and quality are always important, right?

8. Vacuum cleaners

Yes, I get it: sometimes, vacuum cleaners, as well as other home gadgets, can be pretty expensive, but they don’t last forever. Appliances have a limited life, and you need them to work their best as long as you have them.

If you want a vacuum cleaner that will make your rugs and floors shiny, you need a gadget that has enough suction power to clean up the dust. So in this case, it might be best to buy a new one. However, if it’s out of your budget and you’d prefer to buy it used, make sure you test it on a floor surface and also on a rug before paying.

9. Automobile tires

Do you know what other things you should never buy secondhand? Automobile tires, and I can’t stress this enough. Used tires can put your life in danger because they wear out as they age, and they might have tiny scratches and even holes that will only get bigger over time.

I once bought secondhand automobile tires from a random man, and a couple months later I went to a mechanic to check if my car was alright. He told me that my tires were on the edge of exploding because they had massive cuts on their surface. I was shocked because that could’ve happened when I was driving, and I knew that if I wanted to be safe, I should always purchase new tires, even if they were a bit more expensive.

10. Rugs

Rugs are other items you should never buy secondhand, and you’ll see why in a second. Experts say that it can have dirt, grime, unpleasant odors, mold, and allergens that might be hard to notice but can put your health at risk.

You might not be able to get rid of these annoying things even if you take your rug to professional cleaners. Even if it’s pricier, experts recommend you get new rugs and try to clean them often so they’ll last you longer. Other than that, make sure you check out discounts and sales or ask the employees for a coupon on a rug you enjoy.

Do you know any other things you should never buy secondhand? Safety always comes first, so in certain cases, it’s better to splurge than to save money that you’ll have to put towards treating a disease later. If you find this article helpful and want to check out something else from Brainy Savings, here’s a good post for you: Sorry! These 10 Household Bills Might Get Even More Expensive