I am a huge proponent of shopping second hand. Whether it is on facebook marketplace or thrift stores, secondhand shopping can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars buying what you normally would at retail. However, there are a few items you should not buy second hand.
This can be because of hygiene concerns or, because there are no returns, a larger chance of malfunction.
Anything you do buy second hand should be as thoroughly cleaned as possible. Don’t wear clothes before you wash them, wipe down surfaces and even find ways to clean furniture. Not only do you not know if things were cleaned before they were donated but thrift stores are not the cleanest places usually.
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#1 – Swimsuits
Anything that touches the private parts of another persons body is not to be trusted. With the possibility of bodily fluids and diseases that can be transmitted by them the potential saving are not worth the potential risk.
Even after you clean a swimsuit they cannot be trusted. Additionally, in my experience swimsuits breakdown really quickly if they are not hand washed and sometimes even if they are! In order to get a full life out of your swimwear you are better off buying new.
#2 – Underwear
Underwear is a no no for very similar reasons to swimsuits. It just isn’t sanitary if it isn’t new. You wouldn’t borrow another persons underwear would you? Well this is the equivalent of borrowing a strangers delicates. NO THANKS.
I would even go so far as to add bras to this. It may be a mental thing but I just wouldn’t do it.
#3 – Socks
Socks aren’t quite as bad as underwear. I mean there are no body fluids on feet. But there are fungus and warts…
So it’s a no go from me! Socks aren’t usually that expensive so I will stick to buying them new.
#4 – Shoes
Full honesty here, I have bought shoes second hand multiple times. I have found BRAND NEW shoes, with tags, several times at thrift stores. I always snag those. You can also tell how worn down shoes are by looking at the soles and the tops where the toes bend.
Shoes can be carriers for of fungi and warts more than socks are. Let’s be honest, when was the last time you cleaned your shoes? If it is anything like me then it was never! Also check the inside of the shoe, if the padding is formed to someone else’s foot the it will effect the way you walk and can cause you serious discomfort.
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#5 – Mattresses
Did you know an old mattress holds several pounds of dust, dead skin cells and sweat among other things? Do you want to spend 8 hours a night sleeping on that from a stranger? No. I know mattresses are expensive but it is probably a good idea to save up and buy one new.
There are ways around this. All mattresses from Salvation Army are sanitized making them safe to buy (and I have bought a few for them for our Airbnb). Another option is a mattress cleaning service. I am not sure what this costs but it could potentially save you money over buying a brand new mattress.
#6 – Bathroom Products
Bathroom product includes lotion, makeup, hairbrush, toothbrush etc. and once again this one comes down to sanitation. You don’t know how old those products are or where they’ve been.
None of those products are sealed and could have been contaminated by any number of things. Secondly these products could carry diseases from a previous owner. And of course that would be a great way for someone to poison people. Less likely for sure, but possible.
#7- Large Appliances
Big ticket appliances like stoves and refrigerators are always a risk to buy second hand. You have no idea if they work or not and there is no real good way to test them in stores. People were probably getting rid of them for a reason so unless you know how to fix appliances I wouldn’t but them from thrift stores.
Even buying second hand you will most likely be dropping a hundred dollars or more on these appliances. Nobody wants to lose out on that much money without a guarantee or safety net that they will work. For a cheaper alternative to brand new there are refurbishing shops that will offer a 30 day or 90 day return policy so that you can take the appliances home and make sure they work properly.
On this same thread always test small appliances when buying them second hand. Either plug them in at the designated spot in every thrift store or bring batteries to test out battery run machines and toys. It is a small risk to buy anything mechanical 2nd hand but you can find some diamonds in the ruff.
BONUS #8 – Hats
I wouldn’t buy hats second hand unless you know that you can clean it and you’re willing to make sure you do actually clean it once you get home. Lice is my main worry here.
If you have never had lice let me tell you, it is miserable. My sister has had it twice and each time my mom made me get the hair treatments too to prevent it from spreading. So technically I’ve never had lice but I went through everything as if I did.
Do yourself a favor and don’t buy hats unless you know you can clean it!
What to Not Buy Second Hand
I have made exceptions to a few of these. Buying a large appliance was a bad idea, The washer I bought broke down within a month! Haha so of course you can purchase these things but it is at your own risk. Some risks just aren’t worth it!
So these are all the things I would not buy second hand. What would you add to this list?
And remember to shop second hand whenever you can but be smart about it! And if you are looking for other ways to save money find out how you can now on your phone!!
Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Thank you so much!!