When deciding whether to buy something new or used, safety, hygiene, and performance should be top considerations. While secondhand items can save money and reduce waste, certain products should always be purchased new to avoid health risks, ensure durability, and maintain proper function. This list highlights 20 items that you should never buy used, because buying new protects you and maximizes value.
1. Underwear
Underwear should always be purchased new due to hygiene reasons. Since these garments come in direct contact with intimate areas, wearing used underwear increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. Used underwear can also carry bodily fluids, sweat, and skin cells, which can lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Additionally, new underwear provides better elasticity and fit, which impacts comfort and support.
2. Mattresses
Buying a mattress new is important because used mattresses can harbor allergens such as dust mites, mold, and bed bugs. Over time, mattresses accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, and other contaminants that are difficult to fully clean. A new mattress also ensures structural integrity and proper support, which are crucial for spinal health and a good night’s sleep. Using a mattress with compromised support can lead to back pain and poor sleep quality.
3. Helmets (bike, motorcycle, sports)
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Helmets must be purchased new to ensure safety. A helmet that has been previously used may have unseen damage from impacts, which can compromise its ability to protect your head in a crash. Helmets are designed to absorb one significant impact, and after that, their protective qualities diminish. Buying a new helmet guarantees it meets safety standards and has not been weakened by prior use or accidents.
4. Car Seats (for infants and children)
Car seats should always be new to guarantee maximum safety for children. A used car seat might have hidden structural damage or expired parts that reduce its ability to protect during an accident. Additionally, car seats have expiration dates due to material degradation over time, which can affect their crashworthiness. Using a new car seat ensures compliance with the latest safety regulations and provides full protection.
5. Running Shoes
Running shoes need to be new to provide adequate cushioning and support. Over time, the midsole foam and other materials in running shoes break down, reducing shock absorption and increasing the risk of injury. Used running shoes may also have worn-out tread and improper alignment, which can lead to discomfort or foot problems. Buying new running shoes helps maintain proper form, reduces injury risk, and improves running performance.
6. Cosmetics and Skincare Products
Cosmetics and skincare items should always be bought new to prevent contamination and maintain effectiveness. Used products can harbor bacteria and fungi, which may cause skin infections or irritations. Additionally, many products have preservatives that degrade after opening, reducing their shelf life. New products ensure that active ingredients work as intended and that the product is safe to apply on your skin.
7. Swimsuits
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Swimsuits should always be purchased new due to hygiene and fabric quality concerns. Used swimsuits may carry bacteria, fungi, or even viruses from previous wearers. Moreover, the elasticity and chlorine resistance of swimsuit fabrics deteriorate with use, affecting fit and durability. A new swimsuit guarantees cleanliness and maintains shape and color longer, ensuring comfort and confidence.
8. Earbuds and Headphones
Earbuds and headphones should be bought new primarily for hygiene reasons. These devices come into close contact with ears, making them a breeding ground for bacteria and ear infections if used. Moreover, used earbuds may have worn-out components that reduce sound quality or cause discomfort. New earbuds guarantee clean use and optimal audio performance.
9. Contact Lenses
Contact lenses must always be purchased new because used lenses carry a high risk of eye infections. Improper cleaning or storage by a previous user can lead to bacterial, fungal, or viral contamination. Used lenses may also have scratches or damages that can harm the eye or reduce vision clarity. Buying new lenses ensures proper hygiene, safety, and visual comfort.
10. Combination Locks
Combination locks should always be purchased new because used locks may have worn-out dials, faulty mechanisms, or compromised security features. Over time, these locks can become easier to pick or fail to open and close properly. Buying a new combination lock guarantees reliability, smooth operation, and the intended level of protection for your belongings.
11. Water Bottles (Reusable Plastic or Metal)
Reusable water bottles should always be purchased new to avoid hygiene issues. Used bottles may harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew inside, even if cleaned superficially. Some plastic bottles can also degrade over time, potentially releasing harmful chemicals into your water. Buying new bottles ensures cleanliness, material safety, and longevity, especially when made from BPA-free or food-grade materials.
12. Towels
Towels should always be bought new because they come into direct contact with skin and absorb moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi. Used towels can retain unpleasant odors, stains, or germs even after washing. A new towel guarantees freshness, better absorbency, and hygienic use, which helps prevent skin infections and irritation.
13. Cooking Oil (Sealed Bottles)
Cooking oil must always be purchased new in sealed containers to ensure freshness and prevent rancidity. Used or previously opened oil can oxidize, developing off-flavors and harmful compounds. Rancid oil not only tastes bad but may pose health risks over time. New, sealed bottles guarantee the oil’s quality, nutritional value, and safety.
14. Baby Bottles and Pacifiers
Baby bottles and pacifiers should always be bought new due to hygiene and safety concerns. Used items may carry bacteria, mold, or residue that can harm a baby’s health. Materials can also degrade or crack, posing choking or injury hazards. New products ensure proper sterilization, material safety, and compliance with health standards.
15. Bike Tires and Inner Tubes
Bike tires and inner tubes must be purchased new because used ones may have unseen damage, wear, or dry rot. Tires lose tread and structural integrity over time, increasing the risk of punctures or blowouts. Inner tubes can develop leaks or weak spots that cause flats. New tires and tubes improve safety, performance, and reliability on the road or trail.
16. Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must always be purchased new to ensure they work properly in an emergency. Used extinguishers may have expired, lost pressure, or suffered internal damage that compromises their effectiveness. Fire extinguishers also have maintenance requirements and expiry dates, so new ones guarantee safety and compliance with fire codes.
17. Electrical Cables and Chargers
Electrical cables and chargers should be bought new to avoid fire hazards and device damage. Used cables can have frayed wiring, broken insulation, or loose connectors that increase the risk of short circuits or electric shock. New cables ensure reliable power delivery and meet safety standards.
18. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must always be new for reliable performance. Sensors degrade over time and batteries lose power, so used detectors may fail to alert you in dangerous situations. New detectors comply with current safety regulations and offer peace of mind.
19. Surgical Masks and Respirators
Surgical masks and respirators should be purchased new to guarantee hygiene and filtration effectiveness. Used masks can be contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or other harmful particles. The materials also degrade, reducing their protective qualities. Buying new masks ensures proper protection, especially in health-sensitive environments.
20. Pillows
Pillows should be bought new to maintain hygiene and support. Used pillows can harbor dust mites, allergens, and sweat residue that trigger allergies and skin irritation. The internal fill also breaks down over time, reducing comfort and neck support. New pillows offer cleanliness and proper alignment for better sleep quality.
Conclusion
Purchasing certain items new rather than used is essential for your safety, health, and overall satisfaction. Items like mattresses, helmets, car seats, and personal care products can pose significant risks if previously owned. By choosing new products in these categories, you ensure cleanliness, reliability, and compliance with safety standards. This approach protects your well-being and guarantees that you get the full intended benefits from your purchases.
Read More: Vanished Vintage: 70s Household Products You’ll Never See Again
Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
