10 Things You’ll Really Regret Buying Used

As a wife and mom who’s always looking for smart ways to save, I definitely get the appeal of buying secondhand. It feels good to snag a bargain and stretch your budget.

But over the years, I’ve learned that not everything is worth the risk—no matter how cheap it is. Some things just aren’t safe, clean, or even practical to buy used, and those “savings” can backfire fast.

When it comes to certain items, spending a little more upfront is worth every penny to avoid regrets later. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.

Nonstick Cookware

We all love nonstick cookware—it’s a lifesaver for quick cleanup and cooking without a ton of oil. But used nonstick pans? They’re a hard no. Older ones, especially vintage pieces, were made with materials we now know aren’t the safest, and any scratches or chips can release who-knows-what into your food. Yikes.

Treat yourself to a new nonstick pan or two. You don’t need to splurge; there are plenty of affordable options that meet today’s health standards. Plus, you’ll feel so much better knowing exactly what’s in your kitchen—and your meals.

Used Plastic Containers

Plastic storage containers are everywhere, and let’s be honest, you can never have too many. But buying them used? Big mistake. You have no clue what they’ve been through—stains, weird smells, or worse. And if they’ve been used for food? Forget it. You can’t trust what might still be lingering in there.

Spend a few bucks on new ones or upgrade to glass containers if you can. They’re cleaner, safer, and last forever. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself the next time you’re packing leftovers without worrying about mystery gunk from the past.

Baby Cribs

When you’re prepping for a new baby, the thought of a cute vintage crib can be tempting. But here’s the thing—older cribs might not meet today’s safety standards. They could be missing important hardware or, even worse, have been recalled entirely. And let’s be honest, no one wants to risk their baby’s safety just to save a little money.

Investing in a new crib ensures you’re giving your baby a safe sleep space that complies with current regulations. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing everything is sturdy, secure, and ready for your little one.

Helmets and Hats

Anything that’s been worn on someone else’s head—whether it’s a helmet or a hat—comes with way too many “what ifs.” Lice, bacteria, and other gross surprises might be hanging out in there. And helmets? They’re a whole other story. Once they’ve been in an impact, they’re no longer as safe as they look.

It’s just not worth the risk, especially when it comes to hygiene and safety. If you need a helmet or hat, go new.

Used Mattresses

Let’s be real—buying a used mattress is asking for trouble. You can’t exactly toss a mattress in the washing machine, so who knows what’s lurking in there? Dust mites, mold, and who-knows-what bodily fluids? Nope. Hard pass.

And even if it looks okay, older mattresses tend to lose their support. You don’t want to wake up with a sore back every day just to save a few bucks. Trust me, a new mattress is worth the investment. It’s clean, comfy, and you won’t be second-guessing what’s been on it before you.

Car Seats

If you’re a parent, you know car seats are non-negotiable for safety. But buying one used? That’s a gamble you don’t want to take. It might’ve been in an accident, which can make it useless even if it looks fine. And let’s talk about expiration dates—yep, car seats have those. Materials break down over time, and that’s not a risk you want to take with your kid’s safety.

Here’s a little trick, though: if you spot a used car seat, hang onto it for Target’s car seat recycling program. They’ll give you a discount on new baby gear when you trade it in.

Shoes, Slippers, & Boots

Used shoes might not seem as alarming as secondhand intimates, but they’re still a risky buy. Shoes mold to the shape of the original wearer’s feet, so they’re unlikely to fit you properly. Plus, they can harbor bacteria or fungi, which can lead to issues like athlete’s foot. Nobody wants to slip into someone else’s leftovers, especially when it comes to footwear.

If you’re determined to buy used shoes, clean them thoroughly—inside and out. Better yet, take them to a shoe repair shop for professional cleaning. But honestly? It’s worth spending a little extra for new shoes that fit and feel just right.

Medicine, Vitamins, and Pills

Buying secondhand medicine, vitamins, or pills is a huge gamble, and frankly, it’s not worth the risk. You have no way of knowing if the products are expired, tampered with, or even safe to use. It’s unsettling to think anyone would sell these items, but it happens more often than you’d expect.

Even over-the-counter medications from yard sales should be avoided. Stick to the pharmacy where you can trust the source and quality. Your health isn’t something to compromise for a bargain—it’s just not worth it.

Intimates, Swimwear, & Leggings

Anything that’s been up close and personal with someone else’s body—like intimates, swimwear, and leggings—is just not worth the risk. You might be saving a few bucks, but the trade-off isn’t great when you think about hygiene. Even if these items look fine on the surface, you can’t know where they’ve been or how thoroughly they were cared for. It’s a little too personal for comfort.

If you’ve already snagged something secondhand in this category, it’s best to give it a super-hot wash before even considering wearing it. But honestly? It’s safer and less cringe-worthy to buy these things brand-new. Sometimes, peace of mind is worth the extra cost.

Bedding and Pillows

Buying used mattresses or bedding might seem like a good deal until you realize you’re also buying the mysteries of their past. Dust mites, bedbugs, or worse could be hiding inside, and no one wants to bring that into their home. Considering how much time you spend in bed, it’s just not worth the gamble on your health and comfort.

If it’s still in its original packaging, you might have a safer bet, but anything else is a hard pass. And if you do end up with used bedding, maybe pass it on to a pet rescue after a thorough wash—it’s better suited for a dog bed than your own.