Buying used items has become commonplace for many of us: it is both a convenient opportunity to save money and a way to limit environmental damage. The secondary market is a wealth of interesting finds and a chance to avoid excessive consumption. At the same time, there are categories of goods for which the risks significantly exceed the potential profit, especially if you do not take into account the nuances of materials, condition, and hidden properties, informs Ukr.Media.
Let's try to figure out what details to pay attention to and in which cases it is better to refuse the purchase.
Home appliances: a detailed review is an important step
Even if a used washing machine, microwave, or coffee maker looks well-maintained on the outside, there are several important aspects to consider:
Age of the appliance. On average, most household appliances have a lifespan of around 7-10 years. Appliances that have been in use for longer than this are more likely to break down, and the parts involved may be difficult or expensive to replace.
Testing. Ask permission to run the appliance for a full cycle. In the case of a washing machine or dishwasher, pay attention to the pump operation, water heating, smooth rotation, absence of extraneous noises, leaks and the smell of burnt wiring.
Housing and internal elements. Check for rust, mold, and worn seals (especially in refrigerator and washing machine doors).
Warranty. It is worth remembering: it is rare for the seller to be responsible for a defective product. A complex repair can cost almost the cost of a new item.
Do a quick search for typical breakdowns of a specific model on the Internet – this will help you understand what to look for (for example, a common defect in certain oven models is a failure of the heating element).
Kitchen equipment: cleanliness — not just on the outside
Wooden or plastic cutting boards and spoons may seem perfect when they've been polished to a shine, but hidden microcracks are a place for bacteria to survive and multiply over time.
For example, studies show that E. coli bacteria can survive on surfaces for up to several days, especially if there is residual moisture. Old plastic becomes brittle over time and can release microparticles when in contact with hot or acidic foods.
When buying kitchen utensils, pay attention to:
Surface condition. Deep cuts, cracks, fading are signs of wear and tear that are difficult to remove even with thorough cleaning.
Plastic labeling. For food purposes, plastics labeled 2, 4, 5 in a triangle (HDPE – high-density polyethylene, LDPE – low-density polyethylene, PP – polypropylene) are best suited. Containers labeled 3 (PVC), 6 (PS) or 7 (Other – unless otherwise stated) often contain additives whose safety remains a subject of scientific debate.
Odor and color: Even after washing, an off-putting odor, stains, or cloudiness on the plastic may indicate a buildup of old products that are difficult to completely remove.
Please note: Food safety experts advise avoiding reusing old plastic containers to store fatty, hot, or acidic foods, as chemicals are released more intensely in such conditions — especially if the container is damaged.
Upholstered furniture and carpets: hidden allergens and uninvited guests
Over time, dust particles, animal hair, mold spores, and skin particles accumulate in the pile of carpets, sofas, and mattresses. In a humid environment, these particles become a breeding ground for dust mites, which cause allergies, especially in children and people with sensitive respiratory systems. Carpets with a thick base or dense pile retain more of these allergens than thin synthetic coverings.
Another risk is bed bugs. The main signs of their presence are small dark spots (waste products), a specific “sour” smell, as well as bite marks on the skin that appear after a night. These insects are not easy to completely destroy, even after several cycles of professional cleaning.
Professional dry cleaning, using deep steam cleaning or specialized treatments, can significantly reduce allergens, but getting rid of them completely is a challenge. The cost of such a service for a large mattress or carpet is often comparable to buying a new item.
Bedding and textiles: be careful when buying
Pillows, blankets, and mattresses — the safety of this category of second-hand goods is particularly questionable.
– Dust mites easily survive in the fibers of fillers, and standard washing does not always guarantee their death. For effective disinfection, experts recommend steam treatment or washing at a temperature of at least 60°C.
– Down pillows or duvets may contain traces of skin, sweat, dirt or even fungal spores if stored in a damp room.
– Insufficient treatment increases the risk of recurrence of allergies, rashes, and skin irritations.
Professional treatment (dry or aqua cleaning – a method using liquid solvents instead of water) can cost significantly more than the cost of a new hypoallergenic pillow or blanket.
What to do if you decide to buy used?
There are several simple ways to minimize risks:
– Collect as much information as possible about the product and its usage history.
– Inspect items in a well-lit room: check for odor, stains, mechanical damage, and insect traces.
– For textiles, use high-temperature washing, a steam generator, or a special anti-mite spray. For furniture, use steam treatment, and for plastic, wash thoroughly with disinfectant solutions approved for food surfaces (e.g., hydrogen peroxide solution).
– Don't hesitate to ask the seller additional questions about storage, conditions of people/animals in the house, and the reason for the sale.
When is the secondary market an adequate choice?
There are groups of products that almost do not pose such risks:
- Glass, ceramic or stainless steel dishes (without chips or cracks);
- Instruments, electronics with a clear history of use;
- Books, decorations, solid wood furniture.
These products allow for significant savings and do not pose direct health risks when inspected.
A balance between economy, practicality and caution
The secondary market should not be completely ignored or idealized. It offers great deals on a wide range of products, but it also requires you to think about your health and hygiene. With a little extra effort — careful inspection, handling, and awareness of risks — you can reap the benefits.
