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Nothing lasts forever. Nevertheless, for the sake of your wallet and the earth, we always try to recommend things that at least don't break quickly and end up in landfills. But there are many items in your home (other items we recommend) that need to be replaced frequently. Over time, some of them will trap bacteria and bacteria. As the years go by, others will lose their effectiveness. This is a handy guide that explains when and why you should replace some of the Wirecutter choices you (probably) use every day.

Toilet brush: You should replace the toilet brush every few months or when you see the bristles begin to bend-whichever comes first. Spraying your brush and its holder with a disinfectant or bleach solution on a regular basis can extend its lifespan, but bacterial accumulation is not the only reason to replace a new brush. As the bristles on the brush flatten over time, the handle may begin to scratch the porcelain bowl, providing a new place for bacteria to infiltrate.

Water filter: The filter keeps your drinking water clean and away from pollutants and impurities. To ensure that they continue to do the job well, the filters need to be replaced regularly. The water filter installed on the faucet usually lasts three to six months, and most tank filters should be replaced every two months. (If you are not sure about the filter replacement schedule, please check the user manual.) If your refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser, you should replace the filter every six months.

Earplugs: Depending on how often you use them, you should replace general-purpose earplugs (for example, the earplugs you wear at concerts) every three to six months. Earwax, dust, and sweat can cause earplugs to deteriorate. Usually, this means you need to buy a new set of plugs. However, if you have a pair of Loop Experience (the first choice in our guide to the best earbuds for concerts), you only need to replace the earbuds (available separately for $10).

On the other hand, custom earplugs are more expensive than general-purpose earplugs such as Loop. However, if you treat them well, custom plugs will last longer. If you wear earplugs every day, a customized pair may be the most cost-effective option in the long run.

Foam earplugs (the kind you can buy at the drugstore that look like tubes or bullets) should be washed with soap and water. According to OSHA guidelines, they should be replaced every few days or if they show any wear. If you just use them to sleep, senior author Lauren Dragan said that you will not endanger your safety if you insist on it for a few more days. But she still recommends replacing them after a week.

Mascara: After the wand enters the mascara tube from your eyes dozens of times, bacteria and microorganisms will rot in the mascara tube. It is wise to change the mascara every two to four months.

Surge protector: If your surge protector does not automatically shut down, please replace it every three to five years. Otherwise, they will continue to power your equipment long after the surge protection fails, rendering them useless. Also remember that after any major event (such as multiple power outages in rapid succession or nearby lightning strikes), you should replace surge protectors, no matter how long you use them.

Infant car seat: The validity period of the seat is usually six to seven years from the date of manufacture. If you hang it on a car seat for future use or consider giving it to a friend, please keep this in mind. If you have a major car accident, no matter how long you have used it, you will want to replace the car seat immediately.

Plastic cutting boards: Plastic cutting boards that are frequently used are replaced approximately every two years. When the sponge gets stuck on a deep cut or scratch on the board, you know it's time to replace it. The remaining bacteria will fester and hide in these grooves.

SodaStream bottles: SodaStream bottles need to be replaced every few years-otherwise the risk of the old, weakened plastic exploding is small. SodaStream helps to print the expiration date on the cap, side or bottom of the bottle, so you don't have to worry about the date of purchase.

Sunscreen: If you have a bottle of sunscreen left over from last summer, you may want to throw it away. Sunscreen will decompose over time, and most bottles are marked with an expiration date, which is one or two years from the time you buy it. If sunscreen is left in the car or in direct sunlight, it will deteriorate more quickly. If your bottle does not have a date, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you discard it after three years.

Air purifier filter: Purifier manufacturers usually recommend replacing the HEPA filter once a year. However, this recommendation varies from brand to brand, so be sure to check the user manual. Most purifiers will also display the "replace filter" indicator when needed, but these are easy to overlook, so we recommend that you also set a calendar reminder. In other words, we also found in the test that the HEPA filter still operates almost like new after one year of continuous use. If you are a few months later than planned, the world will not end.

Smart and Matte Smoke Detectors: All smoke alarms, whether smart or not, need to be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture, not the date of installation. You can find the alarm date printed on the device. If your smoke alarm does not have a date, it means that it was manufactured before 2000, when the law required the expiration date to be printed on the device. You definitely want to replace that.

Convertible car seats and booster seats: Convertible car seats and booster seats usually fail after 10 years, so they have a longer service life than infant car seats. However, if you encounter a major accident, you need to replace the convertible seat or booster seat immediately.

Bicycle helmets: The life span of helmets will vary, but you should always replace your helmet after a collision-even if you have not detected any surface damage. Once the foam under the plastic shell of the bicycle helmet is compressed in the accident, it can no longer function. However, you may not always be able to tell what is happening under the hard shell, which is why we recommend that you proceed with caution and change your helmet after an accident.

Foam roller: It is difficult to say how long the foam roller will last. However, if you want to make the most of your product, choose a stronger product made of expanded polypropylene (EPP). Rollers made of softer materials may warp over time, especially under regular use.

Pillows: "Pillows do not have a fixed lifespan because the body, pillow fillings and sleeping habits are different," said senior staff writer Jackie Reeve. "However, if over time you start to notice new neck, shoulder or back pain when you wake up in the morning, or if you start to have headaches at night, these are good signs that your pillow may need to be replaced . "Nevertheless, you can still take some measures to extend the life of the pillow-such as throwing down or down substitute pillow into the dryer to make it fluffy, or knocking and moving the filling in the crushed foam pillow.

Mattresses: The typical warranty period for mattresses is 10 years. But senior writer Joanne Chen (Joanne Chen) said that mattresses made of more durable materials such as latex may have a longer warranty. However, just because the warranty says that the mattress will last for 10, 15 or 20 years does not mean that it will always be in good condition. Depending on the quality of the mattress material, your weight, your figure, and the degree to which you rotate the mattress regularly, you may notice your body impression in just a few months. These indentations may be deep annoying, but they are not enough to be covered by the warranty. Joanne said that low-density foam mattresses and thick, fluffy European-style or pillow-top mattresses are particularly prone to premature impressions. Sleepers weighing more than 200 pounds may be better off using a memory foam top layer or latex mattress with 4 or 5 pounds per cubic foot. You can read more about it in our mattress buying guide.

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