NOTHING lasts forever.

That said, many items are less obvious than the spoiled milk in your fridge — there's no expiration date or other obvious signs they have outlived their use. So how long should you let your stuff linger before replacing it? He is what the experts have to say about a "best by" date for, well, just about everything:

Air Filters
Replace after: Six months
Why: Filters become clogged with dirt and other particles, reducing the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.

Computers
Replace after: Four years
Why: Unless you're using your computer for very basic functions (i.e., word processing), technology will have likely advanced enough that you need a significant upgrade. Rather than trying to put a new processor into an old computer, you're typically better off buying new. With laptops, there isn't much you can do to upgrade them and upgrading your desktop is possible, but unless you're a technology whiz, that process can be as expensive as buying a new computer (and infinitely more complicated).

Cosmetics
Replace after: Three months to two years
Why: Microbe growth in makeup can cause skin irritations and infections. The worst offenders are liquid cosmetics, which build up bacteria more quickly. Keep mascara for a maximum of three months; other liquids and creams (eyeliner, foundation) for no more than a year. Powders (eyeshadow, blush) can be used safely for up to two years.

Fire Extinguishers
Replace after: 10 to 12 years
Why: The pressurized contents of a fire extinguisher de-pressurize over time. Eventually, it just becomes a block of 'stuff' inside the cylinder rendering it useless in fighting fires. Extinguishers can deteriorate faster if left in a high-humidity environment. Check your extinguisher on a monthly basis for corrosion, a sure sign air is leaking out.

Mattresses
Replace after: Seven years
Why: Mattresses wear out over time. One that sags or is uneven won't keep your spine in line as you sleep, which means you may have trouble sleeping. It's likely you'll also experience neck and back pain while awake. There's also an ick factor to old mattresses — they collect dust, dirt and allergens that can't be removed.

Perfume
Replace after: Two years
Why: Exposure to light, heat and air lighten and alter perfume notes. It weakens the scent.

Pillows
Replace after: Two years
Why: Pressure on the pillow as you sleep causes it to flatten, and develop uncomfortable bumps and lumps. To test if your pillow still has life in it fold it in half and rest your hand on top for 30 seconds. Then let go. If the pillow pops back, it's fine. If it remains folded, it's time to buy a new one.

Running (and Walking) Shoes
Replace after: 300 to 500 miles run
Why: Foam-like material in the mid-sole of the shoe stops bouncing back. You lose the shock-absorbing capacity. And that can lead to heel and arch pain, or even stress fractures. Judge how much life is left in your shoes by the way they feel. When a running shoe becomes uncomfortable, it's time to toss it. You can lengthen the life of your running shoes, by alternating between two pairs. That gives the foam mid-sole time to decompress between runs.

Smoke Alarms
Replace after: 10 years
Why: Constant stress on a smoke detector's sensors from particles in the air — everything from cigarette smoke to pet dander to pollen — render it unreliable. Its ability to sense smoke deteriorates. The result will be one of two extremes: either the smoke detector will sound the alarm for just about anything, or it won't go off at all.

Spices
Replace after: One year
Why: Dried herbs and spices lose their flavor over time Whole spices, such as star anise or coriander, may last slightly longer — less of the spice is exposed to the air. To tell if your spices are past their prime, open the bag or jar and take a whiff. If there's no scent, there won't be any flavor.

Toothbrushes
Replace after: Three months
Why: Toothbrush bristles frayed from use remove plaque less effectively than those of a new brush. Swapping out your brush will also limit exposure to bacteria that build up on the bristles.


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