We mostly focused on home upgrades and outdoor changes but have you thought about how often should you replace these common home furnishings?

It's pretty obvious when it's time to replace your milk or an everyday essential like your toothbrush, but the expiration dates of some common home items aren't always that clear.

No one wants to sit in a saggy and stained sofa. Or sleep on an unsupportive mattress. But how do you know for sure that they’ve truly passed their use-by date?

Whether you've just finished furnishing a new home or last redecorated 10 years ago, it's important to note when the best time to replace your furnishings is. While most people are aware of when their food or makeup expires, they often don't consider expiration dates for furniture or home furnishings.

Well it does partly come down to common sense, but if you’re not sure whether to part with a long-standing piece, this guide to the average lifespan of common home furnishings will help.

How often should you buy new furniture? Unfortunately, it doesn't carry clearly defined expiration dates. These guidelines will help you decide when to replace your furniture.

Here's a look at the average lifespans for 10 of the most common items in your home:

MATTRESSES

The average mattress lasts anywhere from 5 to 10 years, regardless of whether it's a spring mattress, made of memory foam, or even a water bed.

Generally, we recommend cleaning your mattress once every 6 months or so. Of course, if you spill something on your mattress, you should clean it immediately before the stain sets in. Using a quality mattress protector will reduce the need to clean your mattress as frequently.

Use a combination of cleaning supplies to make your mattress cleaner. Mix together dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide to create a mattress stain remover. Use a spray bottle to best apply this mixture. Once the stains have been sprayed, blot or rub them using a towel or rag.

Sofa/ Couch

The common consensus is that an average sofa will remain in prime condition for around seven years, after which a drop-off will begin. A top-quality sofa might even see you through 15 years of family life, but even that will succumb to sagging eventually.

To avoid such a snafu in your home, bring in a new model every 7-15 years. 

Consider replacing your sofa before the seats start sagging to the point of not supporting you, the fabric has become stained and worn, and the frame is breaking down or squeaking. 

A sofa that starts to creak is in need of replacement. Creaking may be the first sign that the sofa's structure is starting to break down, and you should look for a new one. You don't want to wait until spring pops loose and starts to poke your guests as they make themselves comfortable after enjoying themselves at a dinner party you've just hosted.

If your couch is looking tired, may we suggest the handsome Harbor in on-trend navy as a replacement? Its classic lines and quality upholstery promise a lengthy lifespan, both visually and physically.

Carpets

Carpets are a catch-all for dirt, with dust mites, pet hair, pet urine, dead skin cells, dust, insect feces, insect husks, bacteria, mold, volatile organic compounds, and many other types of allergens clinging to the fibers. It is important that you clean your carpets regularly.

The least expensive carpet option, apartment grade, will last you 1-5 years, while medium-grade carpet should hold out for 5-15 years. If you're not on a budget, more expensive high-end carpets can last 15-25 years.

Depending on how and where they're placed, normally you should consider cleaning your carpet at least every 6 months to remove dirt, grime, and allergens. However, this schedule can vary depending on several factors in your household. If you have children or pets, you might shampoo your carpets more regularly.

Curtains

You’ll be happy to hear that there are no official ‘rules’ with this one. When your curtains start to look tatty and faded, you’ll probably want to switch in a new pair, but this will depend on how well you care for them.

But know that curtains naturally attract dust and absorb odors over time. And as easy as it is to overlook the fact that they need attention – after all, they just hang there! – curtain cleaning on a regular basis is a good idea to keep your house clean and fresh – every 3-6 months is recommended.

One thing you could consider is having two pairs on rotation – one lighter set like the above for summer, and heavier, more insulating drapes for winter. That way, they’ll last twice as long!

Sofa Cushions

Depending on how much punishment they receive, your sofa cushions will need to be swapped out after as little as 6months. Regular plumping and washing might allow you to string that out for a year or two, but if that cushion has been there for three years, it’s advisable to get rid.

Create a cleaning solution by combining equal parts of water and white vinegar in a small bucket. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution so that it is damp but not wet, then wipe the couch, rinsing the cloth regularly. Dry the couch with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Don't saturate with liquid. Do not remove cushion covers, instead dry clean couch cushions if necessary. Clean only with a water-based formula.

Dining Room Tables: A dining room table can last for many years as long as the surface has not become significantly scratched, dented, or burned due to wear and tear. Though its surface is made to resist damage and damage can be reduced by using placemats or tablecloths, it may be necessary to replace the table when the damage to the tabletop is unsightly or becomes difficult to repair. You may also want to replace a dining room table if it has become too large or too small to suit the room comfortably.

Dining room tables may become unsightly from scratches, dents, and burns long before they become structurally unsound. Tables are usually replaced when a larger or smaller size is needed to comfortably fit a room and the usual number of diners.

Dining Room Chairs: These items can last for many years especially if they are not upholstered. Without upholstered seats, you may only need to replace the chairs under certain circumstances. How long should chairs last?

A chair can last anywhere from a single year to ten years, or even more. A good-quality chair should last between seven and ten years. If the legs have become wobbly due to children leaning back on the chairs and further tightening the screws is impossible, the chair will need to be replaced. Upholstered chairs may need to be replaced if the upholstery is frayed or has holes or stains. You may also need to replace the dining room set if you find you need more chairs to entertain or for your family to sit comfortably. No one wants to constantly use a set of mismatched chairs. It is a personal preference to decide when to replace dining room chairs unless they show significant signs of use or no longer match the table they surround.

How to Dispose of Household Items

There are several methods to dispose of old furniture, and the disposal of the furniture will be largely dependent upon the quality of the furniture and whether or not the fabric is stained beyond repair.

• Donate the furniture. Often, Goodwill or Salvation Army will accept a used sofa. They may even come and pick it up from your home. You could also look into donating it to a homeless shelter or school.
• Haul it away. Many areas will offer a haul-away service in conjunction with your trash service. You will need to check with your city or local municipality on their policies.
• Sell it. Consider selling your sofa on Craigslist or eBay, especially if it's in good condition. Barring that, try at a garage or rummage sale.
• Gift it to a friend. If you know of someone who is getting their first apartment, you may want to give them the sofa especially if they have little cash for furniture.

You've weighed all your options and your costs, and now you need to decide what route you want to take - whether or not you want to reupholster or purchase new furniture. While reupholstering will preserve an existing piece, buying a new piece of furniture will give you the satisfaction that you've purchased something that won't have any hidden problems or wear. It will be a truly new piece that is sure to last for years to come.