Sponge filters clogging

Is it necessary to clean the sponge filter every month or so or can it be left for a longer time perhaps even an year. I read that if airflow reduces in the sponge filter and bubbles reduce its time to clean but even if the sponge filter color has become brown but airflow is strong is it necessary to clean the filter...

I only clean mine when I start feeling guilty about not having done it for months on end.

I try to clean mine every 1-2 months. If you let them become too saturated, the broken down waste will return back into the tank and increase bioload.

I feel guilty and squeeze mine when I hit them with my hand or the siphon tube and stuff comes out. I'm sure you can tell that sponge squeezing is not my favorite job.

Thanks for the reply