Once you're done cleaning, consider making some simple changes to reduce the allergens in your home. Best of all, they don't cost a thing.

• Get rid of "dust magnets" like dried or artificial flowers, wall hangings, and knickknacks. Cut down on the number of upholstered pillows and stuffed toys, too.
• Confine pets to areas with hard floors, which are easier to clean than carpet. At the very least, keep pets outside the bedroom, wash them regularly, and keep them off upholstered furniture.
• Keep humidity sources like live plants and fish tanks out of bedrooms — dust mites and mold thrive in more humid areas.
• Make sure humid air from basements, crawl spaces, and attics doesn't leak into living areas of your home.
• Move firewood, leaf piles, and other sources of mold as far from your home as possible.