These changes cost money in the short term, but over the long haul they can make it easier to keep you home clean:

• Consider buying products with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. As part of your air conditioner, vacuum, or as a separate unit, these purifiers can help remove pollens and dander from the air.
• Use dehumidifiers to get the humidity level below 50 percent.
• Hire a professional to clean your home's heating and air conditioning ducts.
• Remove wall-to-wall carpeting — dust mites love it, and dampness or chemical irritants can hide in the padding underneath. Choose easy-to-clean flooring like hardwood, tile, and linoleum instead. If you must have carpets, get them steam-cleaned to kill dust mites. Or choose small rugs you can throw in the washer.
• Replace upholstered furniture with wood, plastic, leather, or vinyl.
• Get rid of heavy draperies that collect dust. Use washable curtains or roll-down shades instead.
• Purchase washable covers for your mattress, box spring, and pillows. Some stores sell antimicrobial bedding, which may inhibit bacteria and mold growth.
• Fix leaks that can cause standing water and, therefore, mold. Common sites include refrigerator drip pans, windowsills, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures.