Washing. In addition to encasing your bedding, you should wash all bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) at least every other week. If your bulkier items, such as pillows and comforters, are a pain to wash, make sure you encase them and wash them at least two times a year.

To really wash away allergens like dust mites, cat dander, molds and pollen, you can purchase several types of allergen wash detergent that rids bedding, linens, towels, curtains and other washable fabrics. An added benefit for allergen detergents is that they can remove allergens in any water temperature.

Vacuum. Vacuuming is another important step in allergen prevention. It is best to remove carpeting, but many cannot afford to replace carpeting right away, so vacuuming is the next best thing.

Allergy sufferers should own vacuums with sealed systems and a HEPA filtration system. This is the only way to reduce airborne allergens from being redeposited in the air while vacuuming.

For best results, you should vacuum carpeting at least once a day. Make sure you use multi-layer vacuum bags and change them frequently, or empty your vacuum’s waste repository after each vacuuming.

Before you vacuum, treat your carpeting. There are a wide variety of carpet allergen treatments on the market today. They are designed to remove dust mite allergens and other allergens caused by animals. There are even several products that are safe for use around children and animals – which can ease your fears of harming your environment while trying to eliminate allergies. Carpet allergen products should only be used per the cleaning product instructions.

Wipe. You aren’t done cleaning if you haven’t dusted. Wiping down your home can eliminate many allergens – so dusting and wiping down items should take place at least once a week.

A few wiping tips:

• Wear a filtered mask when cleaning your home to prevent allergens from affecting you.

• Use a squeegee to remove water from your tub or shower. This helps prevent mold from growing.

• Purchase a vapor cleaner to kill germs and sanitize areas – it tackles mold and mildew in hard to clean areas of your shower or tub.

• Purchase treated dust cloths that attract pet dander, dust mites and other allergens easily without a cleaning spray.

• Purchase a duster that is made to attract dust and allergens. Some even have a portable vacuum chamber that cleans the duster so the dirt doesn’t resurface back into the air.