You can’t see them, but they’re all over your home. Dust mites will be in the carpet, the sofa, the bedding, the curtains, even a child’s stuffed animals. These tiny insects, visible only under a microscope, leave a trail of waste that is a highly allergenic.

It’s estimated that between 10 and 25 per cent of North Americans are sensitized to dust mite droppings, and that these pests will spark wheezing in over 50 per cent of asthmatics. Thankfully, while you can’t get rid of dust mites completely, you can minimize their multiplying numbers.

Pets can be your best friends, but if you have allergies or asthma, they can also be your worst enemy. Pets shed dander, a combination of dead skin cells and hair (or feathers), which can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in some people. However, you can cut down on pet allergens at home.

Cute But Hazardous

Pets can be your best friends. If you have allergies or asthma, they can also be your worst enemy.

Pets shed dander, a combination of dead skin cells and hair (or feathers), which can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the allergens.

If you have hay fever or allergic asthma, take a few steps to reduce allergens in your home. Some steps to reduce indoor allergens are complicated and time-consuming — but there are some easy things you can do that may help. Some steps may be more effective than others, depending on what particular allergy or allergies you have.

Bedroom

• Bed and bedding.

Encase pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust-mite-proof covers. Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least once a week in water heated to at least 130 F (54 C).

The installment of tile can make a great decorative addition to any home, whether it’s used as flooring, in the shower or as a kitchen backsplash, but continual maintenance is needed to ensure it remains appealing. There tends to be a lot of confusion about what is required when it comes to properly caring for tile and grout, which leads to many questions. Below are some of the most common questions we’ve heard regarding tile and grout cleaning, followed by our expert recommendation.

How Does Grout Become Dirty and Stained?

Grout is a very porous, sponge-like material, and there are many reasons it can start to take on a dirty and stained appearance, which is a big eyesore.

For many of us, vacuuming isn't something that we put a lot of thought into. You move a few shoes and toys out of the way, run your vacuum over the carpet a few times, and voila! The carpet is clean - or at least you hope so. If you have never given a second thought to the way that you vacuum your floor, here are five tips that will ensure you get your carpet clean every time you pull the vacuum cleaner out.

1. Make Sure Your Vacuum Cleaner is Top-Notch

Not everybody can afford to run out and buy a new top-of-the-line Dyson, but you can make sure that the vacuum cleaner you have is in working order.