

If your cleaning routine doesn't specifically focus on allergen removal, you may be only moving dust around, sending allergens and irritating cleaning chemicals into the air. To maximize your cleaning efforts to reduce allergens, consider these simple tips from the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program, the healthy home initiative of the nonprofit Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):
* You may think dusting your home will help reduce allergens, but if you use a feather duster that simply lifts the dust off surfaces and into the air, you will actually increase airborne dust particles. Instead, use moist cloths or special dry dusters designed to trap and lock dust from hard and soft...

Some do-it-yourself experts recommend a fresh coat of paint, new tile, a shiny new sink and great cabinets to transform an ordinary bathroom into an extraordinary spa - but that's just what the eye can see. Yes, your refinished bathroom will look different but will it hold its value? Not unless you think first of what's behind the paint and tile and consider how to protect it from the greatest threat in a bathroom: moisture, mold and mildew.
Upgrading your walls, ceilings and subfloors before you paint, install tile or hang a fancy new mirror can ensure your new bathroom will stand up to everyday splashes, showers and relaxing tub soaks, as well as dreaded mold and mildew that can come from these steamy,...

While purging their belongings, families should consider giving back to their community, both as a nice way to say goodbye and to make the move much easier. Some ways to give back while moving include:
* Donate unneeded belongings to organizations that can put them to good use. If you have gently used furniture, clothing, children's toys, books or even kitchen utensils that you won't need in your new home, many organizations will take these items to help victims of natural disasters, or to sell to help financially support other needs of the organization. If you aren't able to find an organization that will accept donated items, consider holding a yard sale and donating the cash to a local charity. When ad...

Your garage's main function is usually to safeguard and store your car, truck or motorcycles. That can't take place if your garage has turned into a glorified storage unit, stuffed to the rafters with boxes, toys, tools, bikes, strollers and everything else you either don't have room for or just don't want in the house.
Below are 6 easy to follow steps that will help you clean and organize your garage and seize control once again.
Step 1 - get everything out of the garage and sort it all into groups. Categorize it all and put everything into groups with like items. For example, toys...