Is the air in your home free of dust mites, cockroach droppings and animal dander? If not or if you don't know, here are some simple tips to help you get rid of these three nuisances, and make the air in your home cleaner.

Dust mites create misery for people with asthma. They are invisible to the human eye. They lurk everywhere there is dust, but they particularly enjoy living in your bedroom, on stuffed animals, cloth window coverings and upholstered furniture They eat the skin cells you shed. You can destroy them by washing all stuffed animals and bed linens, including pillows, in water 130-140° water weekly. Use bleach or borax with an allergen reducing laundry detergent. If you don't want to wash the stuffed animals that often, get rid of them. Use specially made and airtight pillow and mattress protection. Don't forget to cover your box spring as well.

If you are lucky enough not to have cockroaches, you won't have to worry about the effect of their droppings on your asthma. Remember, though, many homes have cockroaches – just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. The only way to control cockroaches is with pesticide. Rather than using a spray or paint on product, use bait traps. Put these in the cabinets in your kitchen, on the floor of your laundry room under the washer and dryer or under any movable furniture with openings small enough for the insects but not large enough for your pets or children. The bait traps are safe and easy to use, and they have the advantage of not leaving a residue, unlike sprays and paint on products.

Animal dander is one of the most common asthma cause substances and is found in many homes. Give your pets a bath once a week. Don't allow your beds in your bedroom or on your bed. If you have carpet, consider changing your floor coverings to linoleum, hardwood or tile. These surfaces are easier to keep clean and free of pet hair. Keeping pets outdoors is the best way to control animal dander, but if you can't control it and don't want your pets outside, find them a new home.

Make sure to vacuum your home thoroughly at least once a week. Don't forget to vacuum your mini-blinds, indoor shutters and any other type of window covering you have.

A HEPA filter in your air conditioner or heater will help filter the above asthma triggers in your home. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner as well.

By following the tips above, you'll be well on your way to having cleaner air in your home.

By Ellie Kuykendall