• Work with your family doctor to try to identify the allergens that affect you the most.
• Concentrate on controlling your key allergens.
• If your allergies or asthma are still not well controlled, see an allergist.

• Are you only mildly affected at certain times? Simple strategies like a new cleaning schedule can provide easy solutions.
• Are asthma attacks ongoing or affecting the quality of your life, like your ability to work, study or sleep, or your energy level? You'll need to consider more long-term options, such as an evaluation by an allergist and possible changes in your household furnishings.

• How much time and money are available to invest now . . . and in the future? Start with the easiest, least expensive actions and work toward those that involve more time and/or money. Remember that today's investment in your health may really pay off in the future.

When it comes to controlling allergens in the home, cleaning is one of your first and easiest steps. The cleaning strategies that follow provide allergen-control tactics you can begin to use right away.