Yes, it really matters what kind of vacuum you use in your home. Ironically, using the wrong vacuum can make your home dirtier. When you have a vacuum that does not have a HEPA filter integrated in its design, you risk stirring up mold spores that can be sucked up and scattered around the room, making the mold problem worse. Vacuums with a HEPA filter absorb the spores and capture particles that are invisible to the naked eye.

When the temperature calls for below-freezing temperatures, do more than bundle up: detox. Lay a plastic tarp outside and put items that are next to impossible to launder -- like throw pillows, sofa cushions, children's plush toys and even comforters -- on top. Let these items sit there for as long as possible (about eight hours) to let the deep freeze clean them for you. Dust mites and odor that may have built up will literally be frozen to death. When you bring them back inside, they'll be fresher and cleaner.

Fall is a good time to cross-ventilate a room to flush out toxins. The good thing about homes today is that they are built to be as energy efficient as possible, so they are as airtight as possible. The bad part? Chemicals are hard to get out of the house. To release and remove the chemical cocktail, open a window in the front of the house and one in the back. Then add table fans in front of each window, blowing the air out the window. You'll blow away the toxins!