We all know that not wearing shoes inside can go a long way in keeping our house clean, since shoes can drag in dirt, pesticides and even lead. But going barefoot can be a bad choice, too. Natural oils in our skin can leave deposits on the floors, which work like a magnet to attract dirt. The solution? Take off your shoes at the door and lay them on newspaper (which absorbs toxins); wear socks inside the house. Keep a tray of clean socks by the door to offer guests who come to visit.

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.