Serving as an irritant on its own and an enthusiastic host for mold spores, dust is also a toxic force to be reckoned with. Where pet dander and dust bunnies go, dust mites have already followed, and they especially love to dwell in carpeting, furnishings, bedding, radiators, air conditioners and, as many of us easily forget, behind and under refrigerators.

For those tight, tricky, dust-attracting spaces around refrigerators and elsewhere, we recommend adding a specially designed 36-inch crevice tool to your vacuum attachment arsenal. And speaking of your vacuum, you’ll get closest to a dust-free existence if it employs a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and debris collection via a disposable bag.

Conscientious, consistent cleaning is basic to banning dust, but also take a turn around your home to track down and block other entrances for this irritant. Air leaks around and through doors and windows, unsealed ducts, and dirty air filters are all likely sources. Finally, ensure that any indoor DIY projects do more good than harm by sealing off work areas, rolling carpet protection film out over fiber-based surfaces, and cleaning up thoroughly after every work session. Dust covers on the bedding, of course, may be the single most important thing the dust allergic patient should do.