10 small steps for a healthier home

Expert: Ty Pennington, host of the ABC show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

For peace of mind, get rid of clutter—electronics are the number one offender. I'll walk into a home and see wires and remotes and blinking lights everywhere. How can anyone relax with all that distraction? I stay sane by chilling in my living room, so even though I love my electronics, I don't want to see them.

I favor furniture with hidden phone-charging stations and storage panels for my CDs, DVDs, and other digital paraphernalia. That way, the emphasis is on my art and accessories—things pleasing to my eye.

6 cleaning mistakes even smart women make

Expert: Leslie Segrete, Host of the A&E lifestyle show "$100 Makeover"

Watch for volatile organic compounds. Furnishings with these VOCs off-gas harmful chemicals. Paints, foams, and carpets can also contain VOCs, so whenever possible, look for products that say they have zero VOCs, low odor, and no carcinogens. If you aren't sure, just let your new furniture off-gas for 1 week in your garage before bringing it into the house.

9 easy swaps to be greener

Expert: James Baldwin, MD, director of the Allergy and Immunology Training Program and clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan department of internal medicine

To breathe cleaner air, I use a Micro Allergen Reduction Filter (Microparticle Performance Rating of 1,000) and change it at least every 3 months. This prevents buildup and ensures that irritants like dust, mold spores, and pollen are adequately removed from the air. A clean filter also improves furnace efficiency, lowering your heating bills.

6 pollutants even savvy homeowners may overlook

Expert: Christopher Chirafisi, senior technical instructor, American Home Inspectors Training Institute

A home hazard I commonly see is extension cords as permanent wiring. They should be used only temporarily and never coiled or covered, lest they overheat and create a fire hazard. The best move is to have an electrician add more outlets. But in the meantime, at least make sure you're using extension cords (as well as surge protectors) that have UL certification and are large enough to handle your electrical load—compare the cord's amp rating to that of what you're plugging into it.

4 steps to eliminate hazards and clutter

Expert: Amy Devers, host of the A&E lifestyle show "Fix This Yard"

I don't want to put lawn chemicals in the earth or expose my body to it or worry about storing it safely (always read labels for storage instructions). I've made my yard mostly low-maintenance ground cover (ice plant) and wildflowers, so I don't need chemicals. If you do need fertilization and weed control, corn gluten meal, which comes in spreadable granules, is a great organic option.

For pesticides, Neem Oil, which can be diluted and sprayed, is another organic product that's even safe on edibles. You can find both at garden centers such as Home Depot and Sears.

How to keep your yard safe for the whole family

Expert: Leslie Segrete, Host of the A&E lifestyle show "$100 Makeover"

We keep our bathroom fan on for 15 minutes after showering. This reduces condensation, limiting the risk of mold growth

The surprising truth about mold

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If you've got a cat and have allergic guests coming to your home, don't vaccum just before they arrive as it stirs up cat allergens. 

Expert: James Baldwin, MD, director of the Allergy and Immunology Training Program and clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan department of internal medicine

Well-meaning cat owners vacuuming right before allergic guests arrive. Regardless of the vacuum used, this will lift the cat allergen called Fel d 1, which is very light and will remain in the air for several hours. Your guests will actually suffer more than if you hadn't vacuumed at all.

11 surprising places allergy irritants lurk

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