Think your home is clean? Despite your best efforts to keep your family healthy and free from annoying allergies, your house may hide allergens in unlikely places. Learn how to recognize indoor allergies, identify common culprits and implement a few fast fixes with these simple tips.

The most common symptoms of indoor allergies include sniffles, sneezing and watery eyes, while more severe reactions may result in itchy skin, rash, puffy face, respiratory problems and a variety of other discomforts.

Pay attention to when and where you experience the most severe symptoms. Investigating the immediate surroundings helps identify potential triggers. Triggers are those things the body does to defend itself against perceived invaders, things like creating runny eyes and nose, rash or other response mechanisms designed to force the invader away from the body.

Although spring is commonly associated with seasonal allergies, fall is actually worse for many allergy sufferers. The dry air, lack of ventilation throughout the home and exposure to other common triggers may make allergic symptoms worse, especially early in the season.

No two people are alike, and neither are allergies, but there are well known triggers that impact a larger-than-average number of people. Below are the most common culprits associated with indoor allergies.

• Pets & People: Everyone loves their four-legged friend, but pets may pose special problems for those suffering from allergies; dander, dust and even pollen brought in with pets are common triggers for sensitive individuals. All living creatures are prone to shed, including humans; in fact, the average person sheds nearly a pound of "dead skin" each year. Multiply that by the number of people in your home for a quick "ick" factor. Worse yet, dead skin is the main diet for mites which in turn, are a common allergic trigger.
• Chemicals and Carcinogens: Chemicals and carcinogens (cancer causing substances) are lurking all over your home — usually without your knowledge. Harsh cleaning products, new carpeting, paint and hundreds of common household products contain a small quantity of toxins. They rarely create a health threat in tiny amounts; but combined and/or accumulated over time, they may reach high enough levels to impact sensitive individuals, particularly those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivities or chemical-related allergies.
• Spores & More: Humid areas of the home like the bathroom, kitchen or basement may be subject to mold and mildew, while extra-dry areas frequently fight dust and dirt. Spores, dirt and pollen might be natural, but that doesn’t make them less of a problem for those suffering from allergies.
• Food and Fragrances: Autumn is filled with the smell of special dishes and holiday cooking, so it should come as no surprise that food allergies often flare up during the fall and winter season. Some people are so sensitive to food-related allergies that even the smell is enough to trigger an allergic reaction. Common food-related allergies include peanuts and shellfish. Do your guests a favor and ask about food-related allergies in advance, then refrain from using any related ingredients when cooking or baking.

Fragrances are another common indoor allergen, especially during the holiday season; candles, essential oils, potpourri and even holiday decorations can trigger sneezing, wheezing and sniffles. Search for non-allergenic alternatives to your favorite fragrances to ensure that everyone can join the fun.

The good news is many people are able to reduce or even eliminate many common culprits by implementing a few fast fixes.

• Go Green: Search for non-toxic alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners and fragrances. Fragrance-free laundry detergent and softeners, carpet cleaners and even air fresheners are all available in environmentally friendly versions that are less irritating to sensitive mucus membranes and good for the earth. Remember to clean — not contaminate — your home.
• Keep the Air Clean: When performing routine chores make it a priority to clean the air at the same time. Vacuums with HEPA filters help prevent particles from becoming airborne and disposable dust wipes eliminate, rather than redistribute, dust. Combined, they work to reduce the amount of particles circulating throughout the house. Change the central air filters in your home and consider having air vents cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Scheduling a visit just before autumn is a great way to take care of holiday preparations while leaving your home ready for the entire family to spend more time indoors during the fall and winter season.
• Fight the Mites: Did you know as many as 18,000 mites can live on just one gram of dust? It’s true. Not only are mites a bit creepy, but an excess of mites are associated with allergic reactions, irritated eyes and even asthma symptoms in some individuals. Mites tend to be found in large numbers where people spend the most time; beds, your favorite chair or the family sofa. Fight mites by regularly cleaning furniture, carpeting and other textiles. Use dust-covers that can be easily removed and washed on furniture like your favorite chair or sofa. Hypo-allergenic pillows and pillowcase covers combined with mattress covers dramatically reduce mite exposure on bedding with the added benefit of being easy to clean and remove.
• Ventilate: When the weather turns cold, people tend to spend more time indoors and less time with the windows open. Whenever possible, allow air to freely circulate throughout your home. Consider purchasing a HEPA air filter to trap airborne particles and remove soot and other seasonal irritants from the air.