The pollen may be hibernating, but that doesn't mean allergy sufferers get a free pass during the winter. The tendency to stay indoors when the weather's cold exposes people to a whole different group of irritants. Such year-around allergens as dust, mold and animal dander get even more bothersome as people seal their homes and keep their pets inside. You can take measures to make your dwelling as allergy-free as possible. Let your floors go naked .
Dust mites love to curl up in carpets and do whatever twisted things dust mites do.
Favoring wood or tile floors gives the little buggers fewer places to meet. Along the same lines, use blinds instead of curtains whenever possible. Take dust for a ride. If tearing up the rug doesn't appeal to you, clean them at least once a week. A standard vacuum won't work very well, because the dust can escape through the vacuum bag.