If your child has symptoms of allergies or asthma, you'll be glad to know there are some simple steps you can take to reduce sinus irritants such as dust mite matter, mold or mildew in your child's room and bathroom.

Regularly laundering bed linens in hot water can reduce the amount of dust mite residue that may cause allergies and/or asthma symptoms.

Dust mites are microscopic animals related to spiders and ticks that eat exfoliated skin (dander). All homes – regardless of how well-cleaned they are—have dust mites. Higher humidity and an accumulation of human or animal dander foster their growth and replication.

The mites' droppings contain residue from the enzymes they use to digest the sluffed skin. These enzymes or allergens are a common trigger for allergy and asthma attacks. Using Clorox® Plus™ Anti-Allergen Bleach, a fragrance free, dye free bleach that denatures common household allergens such as mold, dust mite matter and animal dander, can reduce the number of allergens in your household.

Other steps to reduce dust mite allergens at home include removing carpet and upholstered furniture from your child's room. Stuffed animals also harbor dust mites and their allergens, so resist the impulse to give an allergy-prone child a fuzzy toy at bedtime.

Zipping mattresses and pillows into washable covers can reduce exposure to the allergens as can cleaning the room regularly with a vacuum using a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter or damp mopping the floor to keep irritants from getting airborne.

Another common trigger for allergies and asthma attacks is mold, a generic term for thousands of species of fungi that feed on organic matter. Mold can grow almost anywhere, but it's commonly associated with high humidity in areas such as the bathroom.

Used regularly as directed for disinfecting, Clorox® Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Use it to clean and disinfect bathtubs, showers, shower curtains, sinks, glazed ceramic tile, synthetic marble and fiberglass.

It's best to clean up mold immediately and monitor the area. If the mold recurs, check for a leaky pipe or other water source that needs repair.

Use products as directed.