We talked last week about how some ways to reduce indoor allergens during winter. Vacuuming more frequently is one sure-fire way to minimize the allergens in your home. But, as with many tasks, there's an alright way to do it, and a better way – especially if you want to cut down on allergens. Following are some quick tips to help you vacuum most efficiently:

• Vacuum top to bottom. Start upstairs and make your way down to lower levels of the house. The idea is that dust and other allergens that get stirred up in the vacuuming process will settle in a place where they will still get cleaned up. (This tip also applies to dusting: Always, always, dust before you vacuum so dust from shelves and the like gets picked up with the vacuum cleaner.)

• Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner. HEPA filtration ensures that the air coming out of your vacuum is cleaner than the air going in.

• Consider using powders for killing dust mites. Dust Mite and Flee Control from Ecology Works is a customer favorite. Allersearch X-Mite also works well. If you prefer a non-powder option, Anti-Allergen Solution is an excellent choice. This product is especially versatile: It can be used in washing machines or sprayed on pillows, upholstery, and more – and it's non-toxic.

• Don't push down on the vacuum cleaner. Pushing down on the carpet only compresses the rug's pile, making it harder for dirt to be released.

• Vacuum slowly. Vacuuming slowly gives your vacuum cleaner time to pull dust and other allergens out of the carpet. It also gives brush rolls time to sweep pet hair up from the carpet fibers.

• Vacuum the same area multiple times.No, you don't have to vacuum your house several times in one day. What we mean is, pass the carpet back and forth over the same area three or four times to ensure maximum cleanliness. Again, slow movements are most effective.

• Vacuum in different directions. As you pass over the same area a few times, alter the direction of your vacuum cleaner to pick up maximum amounts of dust and debris.

To read more, see How to Vacuum Your Home to Reduce Allergens.