Weird odors in the kitchen and fuzzy growths in the bathroom are tell-tale signs of a home that needs a good cleanup. Tied up by hectic schedules, many homemakers sometimes settle for surface cleaning and flower-scented deodorizers, which cause them to let their guard down against bacteria that remain present but are largely undetected.

In areas of your home where the moisture level is high, you've probably experienced battles with green, white or black mildew. Obvious mildew stains are somewhat easier to deal with because you know exactly where the problem is, but mold spores - the seeds that reproduce molds and mildew - are so tiny, you can't see them spreading through the air, bypassing protective mechanisms of your respiratory system.

Microorganisms are found everywhere, and while many are beneficial to the environment like molds that assist nature in the process of decomposition, microbes that reach great proportions in your home could cause allergic reactions and respiratory complications in your loved ones. Some are more likely to be infected, like children, the elderly, those with existing respiratory conditions like asthma, and people with weakened immune system. You are allergic to molds and mildew when you have symptoms including difficulty breathing, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, and headache, or skin irritation.