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• Bed bugs

  You’ll need the services of a pest-control professional to eliminate an infestation.

• Feces

  Anyone who owns a pet will confront this cleaning challenge sooner or later.

• Dander

  Control shedding where it starts – on your dog or cat – with regular brushing.

• Excrement

  This isn’t a pleasant subject, but pets do have accidents. Here’s how to deal with it.

• Pets

  No question about it, pets can be a joy, but they will add to the housekeeping load.

• Wet-dry vac

  Wet-dry vacuum cleaners are best suited to garages and unfinished basements since they tend to spew fine dust out with the exhaust air if you don’t install an optional filter. They can come in handy for limited jobs in the home, such as clearing out a clogged sink, sucking up pet accidents, etc.

• Dust mites

  You can’t see them, but they can cause allergies and other respiratory problems.

• Urine

  Act quickly to prevent this spot from drying and becoming a permanent problem.

• Skunk odor

  A tomato-juice bath isn’t as effective as this home remedy, several experts say.

• Toxoplasmosis

  A concern for pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system.

• Microbes

  The scientific name for what many people call germs or bugs. Microbes contribute to bad smelling bathrooms, but also function as nature's cleaning agents.

• Biological contaminants

  Keeping these at bay is the main point in a lot of cleaning tasks.

• Vomit

  Remove as much as you can immediately and dilute with water, experts say. Then follow these tips.

• Mattress

  Turn and vacuum twice a year for better sleep — and better health.

• Enzyme

  These important stain fighters occur throughout nature.

• Fungus

  The kingdom to which molds and mildews belong.

• Sterilizer

  Agents or methods used to kill everything that can cause infection or disease.

• MERV

  A standard for rating heating and air-conditioning filter efficiency.

• Bacteria

  The bugs are everywhere — literally.

• Pre-finished floor

  Sweep or vacuum the floor at least weekly.

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