Even if the late season snowstorms make it feel like winter some days, spring has arrived in New England. And with it comes spring cleaning, that oft-dreaded time to scrub down the nooks and crannies of your home that you've been neglecting all year.

One of the best reasons to do a thorough spring cleaning is to reduce the allergens in your home. By getting rid of dust, pollen, mold, and mildew, you'll be more likely to avoid the sneezing, stuffy nose, and other seasonal maladies that make you miserable.

You may want to start be developing a few habits to make your home a less inviting environment for allergens. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping the thermostat at 68 to 72 degrees, and limiting relative humidity to 50 percent or less. Avoid smoking in the house, and get into a regular dusting and vacuuming routine.

When vacuuming, use a high-efficiency particulate air filter to get the best results. Empty vacuums outside so the collected dust isn't released back into the home. Audrey Ference, writing for the National Association of Realtors, says HEPA air purifiers are also helpful for keeping allergen levels down.

During spring cleaning, remove dust from areas that aren't usually included in your regular cleaning. These might include the tops of door frames and picture frames, lamp shades, and the areas underneath furniture. Laura Gaskill, writing for the home design site Houzz, says a damp cloth is ideal for dusting since it will collect particles instead of simply dislodging them.

The bedroom is a particularly important place to remove allergens, since you'll want to have a comfortable night's rest. Tara Aronson, author of the blog Clean Organized Family Home, recommends keeping clutter to a minimum so dust bunnies won't have as many places to hide. You may also want to consider removing carpeting in the room or vacuuming it at least once a week. Gaskill says heavy drapes will trap more allergens, so you might want to replace them with blinds or curtains that can be run through the washer.

When putting away clothes in a bedroom closet after they have been washed, make sure they are completely dry. Lingering dampness can allow mold and mildew to form.

Your bedding should also be cleaned regularly. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends using mite-proof mattress and pillow covers. Wash bed sheets in hot water (at least 130 degrees) every week, and wash pillows each month.

The same steps should be taken with children's bedrooms. Make sure the room is regularly decluttered, and periodically wash stuffed toys in hot water to eliminate dust mites.

Pet dander is a common source of sneezing and sniffling, and keeping your furry friends out of the bedroom will help keep these allergen levels down. Pet beds or mats should be washed at least once a month.

The damp environment in the bathroom makes it particularly susceptible to mold and mildew, and these issues should be treated as soon as they are spotted. Always run the fan while bathing or showering to expel moist air from the room, and use a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls and doors to further reduce moisture.

Don't forget to periodically clean the shower curtain. Aronson says vinyl curtains can be treated with bleach and cleaned in a washing machine. Fabric shower curtains should be scrubbed with detergent, or bleach for particularly persistent mildew.

The refrigerator is a prime source of allergens in the kitchen, since moisture in the appliance can cause mold to form on the door seals and other areas. The Mayo Clinic says any excess water should be wiped up, and old food should be discarded. Empty the drip pan regularly.

The attic and basement are often overlooked in regular house cleaning, but it helps to declutter these areas occasionally. Aronson says items should be stored in plastic boxes or bags to protect them from mold, mildew, and dust. Check the humidity levels and consider installing a dehumidifier if there is too much moisture in the air.

The systems that help purify your home's air will also need some regular attention. Ference says spring is a good time to replace or wash any filters, including those in your HVAC system, bathroom exhaust, and dryer. You'll also want to clean off the top of the blades of any ceiling fans to remove any dust before the fans are turned on again for warmer weather.