We spend around 80-90% of our daily lives indoors and the quality of our home environment directly impacts our health and wellbeing. From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, our living spaces can be full of hidden pollutants, allergens, and bacteria. Simple habits like improving ventilation, keeping fabrics clean, and choosing safer cleaning products can transform your home into a healthier place for you and your family. Whatever type of property in Purley, Croydon & Greater London you live in, our complete checklist for a healthy home gives you practical tips for every room to help keep your home fresh, safe, and comfortable.
Healthy Home: The Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a space that restores your body and mind, but it can easily harbour dust, allergens, and poor air quality that affect your sleep. Creating the right sleep environment goes beyond comfort - it’s about ensuring better health and energy every day.
Invest in a quality mattress. A good mattress supports better sleep, which is linked to lower risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, and type II diabetes.
Air your bedding. Before making the bed, pull back the duvet and sheets for at least an hour. This helps control dust mites and freshens your sleep space.
Create the right sleep environment. Keep your bedroom cool (between 15.5–19.5°C), block out light with blackout curtains, and use earplugs if needed for a calmer, deeper sleep.
Healthy Home Tips for the Bathroom
Bathrooms deal with constant moisture, making them one of the trickiest areas to keep healthy. Damp conditions encourage mould and bacteria, both of which can impact your lungs and skin. A few simple steps will help you turn your bathroom into a cleaner, safer space.
Stay on top of mould. Check and maintain grout and caulking around sinks, baths, and showers to stop mould from taking hold.
Run the fan. After a shower, leave the extractor fan on for at least 20 minutes to remove moisture and prevent mould spreading.
Close the toilet lid. Flushing with the lid open spreads microscopic particles up to two metres away – onto towels, toothbrushes, and more.
Your Kitchen Should be Healthy in More Ways Than One!
The kitchen is the heart of most homes, but it’s also where germs can spread quickly. Food preparation, spills, and leftover moisture all create opportunities for bacteria to grow. Keeping things clean and hygienic helps protect you and your family’s health.
Ditch the sponge. Sponges trap food particles and water, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Use a scrubbing brush or cloth that dries quickly instead.
Disinfect the sink. Clean the bottom and sides of your sink at least once a week to kill germs.
Keep surfaces fresh. Wipe down worktops daily with safe cleaning products to cut down on bacteria.
Healthy Home Tips for the Living Room
Your living room is where you relax, socialise, and unwind, so it’s worth keeping it as fresh and healthy as possible. Dust, pet hair, and poor ventilation can build up quickly in this space, but with the right habits, it can be both comfortable and good for your wellbeing.
Choose washable fabrics. Throws, cushions, and curtains that can be machine-washed help keep dust and allergens under control.
Clean carpets often. Vacuum regularly and consider a deep clean once a year to reduce mould spores, pet hair, and dust mites.
Add houseplants. Studies show indoor plants can lower stress and improve wellbeing.
Sanitise the TV remote. It’s one of the most handled (and germ-filled) items in your home. A quick disinfectant wipe keeps it clean.
Use natural cleaning solutions. Skip harsh chemicals. A mix of water with lemon oil or vinegar is perfect for wooden floors and kinder on your lungs.
Let in fresh air. Indoor air can contain up to five times more pollutants than outdoors. Open your windows regularly to keep air circulating.
Final Thoughts
These small, simple habits can make a big difference to your home’s health. A cleaner, fresher environment supports better sleep, fewer allergies, and improved wellbeing for the whole family.
If you’re ready to make a fresh new start with a healthy new home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Shinerocks now on 020 8660 2010. As experts in the Purley, Croydon & Greater London property market, we will help you find the perfect home!
Thinking of selling? You can generate a full report on your own property including an instant estimated valuation here.
In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about creating a healthy home.
FAQs About Creating a Healthy Home
How often should I air my home?
Ideally, open your windows for at least 10–15 minutes every day to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce indoor pollutants.
What are the best plants for improving indoor air quality?
Spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are popular choices because they’re low maintenance and help filter toxins from the air.
How can I tell if my home has poor air quality?
Common signs include frequent headaches, allergies, coughing, or a musty smell. Investing in an air quality monitor can also give you clear readings.
Is it better to use natural or chemical cleaners?
Natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are often safer for your health and the environment. Chemical cleaners can be effective but may release irritants into the air.