30 Healthy Home Tips to Keep Your Family Safe and Well

A healthy home is about much more than keeping floors clean and rooms tidy.

The conditions inside and around your home can affect your family's:

• respiratory health,
• risk of infections,
• risk of injuries,
• food and water safety,
• exposure to harmful chemicals,
• and overall wellbeing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes housing as an important influence on health. Poor housing conditions can expose people to risks including indoor air pollution, unsafe temperatures, dampness and mould, contaminated water, pests, tobacco smoke and household injuries.

Fortunately, many household risks can be reduced through practical everyday actions.

Here are 30 evidence-based ways to create a healthier and safer home.

1. Keep Your Home Well Ventilated

Good ventilation helps remove moisture and some indoor pollutants.

Ventilation is particularly important when:

• cooking,
• showering,
• using cleaning products,
• painting,
• or doing activities that produce fumes or moisture.

Depending on your home and local climate, ventilation may involve:

• opening windows when outdoor conditions are suitable,
• using extractor or exhaust fans,
• maintaining mechanical ventilation systems,
• and ensuring air vents are not unnecessarily blocked.

However, opening windows is not always appropriate when outdoor air pollution, smoke, extreme temperatures or security conditions make doing so unsafe.

2. Prevent Dampness and Mould

Persistent dampness encourages mould growth.

WHO associates damp and mouldy buildings with increased respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma.

Prevent mould by addressing the source of moisture, rather than repeatedly cleaning visible mould without solving the underlying problem.

Check for:

• leaking roofs,
• leaking pipes,
• condensation,
• water entering through walls,
• poorly ventilated bathrooms,
• and other sources of persistent moisture.

Dry wet areas as quickly as practical and repair water leaks.

Large or recurring mould problems may require professional assessment.

3. Keep Indoor Humidity Under Control

Excessive indoor humidity encourages:

• mould,
• dust mites,
• condensation,
• and deterioration of building materials.

Very dry air can also be uncomfortable.

Where practical, use ventilation, air conditioning or a dehumidifier to control excessive moisture.

A humidity meter can help identify unusually humid indoor conditions.

The appropriate humidity level can vary somewhat according to climate and building design.

4. Keep Your Home Smoke-Free

Do not allow smoking inside your home.

Second-hand tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals and increases the risk of serious health problems.

Children are particularly vulnerable.

A smoke-free home also protects people who:

• have asthma,
• have other respiratory conditions,
• are pregnant,
• or are older.

Opening a window does not eliminate the health risks of indoor tobacco smoke.

5. Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious poisoning and death.

It can be produced by fuel-burning equipment and engines.

Never operate:

• cars,
• generators,
• charcoal grills,
• or other fuel-burning engines

inside a home or other enclosed living space.

A garage attached to a home can also allow dangerous fumes to enter living areas.

Fuel-burning appliances should be installed and maintained appropriately.

6. Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms Where Appropriate

If your home has fuel-burning appliances, an attached garage or other potential sources of carbon monoxide, appropriate CO alarms can provide an important warning.

Install them according to:

• manufacturer instructions,
• local building codes,
• and national safety recommendations.

Test alarms regularly and replace batteries or units as recommended.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move to fresh air and follow your local emergency guidance.

7. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

Working smoke alarms can provide crucial early warning during a fire.

Install alarms in appropriate locations according to your country's fire-safety guidance.

Test them regularly.

Replace batteries and alarms according to manufacturer recommendations.

Families should also know how they would leave the home safely if a fire occurred.

8. Keep Cooking Areas Safe

Cooking is a common source of household fires and burns.

When cooking:

• stay attentive,
• keep flammable materials away from flames and hot surfaces,
• turn pot handles away from edges where practical,
• supervise children around cooking areas,
• and never leave dangerous cooking unattended.

Keep matches and lighters away from young children.

9. Use Cooking and Heating Equipment Safely

Different countries use different fuels and appliances, including:

• electricity,
• natural gas,
• liquefied petroleum gas,
• kerosene,
• wood,
• charcoal,
• and other fuels.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable local safety regulations.

Fuel-burning equipment needs appropriate ventilation.

Never improvise unsafe indoor cooking or heating systems.

If gas cylinders are used, their installation, storage and location should follow local fire and gas-safety regulations rather than a universal rule that applies to every home.

10. Keep Medicines Away From Children

Store medicines where young children cannot see or reach them.

Depending on the medicine and household circumstances, this may mean using:

• high cabinets,
• locked storage,
• or child-resistant containers.

Keep medicines in their original labelled containers whenever possible.

Do not describe medicine as “candy” to encourage a child to take it.

Child-resistant packaging helps reduce risk but is not completely childproof.

11. Store Household Chemicals Safely

Cleaning products, pesticides, fuels and other chemicals should be kept:

• in their original containers,
• clearly labelled,
• and out of children's reach.

Never transfer dangerous chemicals into:

• drinking-water bottles,
• juice containers,
• food jars,
• or other containers that someone could mistake for food or drink.

Never mix cleaning chemicals unless the product instructions specifically state that it is safe.

Some combinations can release dangerous gases.

12. Dispose of Medicines Appropriately

Do not automatically flush unused or expired medicines down the toilet or sink.

Disposal recommendations differ by medicine and country.

Where available, use an authorized:

• pharmacy return programme,
• medicine take-back programme,
• or approved household disposal system.

Follow the instructions provided by local health or environmental authorities.

13. Wash Your Hands at Important Times

Handwashing is one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of many infections.

Wash your hands with soap and clean water:

• before preparing food,
• before eating,
• after using the toilet,
• after changing nappies or diapers,
• after handling raw meat,
• after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose when appropriate,
• after handling waste,
• and after caring for someone who is ill.

Rub all parts of your hands thoroughly before rinsing and drying.

14. Prepare Food Safely

Food poisoning can often be prevented through four basic principles:

Clean, separate, cook and chill.

This means:

• clean hands, utensils and surfaces,
• separate raw foods from ready-to-eat foods,
• cook foods thoroughly,
• and refrigerate perishable foods appropriately.

Pay particular attention when preparing food for:

• young children,
• pregnant people,
• older adults,
• and people with weakened immune systems.

These groups may be more vulnerable to serious foodborne illness.

15. Store Food Properly

Food can become unsafe when stored incorrectly.

Keep:

• refrigerated foods adequately cold,
• frozen foods frozen until appropriate thawing,
• dry foods protected from moisture and pests,
• and cooked food separate from raw meat where cross-contamination could occur.

Follow product storage instructions and local food-safety guidance.

Discard food when there is good reason to believe it has become unsafe.

16. You Do Not Need to Avoid All Canned Foods

The old version of this article recommended fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods.

That is unnecessarily restrictive.

Canned foods can be safe and nutritious.

When choosing canned products, consider options with:

• little or no added salt,
• little or no added sugar,
• and appropriate nutritional value.

Never eat food from a can that is severely damaged, leaking, or showing signs of contamination.

17. Make Sure Your Drinking Water Is Safe

Safe drinking water is fundamental to health.

If your community provides reliably treated drinking water that meets local safety standards, routinely boiling it is generally unnecessary.

If your water source may be contaminated—for example during:

• flooding,
• infrastructure failure,
• an official boil-water advisory,
• travel,
• or use of an unsafe or uncertain source—

follow the recommendations of local health authorities.

Boiling can kill many disease-causing microorganisms, but it does not remove every chemical contaminant.

18. Keep Water Storage Containers Clean and Covered

In homes where drinking water must be stored, use clean containers designed for safe water storage.

Keep them covered.

Avoid dipping dirty hands, cups or utensils into stored drinking water.

Covered containers can also reduce opportunities for some disease-carrying mosquitoes to breed in standing water.

19. Reduce Mosquito Breeding Around the Home

In regions where mosquito-borne diseases occur, standing water around homes can provide breeding sites.

Regularly check items such as:

• buckets,
• flowerpots,
• discarded containers,
• blocked gutters,
• tyres,
• and other objects that collect water.

Empty, cover, clean or appropriately manage standing-water containers according to local public-health guidance.

Mosquito-control recommendations vary according to location and mosquito species.

20. Prevent Rodent and Pest Infestations

Rodents, cockroaches and other pests can contaminate food and surfaces and may worsen allergies or spread disease.

Reduce infestations by:

• storing food securely,
• cleaning spills and crumbs,
• keeping rubbish appropriately contained,
• repairing gaps where pests enter,
• addressing water leaks,
• and reducing clutter that provides hiding places.

Serious infestations may require professional pest control.

21. Reduce Fall Hazards

Falls are a major cause of household injury, particularly among:

• older adults,
• young children,
• and people with mobility difficulties.

Reduce risk by:

• keeping walkways clear,
• securing loose rugs,
• providing adequate lighting,
• repairing damaged flooring,
• keeping stairs clear,
• and installing secure handrails where needed.

The home should be adapted to the needs of the people living in it.

22. Make Bathrooms Safer

Wet bathroom surfaces can become slippery.

Useful measures may include:

• non-slip surfaces or secure non-slip mats,
• grab bars where needed,
• adequate lighting,
• and keeping floors as dry as practical.

Grab bars can be particularly useful for older adults and people with mobility or balance difficulties.

Make sure safety equipment is securely installed.

23. Check Bath Water Before Bathing Children

Young children can suffer serious burns from hot water.

Check bath water before putting a child into it.

Never leave babies or young children alone in a bath, even for a short period.

Keep them within close reach.

Water safety is particularly important because drowning can happen quickly and quietly.

24. Supervise Children Around Water

Young children require active supervision around:

• swimming pools,
• bathtubs,
• ponds,
• buckets,
• water tanks,
• and other bodies or containers of water.

Supervision should be close and attentive rather than simply being somewhere nearby.

Where appropriate, use physical barriers around swimming pools and follow local water-safety recommendations.

25. Keep Dangerous Objects Away From Children

Children explore their surroundings and may not recognize hazards.

Secure or safely store:

• knives,
• scissors,
• sharp tools,
• firearms where legally owned,
• matches,
• lighters,
• batteries,
• medicines,
• chemicals,
• and other potentially dangerous objects.

Small objects that can be swallowed should also be kept away from babies and young children.

26. Protect Children From Choking Hazards

Small children can choke on food and household objects.

Keep small objects such as:

• coins,
• button batteries,
• small toy parts,
• and other swallowable items

out of reach.

Prepare foods in age-appropriate sizes and supervise young children while eating.

Button batteries are particularly dangerous if swallowed and require urgent medical attention.

27. Be Aware of Lead Exposure

Lead is a toxic metal, and there is no known safe level of lead exposure.

Children are particularly vulnerable because lead can harm the developing brain and nervous system.

Potential sources vary internationally but can include:

• old lead-based paint,
• contaminated dust and soil,
• certain traditional medicines or cosmetics,
• some pottery or cookware,
• contaminated spices,
• batteries and informal recycling,
• and contaminated water.

If lead exposure is a concern in your home or community, seek guidance from appropriate local health or environmental authorities.

28. Use Household Products According to Their Labels

Products such as:

• pesticides,
• disinfectants,
• cleaning products,
• paints,
• solvents,
• and air fresheners

should be used according to manufacturer instructions.

Use appropriate ventilation when recommended.

Do not assume that “natural” automatically means harmless.

Likewise, do not assume that every synthetic household product is dangerous when used correctly.

The dose, route of exposure and method of use all matter.

29. Keep Your Home Comfortable During Extreme Temperatures

Both excessive heat and excessive cold can affect health.

Older adults, babies, people with chronic illnesses and people with disabilities can be particularly vulnerable.

During very hot or cold weather:

• monitor indoor temperatures,
• use safe heating or cooling,
• stay appropriately hydrated during heat,
• wear suitable clothing,
• and follow local public-health weather advice.

Never use outdoor grills or other unsafe fuel-burning devices indoors for heating.

30. Make Your Home Work for the People Who Live There

A genuinely healthy home is not defined by perfect cleanliness.

It is a home designed and managed to reduce avoidable health risks.

Consider the needs of:

• babies and children,
• pregnant people,
• older adults,
• people with disabilities,
• people with asthma or allergies,
• and people with chronic health conditions.

Useful modifications may include:

• better lighting,
• handrails,
• grab bars,
• accessible entrances,
• improved ventilation,
• safer flooring,
• and rearranging commonly used items so they are easier to reach.

Small practical changes can sometimes make a substantial difference.

What About Fluoride Toothpaste for Young Children?

The original article advised avoiding fluoride toothpaste in children under two years old.

That is too broad and may conflict with modern dental-health recommendations.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.

Recommendations about:

• when to begin fluoride toothpaste,
• how much to use,
• and the appropriate fluoride concentration

can vary somewhat according to age, local water fluoridation and national dental guidance.

Parents and caregivers should follow reputable dental recommendations for their country and supervise young children so that only the recommended amount is used and excessive swallowing is minimized.

Should You Microwave Food in Plastic Containers?

The old article advised never microwaving food in plastic.

A more accurate recommendation is to use containers specifically designed and labelled for microwave use.

Do not microwave food in:

• plastic containers not intended for heating,
• damaged or degraded containers,
• or packaging when the manufacturer says it should not be microwaved.

Glass and ceramic containers designed for microwave use are also practical options.

Always follow the container manufacturer's instructions.

Do Air Fresheners Make a Home Healthier?

A pleasant smell does not necessarily mean healthier indoor air.

Some fragranced products release chemicals into indoor air and may irritate sensitive individuals.

Rather than using fragrance to cover:

• mould,
• smoke,
• sewage odours,
• dampness,
• or persistent cooking fumes,

identify and correct the underlying source when possible.

Ventilation and source control are generally more important for indoor air quality than simply masking odours.

Does a Healthy Home Have to Be Spotlessly Clean?

No.

A healthy home does not need to be sterile.

Excessive use of disinfectants and strong cleaning chemicals is unnecessary in many routine situations.

Ordinary cleaning with appropriate products is usually sufficient for everyday household surfaces.

More targeted disinfection may be useful when:

• someone is ill,
• surfaces have been contaminated,
• food safety requires it,
• or public-health authorities recommend it.

Always follow product directions.

The Bottom Line

Creating a healthy home is not about buying expensive products or trying to eliminate every microorganism.

Focus on the risks that matter most:

• clean and safe drinking water,
• safe food preparation,
• good ventilation,
• controlling dampness and mould,
• avoiding indoor tobacco smoke,
• preventing carbon monoxide exposure,
• maintaining smoke and CO alarms,
• safely storing medicines and chemicals,
• reducing falls and burns,
• preventing pest infestations,
• protecting children,
• and making the home accessible to the people who live there.

A healthy home combines cleanliness, safety, good indoor environmental conditions and sensible prevention.

The exact measures required will vary according to climate, building type, local infrastructure and the needs of your household.

Medical and Safety Disclaimer

This article provides general health and household-safety information for an international audience. Building standards, drinking-water safety, gas installations, fire regulations, electrical requirements and emergency procedures differ between countries and regions. Follow local laws, manufacturer instructions and advice from qualified professionals and public-health authorities. For suspected poisoning, carbon monoxide exposure, serious injury, fire or another emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service where you live.

Sources and Further Reading

World Health Organization — WHO Housing and Health Guidelines

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550376

World Health Organization — Housing and Health: Health Risks

https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/healthy-urban-environments/housing/health-risks

World Health Organization — Drinking-water

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water

World Health Organization — Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789289041683

World Health Organization — Lead Poisoning and Health

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Food Safety

https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Indoor Air Quality

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq