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Pulling Back the Shower Curtain on Hygiene Habits

New research reveals Brit’s worst hygiene habits as almost one in 10 of us admit to having gone at least a week without washing and a grubby 3.6% of us only wash once a week.
Home, Lifestyle - 18 May 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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New research reveals that almost one in 10 Brits (9.1%) admit to going over a week without showering, with the young and old being more likely to skip washing for this long (13.4% and 14.3% respectively).

If we could only wash one part of our body, most people would opt for their hair (28.5%), followed by their behinds (27.9%) and underarms (27.6%) and we’re most likely to miss out scrubbing behind our ears (47.6%) or our feet (32.6%).

The research is bad news for the 3.6% of us who regularly wash just once a week as 24.2% of men and 19.8% of women would least like to encounter someone needing a shower in bed. Although the worst place to encounter a shower-dodger is someone serving you in a restaurant (26.7%).

. Introduction:

New research reveals Brit’s worst hygiene habits as almost one in 10 of us admit to having gone at least a week without washing and a grubby 3.6% of us, regularly wash just once a week. If we were only permitted to wash one body part the majority of us would choose our hair, with our behinds and underarms being the next in line. Women also appear to be more tolerant of whiffy partners, as almost a quarter of men would least like to encounter someone needing a shower in bed, whereas less than one in five women have the same objection.

So, how does our hygiene impact on our health and wellbeing?

Joining us in the studio is award-winning Microbiologist, Dr Mark Fielder and Shower Expert, Roger Crabb.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research show about hygiene habits in our area? And how do we compare to the rest of the UK?

Where do we least like to come in contact with wiffy people?

What are the most commonly neglected body parts when keeping clean?

How often should we be showering?

When might it be acceptable to go for a long period of time without washing?

Where can we find out more information?