Britons' Bad Hygiene Kicks Up a Stink

Online, May 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Whiffy waiters had better watch out; new research by Mira Showers reveals that the British public would least like to encounter someone who needed a shower serving them in a restaurant.

This topped a poll of Brits in which almost a third (27 per cent) agreed, beating the 22 per cent of people who would least like to encounter somebody who needed a shower in bed. Other unpopular places to run in to someone who smells unsavoury were on public transport (18 per cent), in a meeting and on a plane (tied at 10 per cent).

The study was conducted as part of Mira Showers' annual research into the washing habits of the nation, which asked 1,000 UK adults to reveal the grubby truths about what goes on behind closed bathroom doors.

Britain's Dirty Hot-spots

The grime index also identified which cities in the UK are filthiest, with Liverpool topping the list for the percentage of inhabitants who confessed to going three days or more without bathing or showering. A shocking 58% of Liverpudlians admitted to this, knocking last year's dirtiest city Belfast off the top spot. The UK's cleanest city is Cardiff, where only 28% people said they had gone three days or more without washing.

Dirtiest cities in the UK and Ireland:

1. Liverpool - 58%
2. Glasgow - 57%
3. Nottingham - 53%
4. Belfast - 52%
5. Cheltenham - 50%

Filthy Secrets

Overall, twenty-one per cent of dirty Brits said that they only wash every other day, and a worrying four per cent of the population only washes once a week. At the other end of the scale, 11 per cent of Brits say they wash more than twice a day, with men more likely than women to do so.

Squeezing the very last drop

The findings show that even the bathroom is not free from the effects of the credit crunch. The number of people who admit to washing out their bottles of product before they throw them out to ensure not a drop is wasted has risen by seven per cent since last year, with two thirds (67 per cent) doing so. The most frugal of all age groups is the over 65s, with the number washing out bottles jumping to 88 per cent. Young people are the least thrifty, with more than half (53 per cent) not bothering to do so.

Dr Mark Fielder, a Reader in Medical Microbiology at London's Kingston University, said: "Washing is an important part of human existence and where possible should be carried out daily at least. The human body has its own natural collection of bacteria that exist on the skin and in our gut, and washing helps us keep some form of control on their numbers and location.

"Not washing regularly means body oil and sweat build up, providing an environment for organisms to thrive and survive. This interaction between our microbes and bodily secretions can result in the release of chemicals that smell and what we term body odour. If regular washing does not take place then dirt and oils build up, skin pores can become blocked and local infections such as boils can start to develop. So overall I would definitely advocate daily washing - it is a simple approach that can really help create a fresher world!"

Roger Crabb, Marketing Manager for Mira Showers, said: "Our second study into Brits' bathroom habits has not only helped us understand what we really get up to in the shower, but has also given us an insight into our views on the cleanliness of others. Even if you are not too concerned by being clean, people around you are! Showering is not only the quickest and easiest way to freshen up and has even been shown to have beauty benefits as well aiding productivity in the workplace."

Full regional results available on request.

Ends

Notes to editors

Other findings:

• The longest most Brits have gone without showering or bathing is two days (31%)
• Men are twice as likely as women to have ever gone more than a week without showering or bathing (12% vs 6%)
• 23% of men do not bother to use shower gel every day when washing, compared to 10% of women.
• Metrosexual men are getting involved with more niche pampering products in the shower, such as cellulite products (3%), face masks (3%), hair removal cream (4%), foot scrub (4%) and hair masques (2%).
• 50% of Brits would start of by washing their hair, 21% with their face and 14% their underarm. Only 2% would start with their bottoms.
• If only one body part could be washed in the shower we Brits prioritise our hair at 29%, and bottoms and underarms at 28%.
• The older age groups were most offended by smelly waiters, with a whopping 39 per cent of over 65s voting for the category. There is also a difference of opinion between the genders; whereas women agree they would least like to be served in a restaurant by someone who need a shower (31 %), the majority of men would be more concerned if they encountered someone who needed a shower in bed (24 per cent).

About the research:

The research surveyed 1,000 UK adults, was conducted by The Leadership Factor and took place in November 2009. YourSayPays is a research panel operated by The Leadership Factor, the UK's leading source of customer satisfaction data.

For further details go to leadershipfactor.com or tel 01484 467004.

About Mira Showers:

Founded in 1921, Mira is the UK's leading manufacturer of mixer, electric, power and digital showers. The entire range of showers and accessories, such as taps and shower trays, use stylish design and innovative technology to deliver a high performance showering experience in every price range.

mirashowers.co.uk

About Dr Mark Fielder:

Dr Mark Fielder is a reader in medical microbiology at Kingston University London. He is also the director of the University's Medical, Veterinary and Food Microbiology Research Group. His current research work encompasses medical, veterinary and food microbiology including the molecular epidemiology of clinical strains of staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA and MSSA) and mycoplasmas, drug resistance, as well as work on the disinfection and decontamination of surfaces in the clinical setting.

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