Exeter found to have some of the dirtiest bathrooms in the UK

Our hygiene has been highlighted more than ever this past year. Singing happy birthday whilst washing our hands in warm water was encouraged along with making sure we clean surfaces down more, but new research has revealed that 45% of Exeter admit to not doing this despite expert advice.

A recent study has found that people in Exeter are divided when it comes to cleaning the room that they clean themselves in, the bathroom as some are not cleaning their toilet (18%), bath (25%), shower (21%), or sink (19%).

The research by luxury bathroom specialists, Big Bathroom Shop, asked Brits about their bath time routines as well as cleaning routines in here to reveal whether lockdown has made us more hygiene conscious and how many are going against expert advice.

The results however show that nearly half of Exeter admit to not changing their cleaning habits at all (45%) with some even saying they have become less clean (6%).

Of the 1,003 polled, getting cleaned the least in the bathroom inExeter is bathroom walls where only a fifth clean this every week. One in six clean this monthly.

Also getting forgotten about when it comes to cleaning in Exeter are toilet roll holders (61%), mirrors (33%), and door handles (31%). People only clean these parts of the bathroom every few months on average.

Experts advise that toothbrush caddy’s are in fact the part of the bathroom that are the worst for bacteria growing* with 64% of them containing germs, more than any other area. In comparison, 27% of toilet seats had germs, suggesting they are cleaned more, which is true in Exeter.

Parts of the bathroom getting cleaned the least in Exeter

1. Bathroom walls - 61%
2. Toilet roll holder - 39%
3. Mirror – 33%
4. Door handle – 31%
5. Shower curtain – 31%
6. Floor - 28%
7. Toothbrush caddy - 27%
8. Toilet brush - 27%
9. Bath – 25%
10. Shower screen – 24%
11. Heated towel rail – 24%
12. Shower – 21%
13. Toilet handle – 20%
14. Sink – 19%
15. Toilet – 18%
16. Tap - 16%

Lockdown has made many change their cleaning routines with some washing less than ever. In Exeter, 8% are showering less than they used to. This can be seen as a good idea as 20% of Brits have been showering excessively this year, something which is advised against.

Cosmetic doctor at Health and Aesthetics, Dr Rekha Tailor says, “Excessive washing should be avoided because it strips the skin of its natural moisture and oil which is needed to keep it healthy.”

The survey shows that the body part people in Exeter are least likely to clean in the shower is their groins (82%) with the face not far behind (83%).

Across the UK, Wales has been found to be the least clean place with 59% not cleaning themselves the most. This is followed by Central England and Northern England where cleanliness and cleaning are found to not be a priority.

John Lawless, content marketing manager at Big Bathroom Shop commented “Our research shows that lockdown has created two extremes for people in; some that are excessively washing and cleaning, and some that have seemingly thrown their hygiene out the window. In South West England, there is a lack of interest in looking after their bathroom and the events of this year haven’t appeared to have had any effect on that.”