The humble bath is disappearing down the plughole – with busy Brits opting for showers instead, a study has found.
Research revealed hectic lifestyles and heavy work schedules means six of of ten adults now shower rather than jump in the bath.
And one in six of those said they couldn’t remember the last time they ran the taps and enjoyed a soak.
It also emerged those who do have time for a bath are often in and out within just 15 minutes.
The study of 3,000 people was carried out by cleaning giant Buster to mark National Plughole Week which raises money for Oxfam’s lifesaving water and sanitation work
Yesterday a Buster spokeswoman said: ”The days of long hot soaks are on the way out because we’re working longer hours and getting through the front door later than ever.
”We’re struggling to have a sit down meal with the family let alone take time out for a bath.
”These days we only manage to squeeze a bath in at the weekend if we’re lucky because before work is impossible.
”For many people the kids take precedence, so the convenience of a shower wins every time.
”They also use less water, they’re cheaper than running a bath and they’re kinder to the environment.
”In the UK we are wising up to water usage but we still don’t realise how lucky we are, compared to the 1.1 billion people worldwide who don’t have access to clean, safe water.”
The study also found while the average adult enjoyed at least nine baths every month 10 years ago, now they’ll have just five.
One in ten people said they have gone a year or longer without taking a dip, and six in ten admitted they only have time for a bath at the weekend or on a day off work.
More than half (52 per cent) said they would have a bath if they had the time, and the same number used the bathroom to hide away for some peace and quiet.
Of those who do enjoy a soak, 45 per cent read a book, a quarter listen to music and one in ten get out the rubber duck.
It also emerged 39 per cent don’t bathe because it takes too much water and so was too costly.
Another 15 per cent said they never got to relax among the bubbles due to the kids bursting in or because they had other things to do.
One in five said they were there ‘to clean themselves, not enjoy themselves’.
* National Plughole Week (10 – 17 July), sponsored by plughole care brand Buster, is on target to raise over £40,000 for Oxfam’s life saving work in improving water and sanitation in developing countries.
TOP 10 REASONS FOR THE DEATH OF THE BATH
1. It’s quicker to have a shower
2. Takes up too much water
3. Too costly having baths
4. I’m there to clean myself and not enjoy myself
5. It takes too long to get the water the right temperature
6. Can’t relax in the bath
7. It’s too girly
8. My mornings are about getting the kids ready for school
9. Bath’s too small
10. Don’t like my bathroom