I hate to burst your bubbles, but British people are rarely bathing in the tub. Just 4% of Britons say they regularly take time out for a bath, with 76% saying that they prefer the speed and efficiency of a shower, according to a new survey by Faith in Nature, a natural beauty brand.
Soaking in a bath of grime-infused water is deeply unappealing for many of those who opt for a shower.
Environmental concerns were also on the list of reasons pushing people to shower. The average eight-minute shower uses 62 litres of hot water compared with 80 litres for the average bath, although some power showers can use up to 136 litres.
We asked people on the street to tell us their bathing habits.
Amber Connell, 20, textile student, Leeds
I take a shower, always. I just don’t have time for a bath. I’m always rushing and only give myself half an hour to get ready. Although, it’s sometimes really nice to sit in the bath and listen to music, if you’re feeling down or after a breakup – that’s probably the last time I took a bath.
Brenda Taylor, 74, guest house owner, West Yorkshire
I take a bath. I don’t like getting my face wet in the shower. I like soaking – I find it relaxing. I don’t use candles or bubble bath, just water. Sometimes in hot countries, if you want to swill off a few times a day, showers are quite useful. Older generations were brought up with baths.
Leah Baiden, 27, online personal shopper, Leyton, London
Showers are quicker and more convenient. With baths, there’s something about sitting in your own gunge that’s not nice. I’m flatsharing and maybe there’s some kind of psychology about that. I’d rather chill with a glass of wine than relax in a bath!
Keesiong Tian, 34, photographer, New Cross, London
I always take a shower; it’s quicker, cleaner and better for the environment. People aren’t exactly winding themselves down properly. I just have a shower and then watch television: no social media, no phone – that’s switching off!
Nalini Mistry, 50s, swimming teacher, Newbury
I always take a shower. I’m not the type of person to sit around in a bath. We have had a Jacuzzi at home for 15 years, and it’s been used twice. I’d rather go to the spa.
Brian Jardine, 61, TfL planner, London
I prefer a shower. It’s quicker and you use less water. I don’t have the time to take a bath and, even if I did, I wouldn’t want to. I don’t like lying in dirty water. I watch crime television to relax – I don’t need a bath!
Hisham Ehab, 23, engineering student, Egypt
I usually take a bath. It’s more relaxing. When the hot water comes along the body, you want to stay longer. If I have an appointment, I’ll take a shower. More people should do it to reduce stress: take a bath, listen to music. People in London are in always in a rush.
Ian Boyle, 35, glazer, Middlesbrough
I like a constant flow of clean water. I don’t mind a bath every now and then but a shower is cleaner. I definitely don’t use candles, but I have a nice shower gel, a tea tree and mint one – today I used an energising one!
