Brits say they have become 'clean freaks' since beginning of coronavirus lockdown

Brits have become a nation of 'clean freaks' since the beginning of lockdown and are disinfecting more than ever before and even changing their laundry habits.

One in six are now doing more washes each week, with 14 per cent bumping up the temperature for each wash cycle, according to research.

A study of 2,000 adults found another one in 10 have even started using more detergent or washing powder than they normally would.

Commissioned by fabric cleaning brand Persil, the survey found Brits want more hygiene benefits from laundry products, with 'disinfecting and removing viruses', among the top things.

It also emerged that the average adult is spending an additional 26 minutes per week cleaning and disinfecting their homes to combat viruses.

Many people are also doing more washes every week (Getty Images)

Almost three in 10 are disinfecting groceries (29 per cent), while 41 per cent are spending more time cleaning surfaces in their home.

Others are disinfecting and sanitising devices (37 per cent) and disinfecting clothes (17 per cent), according to the OnePoll data.

But 41 per cent are concerned about exposure to viruses and bacteria on their clothes, particularly when using public transport or visiting the supermarket.

In order to tackle the UK's rising hygiene concerns, Persil has launched an antibacterial laundry sanitiser which is said to kill 99.9 per cent viruses and bacteria, including Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Unilever UKI spokesperson, Nadine Slyper, said: "Hygiene has become a top priority for many people in recent months, with people looking to keep themselves and their families as safe as possible.

"We know that people are working hard to keep their homes hygienically clean and we want to give them a way to be confident that they can sanitise their clothes effectively too.

"Now more than ever, people are looking for products that protect their loved ones from viruses and bacteria.

"The new Persil Antibacterial Laundry Sanitiser will help give people peace of mind and confidence when it comes to hygienically clean clothes and is convenient and easy to use along with your detergent."

To find out more, visit the Persil website here