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Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Britain's most annoying kitchen habits revealed - read the full list
A study of 2,000 Brits has exposed the worst kitchen habits that annoy Brits the most, from not cleaning up spills to leaving dirty dishes in the sink, how many are you guilty of? The most vexing kitchen habits of Brits have been laid bare, with neglecting to clean up spills and leaving dirty dishes in the sink being the top annoyances. A study involving 2,000 adults revealed that other major culinary irritations include keeping food on a continuous boil causing it to splatter everywhere, and stuffing rubbish into already full bins. Four in ten of those who have kitchen bugbears claimed they can't stand to have another person in the kitchen with them and a third who share cooking duties have a row with someone at least once weekly because they've committed what the other considers a culinary 'ick'. In an attempt to dodge confrontation, many often refrain from discussing these 'culinary crimes', choosing instead to clean up themselves or subtly set an example. However, for some, the frustration is too much to bear, with four in ten preferring to cook solo to maintain total control and avoid criticism if they happen to do something others find annoying. Ella Moorey, sustainability lead at Utilita, which commissioned the research as part of its High Five energy-saving tips for summer, commented: "Cooking together can be a joy or a nightmare, depending on where you stand on these divisive kitchen issues. "Culinary compatibility is crucial for those who want to enjoy cooking together – as these common bugbears can cause a surprising amount of drama. "Correcting these can not only save on friction, but also energy – as simmering rather than boiling sauces, for example, can save you £36 over a year." The study, conducted via OnePoll, also disclosed that 28 percent of those who cook rarely or never consider the amount of energy they're consuming – despite rating themselves an average of six out of 10 for energy efficiency. However, a whopping 90 percent are willing to explore ways to cut down on their energy consumption. Speaking on behalf of Utilita, which provides a Power Price List detailing the running costs of common household appliances, Ella commented: "It's great that so many are open to further reducing their energy usage – and bills – in the kitchen. "Some simple tricks could really help in this department and are unlikely to cause you any hassle – the biggest saver being switching the oven for an air fryer, which costs a third of the price to run." TOP 30 KITCHEN BUGBEARS: Not cleaning up spills immediately Leaving dirty dishes in the sink Not wiping down surfaces after use Forcing rubbish into an overflowing bin rather than emptying it Leaving the fridge door open Not washing up properly so there is still food on things on the drying rack Not clearing up as you go Not throwing away food in the fridge as soon as it's gone bad Leaving used teabags on the side of the sink Leaving food out on the side to go off Leaving pans to soak for days Cleaning the kitchen with a dirty sponge or cloth Using a wet tea towel to dry things Using too many pans or utensils unnecessarily Putting leftovers in the fridge uncovered Not cleaning the microwave after use Leaving the washing up sponge soaking wet after use Using metal utensils on non-stick surfaces Leaving the toaster full of crumbs Cooking something on too high a temperature so it smokes Not drying dishes properly before putting them away Using the same chopping board for everything Having food on a constant boil so it spits Stacking the dishwasher badly Using the same knife for everything Using every inch of counter space Using incorrect utensils (e.g. stirring something with a knife, using the wrong knife to cut something) Running the dishwasher when it's only half loaded Not following a recipe properly Rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher and wasting water
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits struggle as temperatures soar 32 degrees and moods take a dive
A study of 2,000 adults has revealed the ideal temperature for Brits is 23 degrees, while 32 degrees is the point at which the hot weather becomes unbearable Research suggests that the sweet spot for Brits when it comes to temperature is a comfortable 23 degrees, but once the weather hits 32 degrees, it's all a bit too much. With forecasts predicting temperatures north of 30 degrees this weekend, we might be in for a bit of trouble. A survey involving 2,000 adults has revealed the top 30 tactics Brits employ to keep their cool during a heatwave. These range from donning minimal clothing and indulging in a chilly ice cream to taking a refreshing cold shower. Some more unconventional strategies include popping bed sheets in the freezer or putting ice cubes in front of the fan. Other popular choices involve seeking refuge in air-conditioned buildings and shielding from the sun's rays with sun hats and sunglasses. But despite the plethora of techniques used by most Brits, the research showed these methods 'sometimes' or 'rarely' hit the mark. In fact, on average, the cooling effects fizzle out after just 12 and a half minutes. A spokesperson for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the research as part of its Power Price List series to demonstrate exactly how much it costs to run a fan, along with 76 other household appliances, commented: "As temperatures hit a record high for this year of 32 degrees, we wanted to see the ways people stay cool during a heatwave. "Techniques vary from the classic to the experimental – but whatever methods you use, we can all agree that being too hot can really affect how much we enjoy the summertime." The study discovered that when temperatures soar to such uncomfortable levels, 55 per cent reported the heat can affect their mood, with irritability and lethargy being common side effects. In fact, two thirds of people have said that overheating is the biggest summer spoiler. A host of other grievances included having sleepless nights, being dehydrated, and physical discomforts such as nausea, headaches, and chafing. Over a third of Brits reckon they feel the heat more intensely at home than when abroad, while six out of 10 believe UK summers are hotter now than they were half a decade ago. Four in 10 would rather be chilly than sweltering in their own homes, so it's hardly surprising that 34 per cent dream of having an air conditioner to keep their abodes cool. However, over half admit they lack knowledge about how much energy these appliances consume as energy usage is less of a concern during the summer months. As energy usage is less of a concern during summer, with half claiming they don't think about it as much as they do during the colder months. A spokesperson for Utilita Energy said: "It's interesting to see how people think less about their energy during the warmer months and are less aware of what it costs to keep cool – which is where the Power Price List can help. "From this, we know the cost of running an air conditioner per use is 92p and a fan is 22p – helping you to stay informed while staying cool." BRITS' TOP 30 WAYS TO STAY COOL IN A HEATWAVE: Drink plenty of water Have a cold drink Sit in the shade Open windows Wear minimal clothing Eat an ice cream Stay indoors Turn fans on Have a cold shower Wear sunglasses Eat an ice lolly Put sun cream on Wear a hat Eat cold food Go into cool/air-conditioned buildings Go for a swim Use a handheld fan Keep skin covered Turn on air conditioning in your house Be naked Use a misting spray Have a glass of ice Use a cold compress Keep your feet cold Have an ice bath Use a cooling gel/lotion Wear UV protective clothing Run through sprinklers Freeze bed sheets Freeze clothing
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Majority of Brits shower in the morning NOT the evening, survey finds
Some Brits suggested showering earlier helps them wake up in the morning WET & WILD Majority of Brits shower in the morning NOT the evening, survey finds THE DAY vs night shower debate has been settled - with first thing coming out on top. A poll of 2,000 adults found early washes are more popular, with 57 per cent of those with a preference favouring the morning. Advertisement 1 The nation's preferred time to shower has finally been revealed Credit: SWNS In comparison, only 32 per cent prefer to get lathered up before bed. One in 10 (11 per cent) opted for neither option, preferring to get clean at some point in the afternoon. The main reasons for preferring an early morning spritz included wanting to start the day clean and refreshed (70 per cent), helping them wake up in the morning (50 per cent), and getting energised for the day ahead (45 per cent). A morning shower even formed part of the top three things to help people get ready for the day, alongside having a cup of coffee (34 per cent) and a healthy breakfast (29 per cent). Advertisement A spokesperson for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the research as part of its Power Price List series – a cost to run database of all household appliances, said: 'Heating up water to shower consumes a lot of energy, so we were interested to better understand people's behaviours. 'The smart meter data we see from Utilita households sees a spike in the morning and again in the afternoon and evening – clearly showers contribute more to the morning spike than the ones later in the day.' Despite winning the debate, morning showers were found to be a slightly more rushed and a less relaxing affair – with the average person spending an additional two minutes under the water in the evening than they do first thing. Nearly four in 10 also voted night-time cleanses as more relaxing, compared to only 15 per cent claiming this of morning washes. Advertisement With top reasons for opting for an evening shower related to its soothing effects, with four in 10 using this time to unwind and de-stress before they turn in for the night. While 51 per cent think showering before bed helps them to sleep more soundly, according to data. 'Smells great,' Dollar Tree fans cry after spotting $1.25 Sol de Janeiro dupe on shelves – it's $30 less than original Timesaving also contributed to these night owls' preferences, who use their extra time in the morning to sleep in (24 per cent) or devote time to other things (22 per cent). It also emerged 28 per cent claim a shower in the morning is vital to their routine, with 17 per cent saying the same about an evening clean. Advertisement One in 10 even said they would be unlikely to rinse and repeat if they couldn't do so at their preferred time. Top reasons for making changes to their routine included getting ready for a special occasion (36 per cent), travel plans (28 per cent), and oversleeping (24 per cent). Utilita's spokesperson added: 'The cost of running a shower for eight minutes is around 32p on average – or £116 a year. "The Power Price List is designed to reveal how tweaking habits can provide sizeable savings for households.'
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Majority of Brits shower in the morning NOT the evening, survey finds
THE DAY vs night shower debate has been settled - with first thing coming out on top. A poll of 2,000 adults found 1 The nation's preferred time to shower has finally been revealed Credit: SWNS In comparison, only 32 per cent prefer to get lathered up before bed. One in 10 (11 per cent) opted for neither option, preferring to get clean at some point in the afternoon. The main reasons for preferring an A morning shower even formed part of the top three things to help people get ready for the day, alongside having a cup of coffee (34 per cent) and a healthy breakfast (29 per cent). Read More on UK News A spokesperson for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the research as part of its 'The smart meter data we see from Utilita households sees a spike in the morning and again in the afternoon and evening – clearly showers contribute more to the morning spike than the ones later in the day.' Despite winning the debate, morning showers were found to be a slightly more rushed and a less relaxing affair – with the average person spending an additional two minutes under the water in the evening than they do first thing. Nearly four in 10 also voted night-time cleanses as more relaxing, compared to only 15 per cent claiming this of morning washes. Most read in The Sun With top reasons for opting for an While 51 per cent think showering before bed helps them to sleep more soundly, according to data. 'Smells great,' Dollar Tree fans cry after spotting $1.25 Sol de Janeiro dupe on shelves – it's $30 less than original Timesaving also contributed to these night owls' preferences, who use their extra time in the morning to sleep in (24 per cent) or devote time to other things (22 per cent). It also emerged 28 per cent claim One in 10 even said they would be unlikely to rinse and repeat if they couldn't do so at their preferred time. Top reasons for making changes to their routine included getting ready for a special occasion (36 per cent), travel plans (28 per cent), and oversleeping (24 per cent). Utilita's spokesperson added: 'The cost of running a shower for eight minutes is around 32p on average – or £116 a year. "The Power Price List is designed to reveal how tweaking habits can provide sizeable savings for households.'
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Why showering in the morning can save you money on energy bills
A poll of 2,000 UK adults found that two thirds of Brits already prefer to have a morning shower, but there's a key reason you should too. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that a morning shower is the way to go for most, with two thirds opting for an a morning cleanse. In contrast, just 32% choose to have a shower before bed, while one in 10 prefer their showers in the afternoon. A morning shower even formed part of the top three things to help people get ready for the day, alongside having a cup of coffee (34%) and a healthy breakfast (29%). It also emerged 28% claim a shower in the morning is vital to their routine, with 17% saying the same about an evening clean. One in 10 even said they would be unlikely to shower if they couldn't do so at their preferred time. Rarely do people stray from their routine, doing so only if they had to get ready for a special occasion (36%), travel plans (28%), and oversleeping (24%). The study was conducted by Utilita Energy as part of its Power Price List series – a comprehensive guide on the running costs of household gadgets. A spokesperson for Utilita explained: "Heating up water to shower consumes a lot of energy, so we were interested to better understand people's behaviours." The main reasons for preferring an early morning spritz included wanting to start the day clean and refreshed (70%), helping them wake up in the morning (50%), and getting energised for the day ahead (45%). The top reasons for opting for an evening shower related to its soothing effects, with four in 10 using this time to unwind and de-stress before they turn in for the night. While 51% think showering before bed helps them to sleep more soundly, according to data. Saving time in the morning also contributed to these night owls' preferences, who use their extra time in the morning to sleep in (24%) or devote time to other things (22%). However, evening showers could be contributing more to higher energy bills. The research found morning showers to be slightly more rushed and a less relaxing affair – with the average person spending an additional two minutes under the water in the evening than they do first thing, as a result spending more on their energy bills. "The cost of running a shower for eight minutes is around 32p on average – or £116 a year," said a Utilita's spokesperson, but shaving off a few minutes in the morning could help bring that down. They added: "The Power Price List is designed to reveal how tweaking habits can provide sizeable savings for households."
