Latest news with #shower
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Brits waste £915MILLION every year by running the shower for minutes before getting in, research shows
BRITS are wasting up to £915 million per year – by leaving the shower running before getting in. A poll of 2,000 adults found they spend an average of 11 minutes under the water each day, sometimes for the sole reason of enjoying time to themselves. According to experts, running an 11-minute mixer shower means you will use around 132 litres of water, which typically requires 5.8 kWh of energy to heat it. While running an electric shower for the same duration will use around 54 litres of water and requires 1.9 kWh of energy. The study also revealed 43 per cent claim to regularly spend additional time in the shower – even though it only takes them a short amount of time to get clean. But while 28 per cent regularly consider water wastage when rinsing, 21 per cent admit they never do. It also emerged taking shorter showers topped the list of tactics taken to reduce water usage while washing (44 per cent). This was followed by not showering every day (27 per cent), turning it off when doing another activity like brushing teeth (27 per cent), and fixing drips and leaks immediately (19 per cent). Daniel Lintell, sustainability manager at Triton Showers, which provides hints and tips around water and energy consumption, specifically tailored to each household, said: "It can be easy to take a shower for longer than you actually need to, and many actually cherish this moment of peace when they can be by themselves during a busy day. 'The feeling of getting clean after a long day can't be beaten – but it's important to think about the impact you're having when you're in the shower. 'Finding alternative approaches to getting those few minutes of peace could be a valuable way to make sure you're doing your bit for the planet, your pocket, and yourself. 'If reducing your time spent in the shower isn't feasible – or you simply enjoy spending time there – then consider water-conserving tactics like fitting a flow regulator to a mixer shower, turning down the water flow when lathering, or using an electric shower.' The study also found 25 per cent listen to music while they shower, while 10 per cent prefer enjoying the backdrop of a podcast. While 11 per cent admitted enjoying the peace and quiet away from their busy household, and 16 per cent use their time in the shower to think something through. The average person showers five times a week – with 12 per cent even claiming they shower more than once a day in a typical week. But they run the shower for just under a minute and a half before getting in – which adds up to an average of seven minutes a week of wasted water. Half (51 per cent) also claimed to wash their hair a few times a week, with 21 per cent doing so every day. However, a forgetful 17 per cent even admitted to not always remembering to turn the shower off after they use it, according to data. Despite this, 81 per cent see themselves as environmentally conscious, with 97 per cent partaking in other eco-friendly practices – such as recycling (72 per cent), taking their own bags to the shop (66 per cent) and using energy-saving lightbulbs (55 per cent). And 61 per cent believe wasting water has a negative impact on the environment. Although, a third only had a rough idea – or less – about the amount of money they are washing down the drain with each shower. But 48 per cent cited saving money as the main thing that could motivate them to take shorter showers. Triton Showers' spokesperson added: 'As well as the environmental impact of water waste, I'd encourage shower users to think about the money they could be saving. 'The average shower currently costs the billpayer around 6p a minute – it all adds up over time, and by taking shorter showers and not leaving it running before or after you wash, you could be turning those pennies into precious pounds.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: When in the day is best to take a shower?
In hot and humid Singapore, a minimum of one shower a day is probably a given — is it? How many times do you shower a day and when do you shower? Experts have now weighed in on whether it is better to shower in the morning or at night. Several have said that morning showers are better for our bodies and hygiene. Other polls: YAHOO POLL: Do you agree with SDP's push for election system reform? YAHOO POLL: Do you support harsher punishments for animal abusers? YAHOO POLL: COVID-19 cases on the rise – are you staying vigilant? One reason: Our bodies "collect pollutants" throughout even as we sleep as "most people don't wash their bedsheets every day, so if you're showering before bed, you'll still likely be jumping onto sheets that contain various bacteria from previous nights". One expert shared, "As a microbiologist, I am a day-shower advocate. A morning shower suggests your body will be cleaner of night-acquired skin microbes when putting on fresh clothes." What do you think? When is a good time for a shower in Singapore? Tell us what you think. Related So, How Often Do You Really Need to Shower? How Often Should You Shower? Here's What a Dermatologist Has to Say Gen Z-ers spend the longest time in the shower, new poll reveals. Here's what experts say about our washing habits.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Should you shower in the morning or at night? Scientists settle the debate
Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Advocates of morning showers tend to argue that the habit helps you to wake up and start the day feeling fresh. But night shower fans are adamant that showering before bed helps you to unwind and relax after a busy day. But what does the science say? According to Primrose Freestone, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, the answer is clear. And it's bad news for fans of evening showers. 'As a microbiologist, I am a day shower advocate,' Dr Freestone explained in an article for The Conversation. While there's no hard and fast rule for how often you should shower, most dermatologists agree that every other day is sufficient. 'Showering is an integral part of any good hygiene routine - regardless of when you prefer to have one,' Dr Freestone explained. 'Showering helps us remove dirt and oil from our skin, which can help prevent skin rashes and infections. Showering also removes sweat, which can quell body odor.' Throughout the day, your body accumulates sweat and oil from your skin, as well as pollutants and allergens such as dust and pollen. This accumulation supports the growth of bacteria, which may then be transferred from your body onto your sheets. While you might think the obvious answer would be showering at night, Dr Freestone explains why this isn't the best solution. 'Showering at night may remove some of the allergens, sweat and oil picked up during the day so less ends up on your bedsheets,' she said. 'However, even if you've freshly showered before bed, you will still sweat during the night - whatever the temperature is. 'Your skin microbes will then eat the nutrients in that sweat. 'This means that by the morning, you'll have both deposited microbes onto your bed sheets and you'll probably also wake up with some BO.' What's more, throughout the night you'll also shed skin cells which can serve as a food source for dust mites. 'If you don't regularly wash your sheets, this could lead to a build-up of dead skin cell deposits which will feed more dust mites. The droppings from these dust mites can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma,' Dr Freestone added. In contrast, morning showers can help to remove dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria from your body that you may have picked up during the night. 'A morning shower suggests your body will be cleaner of night-acquired skin microbes when putting on fresh clothes,' the scientist explained. 'You'll also start the day with less sweat for odor-producing bacteria to feed on – which will probably help you smell fresher for longer during the day compared to someone who showered at night.' Whether you opt for a morning or night shower, Dr Freestone says that it's vital you regularly clean your bed linen - and advises at least once a week. 'You should launder your sheets and pillow cases at least weekly to remove all the sweat, bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebaceous oils that have built up on your sheets,' she advised. 'Washing will also remove any fungal spores that might be growing on the bed linen – alongside the nutrient sources these odor producing microbes use to grow.'
CNA
20-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
Commentary: Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says
LEICESTER, England: It's a question that's long been the cause of debate: Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Morning shower enthusiasts will say this is the obvious winner, as it helps you wake up and start the day fresh. Night shower loyalists, on the other hand, will argue it's better to 'wash the day away' and relax before bed. But what does the research actually say? As a microbiologist, I can tell you there actually is a clear answer to this question. BENEFITS OF SHOWERING First off, it's important to stress that showering is an integral part of any good hygiene routine – regardless of when you prefer to have one. Showering helps us remove dirt and oil from our skin, which can help prevent skin rashes and infections. Showering also removes sweat, which can quell body odour. Although many of us think that body odour is caused by sweat, it's actually produced by bacteria that live on the surface of our skin. Fresh sweat is, in fact, odourless. But skin-dwelling bacteria – specifically staphylococci – use sweat as a direct nutrient source. When they break down the sweat, it releases a sulphur-containing compound called thioalcohols which is behind that pungent BO stench many of us are familiar with. DAY OR NIGHT? During the day, your body and hair inevitably collect pollutants and allergens (such as dust and pollen) alongside their usual accumulation of sweat and sebaceous oil. While some of these particles will be retained by your clothes, others will inevitably be transferred to your sheets and pillow cases. The sweat and oil from your skin will also support the growth of the bacteria that comprise your skin microbiome. These bacteria may then also be transferred from your body onto your sheets. Showering at night may remove some of the allergens, sweat and oil picked up during the day so less ends up on your bed sheets. However, even if you've freshly showered before bed, you will still sweat during the night – whatever the temperature is. Your skin microbes will then eat the nutrients in that sweat. This means that by the morning, you'll have both deposited microbes onto your bed sheets, and you'll probably also wake up with some BO. A night shower can help rinse away the day's dirt and grime, but you might not smell as fresh the next morning. What particularly negates the cleaning benefits of a night shower is if your bedding is not regularly laundered. The odour-causing microbes present in your bed sheets may be transferred while you sleep onto your clean body. Showering at night also does not stop your skin cells being shed. This means they can potentially become the food source of house dust mites, whose waste can be allergenic. If you don't regularly wash your sheets, this could lead to a build-up of dead skin cell deposits which will feed more dust mites. The droppings from these dust mites can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma. Morning showers, on the other hand, can help remove dead skin cells as well as any sweat or bacteria you've picked up from your bed sheets during the night. This is especially important to do if your sheets weren't freshly washed when you went to bed. A morning shower suggests your body will be cleaner of night-acquired skin microbes when putting on fresh clothes. You'll also start the day with less sweat for odour-producing bacteria to feed on – which will probably help you smell fresher for longer during the day compared to someone who showered at night. As a microbiologist, I am a day shower advocate. IMPORTANCE OF WASHING YOUR SHEETS Of course, everyone has their own shower preference. Whatever time you choose, remember that the effectiveness of your shower is influenced by many aspects of your personal hygiene regime – such as how frequently you wash your bed sheets. So regardless of whether you prefer a morning or evening shower, it's important to clean your bed linen regularly. You should launder your sheets and pillowcases at least weekly to remove all the sweat, bacteria, dead skin cells and sebaceous oils that have built up on your sheets. Washing will also remove any fungal spores that might be growing on the bed linen – alongside the nutrient sources these odour-producing microbes use to grow.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Should you shower in the morning or at night? Scientists FINALLY settle the debate - so, do you agree with their advice?
It's something that most of us do at least once a day. But is it better to hop in the shower in the morning or at night? Advocates of morning showers tend to argue that the habit helps you to wake up and start the day feeling fresh. But night shower fans are adamant that showering before bed helps you to unwind and relax after a busy day. So, what does the science say? According to Primrose Freestone, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, the answer is clear. And it's bad news for fans of evening showers. 'As a microbiologist, I am a day shower advocate,' Dr Freestone explained in an article for The Conversation. While there's no hard and fast rule for how often you should shower, most dermatologists agree that every other day is sufficient. 'Showering is an integral part of any good hygiene routine — regardless of when you prefer to have one,' Dr Freestone explained. 'Showering helps us remove dirt and oil from our skin, which can help prevent skin rashes and infections. 'Showering also removes sweat, which can quell body odour.' Throughout the day, your body accumulates sweat and oil from your skin, as well as pollutants and allergens such as dust and pollen. This accumulation supports the growth of bacteria, which may then be transferred from your body onto your sheets. While you might think the obvious answer would be showering at night, Dr Freestone explains why this isn't the best solution. 'Showering at night may remove some of the allergens, sweat and oil picked up during the day so less ends up on your bedsheets,' she said. You're showering wrong! Experts reveal the correct order to wash your body Experts from Original Source have revealed the correct order to wash your body - and say that 86 per cent of us have been getting it mixed up. According to the shower gel brand, your hair should be the first thing you wash - with shampoo first, followed by conditioner. It's only after your hair has been tackled that you should move on to your body, according to the experts. 'However, even if you've freshly showered before bed, you will still sweat during the night – whatever the temperature is. 'Your skin microbes will then eat the nutrients in that sweat. 'This means that by the morning, you'll have both deposited microbes onto your bed sheets and you'll probably also wake up with some BO.' What's more, throughout the night you'll also shed skin cells which can serve as a food source for dust mites. 'If you don't regularly wash your sheets, this could lead to a build-up of dead skin cell deposits which will feed more dust mites. The droppings from these dust mites can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma,' Dr Freestone added. In contrast, morning showers can help to remove dead skin cells, sweat and bacteria from your body that you may have picked up during the night. 'A morning shower suggests your body will be cleaner of night-acquired skin microbes when putting on fresh clothes,' the scientist explained. 'You'll also start the day with less sweat for odour-producing bacteria to feed on – which will probably help you smell fresher for longer during the day compared to someone who showered at night.' Whether you opt for a morning or night shower, Dr Freestone says that it's vital you regularly clean your bed linen - and advises at least once a week. 'You should launder your sheets and pillow cases at least weekly to remove all the sweat, bacteria, dead skin cells and sebaceous oils that have built up on your sheets,' she advised. 'Washing will also remove any fungal spores that might be growing on the bed linen – alongside the nutrient sources these odour producing microbes use to grow.'
