Brits waste £868m a year on cleaning products – but only need four staples
A recent study has revealed that Brits waste nearly £868 million annually on unused cleaning products, with an average of only 3.9 cleaning items being regularly utilised. The research found that we collectively spend £2 billion—averaging £54.20 per person—on household cleaning supplies, yet half of these purchases go to waste.
Millennials were identified as the worst offenders, leaving almost £29 worth of cleaning products unused or unfinished—£15 more than Baby Boomers. It appears that social media cleaning content could be contributing to the wastage, with 72% watching videos related to this theme online. On TikTok, for example, the #CleanTok hashtag has more than 5.5 million posts.
Despite inspiring good intentions, the desire to own the newest ‘must-have’ cleaning item means nearly one in 10 people discard existing items—even if they’re not finished—when a new brand hits the market.
Specialised products (41%) were the most likely to be wasted, as a third of respondents admitted they are frequently swayed into buying various cleaning products designed for specific tasks. However, 40% confessed that many of their purchases are either forgotten about or discarded when they turn out not to work as desired.
Catherine Green, a cleaning expert at eco-friendly cleaning brand smol, which conducted the study, suggests that while it may be tempting to purchase items for specific tasks, we actually require only a handful of essentials to maintain cleanliness.
She advises: “You only need four core products to keep on top of day-to-day household cleanliness – laundry detergent, dishwasher tablets or washing up liquid, multipurpose spray, and bathroom cleaner.”
The research reveals that 40% of people feel overwhelmed by the plethora of advice available regarding cleaning products, but it’s not just the money that is being drained away. More than a quarter (26%) admitted to throwing their cleaning products away in the general waste bin rather than recycling it.
And with an average of 18.2 cleaning products in plastic packaging throughout the home, this means that 62,000 tonnes of needless plastic is being sent to landfill – the equivalent weight of more than six Eiffel Towers.
ilary Strong, Chief Marketing Officer at smol, said “We know that cleaning can be a therapeutic, meditative and even pleasurable experience for many.
“In fact, more than half say a clean home is better for their mental health – but for millions across the UK, cleaning remains a weekly chore that just needs to get done.”
THE TOP FOUR PRODUCTS EVERY CLEANING CUPBOARD SHOULD HAVE:
1. LAUNDRY LIQUID
A good quality laundry liquid or laundry capsule is an essential and choosing one that will still work brilliantly on today’s lower temperature washes is crucial. Bottled liquid is perhaps more versatile as you can use this more easily to pre-treat stains or spot wash, but nothing beats the convenience of a capsule.
2. DISHWASHER TABLETS/WASHING UP LIQUID
With some dishwasher tablets, you don’t even need to buy separate rinse aid, glass protector or salt as it’s all included-so that’s 4 dishwashing products all rolled into one neat little tablet. If you’re washing up by hand – remember your dish soap is also super versatile as it can also be used to clean makeup brushes, outdoor furniture, jewellery and more.
3. MULTIPURPOSE SPRAY
For kitchen worktops, cupboards, windows, glass and even the floor, a decent de-greaser can tackle pretty much every surface in the home so there’s really no need for surface-specific cleaning sprays.
4. BATHROOM CLEANER
It’s good to have a separate cleaner with an anti-calcium for the bathroom to prevent limescale build. The lower pH of a bathroom spray is also more effective on soap scum and if it’s a foaming one it will cling to tiled surfaces and the sides of your sink, helping you remove all the grime as you wipe things down.
