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Thu, 08 Oct 2026

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 Hygiene poverty at tipping point, charity warns

The BBC hears people "you would not expect" can no longer afford items to be clean and healthy.
A growing number of people, including those who previously considered themselves financially secure, are struggling to afford basic hygiene items. According to a charity, The Hygiene Bank, one in five UK adults have experienced "hygiene poverty" - where they cannot afford essential products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. This phenomenon can create a vicious cycle of poor health, low self-confidence, and social isolation. The charity warns that the problem is worsening, with 41% of those affected experiencing hygiene poverty for the first time this year. The Hygiene Bank is urging people to donate essential products or money during National Hygiene Week, which ends on October 11th.