London: British people spend almost as much on personal grooming products as they do on products to keep their house clean, according to new research from domestic cleaning company MOLLY MAID.

The survey found that 86 per cent spend up to £25 a month on cleaning products, with 85 per cent spending the same amount on beauty and grooming items.

But as far as putting those cleaning products to good use, it is the women who do most of the work around the house: only a quarter of men are responsible for all or most of the cleaning in their home compared to 69 per cent of all women. Over half (51 per cent) of women spend more than three hours a week on housework, compared to 60 per cent of men who spend less than three hours a week on house work. A quarter of men spend less than one hour a week on housework.

Both sexes may have different approaches to how much they clean, but they do agree that the kitchen is the most important room to clean, followed by the bathroom for women and the sitting room for men. But both also agree that bathrooms are the most annoying room in the home to clean and kitchens the hardest.

Although men spend almost as much on their house grooming as they do on their personal grooming, they won’t get a look in with a woman who has caught their eye if they don’t put those cleaning products to good use. The survey found that 91 per cent of women are put off by a man who doesn’t keep his house in order.

Pam Bader, Chief Executive of MOLLY MAID said: “We may spend the same amount on cleaning as personal grooming but while today’s women are putting those cleaning products to good use and keeping their home clean and tidy, men are letting theirs gather dust in the kitchen cupboard. In this time starved age when commuting takes long and we work longer hours, a MOLLY MAID clean can really help you keep on top of household chores.”

About the survey
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,997 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th – 11th January 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

MOLLY MAID is one of the world’s largest professional domestic cleaning services, carrying out 2 million home cleans every year worldwide. Initially founded in Canada in 1979, MOLLY MAID currently trades in Canada, USA, Japan, Portugal, Bermuda, Puerto Rico and the UK

MOLLY MAID offers a 100 per cent guaranteed, flexible and affordable domestic cleaning service. Staff are fully insured, work in teams of two and arrive in MOLLY MAID branded cars, bringing with them all the necessary cleaning equipment and supplies.

MOLLY MAID came to the UK in 1985 and has grown from a standing start to 69 Franchise Owners nationwide and a current annual turnover of over £12 million.

Pam Bader, OBE FRSA, has been with MOLLY MAID since the beginning in the UK, and has given many people who do not have any formal qualifications or business experience the opportunity to run their own businesses from home. The network of Franchise Owners is a mix of both men and women who wanted to take the step into running their own business but wanted the security and support of a national brand behind them.

www.mollymaid.co.uk