One in 10 adults in the UK have not taken a bath for more than a decade, according to a survey of 2,000 people. The research found 51% believe bathing has become outdated, while 48% now favour a shower.
The shift is reflected in UK homes, with 18% of respondents saying they do not have a bath, and 14% saying they removed one specifically to cut water usage. A fifth of people have had a bath taken out, mostly to create a bigger shower space (43%), modernise their bathroom (42%) or convert to a walk-in shower (31%). Recent studies, including the Shower Market Report, have recorded a rise in renovations aimed at removing disused baths.
Why baths are losing popularity
Among those without a bath, a fifth said they lack time to unwind, while 33% said they are too impatient for the time it takes to run one. Concerns about excessive water use are also a factor, with 77% describing themselves as mindful of the amount of water they use.
A spokesperson from Utilita, which commissioned the research to support its High5 tips series - including keeping showers to four minutes maximum - said: "Once a staple of the home, baths seem to have fallen out of favour for many across the UK. From homes getting smaller to costs getting higher, there are numerous reasons why this might be. But however you choose to clean and refresh, the most important thing is being conscious about your water usage, for the sake of both your pocket and the planet."
Everyday water-saving steps
Nine in 10 (90%) Brits take deliberate steps to reduce their water consumption. The most common measures include:
- Only filling the kettle with the water they need (55%)
- Collecting rain to water plants (29%)
- Limiting hosepipe use (29%)
- Re-using grey water (13%)
More than a third (35%) have ditched baths for showers specifically to use less water. Three quarters (76%) believe such habits help lower water bills, and 77% say the same about taking shorter showers.
Knowing exactly how much money could be saved would persuade 32% to cut down, while 30% said seeing real-time costs per minute would encourage them.
Small changes, lasting impact
Utilita's spokesperson added: "Swapping baths for showers or reducing the time spent doing either can be a small, easy change that can have a lasting impact. It's great to see so many people are already doing this and have faith in the money they could save on their bills from this simple act. And no matter whether you prefer baths or showers, everyone can be a water-savvy person."
