What is Hygiene Poverty?

Hygiene poverty is not being able to afford many of the everyday hygiene and personal grooming products most of us take for granted. The reality of low income is that it restricts people’s options, leaving us caught between being able to heat our homes, pay the rent, eat or be clean.

bottle
It is struggling to wash your hair because you can’t afford shampoo.
deodorant
It is not being able to purchase deodorant because money is needed for the electric card.
toothbrush
It is not being able to replace a toothbrush when needed or sharing a toothbrush because one each just isn't an option.
nappy
It is being unable to change your baby's nappy as often as is needed and scraping out the contents before reapplying it.
body wash
It is washing hair, bodies, faces and clothes in the same cheap washing up liquid used for the dishes.
Tampon
It is being housebound because you can't afford period protection or have to improvise with rolled up loo roll and socks.
shaving foam
It is having to choose between shaving foam and razors or the transport fare to a job interview.
hairbrush
It is going to school with matted hair because there is only one hairbrush in the household and there's no time for everyone to get a chance to use it.
washing powder
It is not being able to launder clothes, school uniform and muddy sports kit when needed.
household (1)
It is being 'judged' for living in an unclean home, because you can't afford the cost of household cleaning products.