Hard-up Scots showering less to save money

Old-style nappies and hand-washing back too

- JACKIE GRANT

CASH-STRAPPED families are using egg timers to shower and reusable nappies to save money, a survey has revealed.

Hard-up Scots are cutting back on buying toiletries and sanitary products in an attempt to save cash amid the cost-of-living crisis.

More than 300,000 people are struggling to afford basic personal hygiene goods and nearly a million are showering or bathing less as crippling energy bills soar.

Polling by YouGov on behalf of Citizens Advice Scotland found half of Scots are also cutting back on spending by using the dishwasher or washing machine less.

One mum said she started using cloth nappies instead of disposables to keep costs down but can't afford to use the washing machine to clean them.

The woman, whose partner is self-employed, said even though she receives all the benefits she's entitled to, she has to rely on food banks to feed her family and charity shops to clothe them.

Some people admitted to hand washing their clothes in the sink in colder water rather than using the machine.