Cleaning the oven has been named the UK’s most dreaded household chore, with more than a third of people (35%) saying they would rather avoid it, according to a new survey.
The study, conducted by white goods and tech retailer Currys, surveyed 2,000 people across the UK to uncover attitudes towards housework, including which tasks Britons loathe the most and the sacrifices they would be willing to make to outsource them.
Household chores are an unavoidable part of daily life, with Britons spending an average of 3.5 hours per week on them. Despite this, nearly six in ten (58%) admit they do not enjoy doing housework, while almost half (45%) say chores contribute to their stress levels.
Among the most unpopular tasks, oven cleaning was ranked as the worst by every generation except Gen Z, who said hanging up the laundry was their least favourite chore. Cleaning the toilet was the second most disliked task, with 23% of respondents wishing to avoid it, followed by changing the bedding (16%).
The UK’s most hated chores
The survey found a clear ranking of the least popular household tasks:
- Oven cleaning – 35%
- Cleaning the toilet – 23%
- Changing the bedding – 16%
- Scrubbing the shower/bath – 14%
- Cleaning windows – 14%
- Folding and putting away laundry – 14%
- Cleaning grout – 13%
- Washing and putting away dishes – 12%
- Mopping – 12%
- Hanging up laundry – 10%
Would Brits pay for a cleaner?
Despite widespread frustration with chores, hiring a cleaner remains a luxury for many. The survey found that cost is the biggest barrier for almost four in ten (38%) people, while 33% said they prefer to handle housework themselves.
However, many Britons would be willing to make lifestyle sacrifices to afford professional cleaning services. Takeaways topped the list of things people would give up, with 18% saying they would happily forgo their favourite fast food in exchange for a cleaner home. Coffee shop visits and gym memberships were also among the perks people were willing to sacrifice.
What Brits would give up for a cleaner:
- Takeaways – 18%
- Coffee trips – 12%
- Gym memberships/fitness classes – 12%
- Dining out – 10%
- Social nights out/trips to the pub – 9%
With busy schedules and growing pressures, nearly six in ten people (59%) said household chores take up too much of their time. Additionally, 68% admitted they feel guilty when they fall behind on housework.
While outsourcing chores is common in the workplace, it remains a rarity at home. But as Britons continue to balance work and domestic responsibilities, many may be rethinking their approach to household tasks.
For the full survey findings, visit Currys TechTalk.
