04 Oct 2025
National Hygiene Week cheat sheet:
- Hygiene poverty affects 4.2 million people in the UK
- It’s not about luxury, it’s about dignity and opportunity
- National Hygiene Week (6–12 October) raises awareness of this growing crisis
- smol fights hygiene poverty through our Donate a Wash scheme and Suds in Schools programme
- You can help by donating, sharing, or nominating a school in need
what is National Hygiene Week?
Organised by The Hygiene Bank, National Hygiene Week (6–12 October 2025) is all about shining a light on hygiene poverty in the UK; a hidden crisis that’s holding millions back.
- Imagine choosing between buying food or buying shampoo (so you can wash your hair for that upcoming job interview)
- Imagine missing school because you’re embarrassed by your unwashed uniform
- Imagine reusing a nappy because there’s no other choice
That’s hygiene poverty. And 4.2 million people in the UK are currently experiencing it.¹
why hygiene poverty matters.
This isn’t about cleanliness. It’s about confidence, access, and opportunity.
When someone doesn’t have access to basic hygiene products like laundry detergent, soap, toothpaste, or period products, it affects every part of life:
- Missed school days (an average of 6.5 days/year for hygiene-affected pupils
- Social isolation, bullying, and stigma
- Poor mental health (88% of teachers say it impacts self-esteem)²
- Barriers to work, education and long-term wellbeing
Hygiene poverty doesn’t just limit hygiene. It also limits life chances.
how smol fights hygiene poverty every single day.
We believe feeling clean should never be a luxury. And thanks to our customers, we’re helping more people across the UK access the basics.
Here’s how:
suds in schools.
We install washing machines directly in schools so children affected by hygiene poverty don’t miss class due to unclean clothes.
- Now in over 100 schools across the UK
- Supported by teachers who say the washing machines help reduce bullying, boost confidence, and improve attendance
- Every machine comes with a steady supply of free smol laundry capsules
This September, we brought even more attention to the issue when it was time to head back-to-school, with real-life uniforms from hygiene-affected children displayed in a powerful London shop window.
No child should be marked absent and miss out on education due to dirty laundry.
donate a wash.
Every time a customer adds Donate a Wash to their smol plan, they’re giving 2 FREE washes to someone in hygiene poverty for just 30p (which adds onto their order).
So far, together we’ve donated over 3 MILLION washes via our partners at The Hygiene Bank, providing clean clothes to people who need them most, including:
- Families referred through food banks
- Schools supporting children in need
- Refuge centres and local community groups
It’s a small action with a very big ripple effect.
want to help this National Hygiene Week?
Here’s how you can support:
- Nominate a school you think would benefit from a Suds in Schools set-up
- Add Donate a Wash to your smol plan (you’ll give 2 washes every time you order)
- Donate directly to our Suds in Schools Crowdfunder if you’re able
- Share this blog or talk to others about hygiene poverty, because stigma thrives in silence
national hygiene week FAQs.
what is hygiene poverty?
It’s when someone can’t afford the basic products needed to feel clean: things like laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, period products or nappies.
who does it affect?
Over 4.2 million people in the UK (many of them children). In fact, teachers estimate that 2 in 5 pupils have experienced hygiene poverty.²
what is National Hygiene Week?
A UK-wide campaign (run by The Hygiene Bank) from 6 to 12 October to raise awareness of hygiene poverty, challenge the stigma, and push for action.
where can I learn more?
Visit The Hygiene Bank, or check out our Suds in Schools campaign and Donate a Wash scheme to see how smol is helping.
¹ The Hygiene Bank charity 2025
² smol’s commissioned teacher survey 2025