Nikola Howard only showers once a week.
The 52-year-old from Bexleyheath, UK, wears her clothes four or five times before washing them and even has a box of 2021 washing powder.
Despite a water leak, Nikola’s frugal lifestyle has reduced her water bill to £45 for six months, costing her just £7.50 a month.
‘My dermatitis made me shower less. My skin is so sensitive that it became extremely flaky, causing me to suffer from dandruff. But I also started to notice the financial benefits,” Nikola, a low-carb expert, told MailOnline.
She claims that bottles of shampoo, conditioner and soap last up to three months and that these smart habits have probably saved her thousands of dollars over the years.
Nikola Howard has spent just £45 on her water bill in the last six months because she only showers once a week
The 52-year-old from Bexleyheath, UK, wears her clothes four or five times before washing them and even has a box of 2021 washing powder (pictured)
Nikola said she showered three times a week, but noticed her skin was starting to fall off due to dandruff.
‘I live alone, so I don’t use much water. “I have a family washing machine that I use twice a month,” she said.
But in the kitchen, she uses the dishwasher every few days instead of washing dirty dishes by hand.
Amid the cost of living, Nikola also saves money by buying new clothes every 18 months.
‘I don’t like fast fashion and buy clothes that last a long time. I have outfits that I bought two to nine years ago,” Nikola said.
‘I buy what I need and am not someone who spends money here and there on clothes.’
To further stretch her money, she looks for yellow tags at the supermarket, buys ingredients to prepare meals and makes sure the fridge is stocked with food.
Nikola, who helps women live healthier lives, also buys cheaper cuts of meat that are perfect for slow-cooked meals and avoids junk food, pasta and rice.
Nikola, who helps women live healthier lives, started showering less because of my dermatitis and also started noticing the financial benefits
It comes as millions of needy Britons are cutting back on showers, washing fewer clothes and sharing baths to try to save money on energy and water bills.
As many as 43 percent of adults are taking fewer baths and showers, while almost half are washing their clothes less often to reduce energy and water use, according to new research.
But while many risk less hygiene to limit the rising cost of living, one in six people are making cost-cutting fun and flirty, without sacrificing hygiene, by sharing baths and showers with a partner or friend.
Research by savings site for households Nous.co found that 58% of people in Glasgow and 57% of people in Newcastle are more likely to share a bath.
People in Leeds (35%), Liverpool (36%) and Manchester (37%) were bottom of the table, with most preferring to bathe alone.
Greg Marsh, founder and CEO of Nous.co, said: ‘Our research shows the lengths millions of people have to go to dramatically change their lives because they are struggling so much to make ends meet. For many, this is no laughing matter.’
New research has revealed which parts of Britain save the most money by sharing baths and skipping showers
The research also found that across Britain as a whole, women bathe more less often than men, 45 percent compared to 40 percent, and that people under 25 place a higher value on personal hygiene than people over 65.
When it comes to pool sharing, Bristol (21%) and Leeds (20%) are the most collaborative areas, while Liverpool (11%), Manchester and London (both 14%) are the shyest when it comes to pool sharing. cheats on a partner or friend.
‘While none of us can completely avoid rising energy, food and mortgage bills, we can all make a difference by saving on the things we have some control over.
‘You can save on your bills if you know where to look.
‘As far as bathroom sharing goes, we can’t say how much that would save – although get carried away and nine months later you might see your household costs rise!’
When it comes to washing clothes, cutting corners is harder to bring joy into.
Glasgow also leads the way when it comes to people admitting they use their washing machines less (67%), while Nottingham is not far behind (64%).
Of the cities surveyed, Manchester and Cardiff have the cleanest clothes, with the 40 percent of residents using their washing machines less being the lowest.
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