Media Coverage
SBS News; August 5, 2025
Millions of Australians could be living in hygiene poverty, with many struggling to afford basic items such as soap, toothpaste and deodorant.
About one in eight people recently skipped buying personal hygiene or cleaning products to afford other essentials, according to research conducted on behalf of charity Good360 Australia.
Alison Covington, managing director, said: “Our research has uncovered the heartbreaking reality that millions of Australians are struggling to afford everyday basics.”
‘Devastating toll’
Hygiene poverty occurs when people are unable to afford everyday essential products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, household cleaning products and feminine hygiene products.
“Hygiene poverty can cause feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment and shame, and make it difficult for people to maintain their health,” Covington said.
“It takes a devastating toll on people’s mental and physical well-being.”
People unable to afford basic needs often avoid social events or commitments such as work and school, Covington said.
The survey, involving a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people, also found one in seven respondents struggled to afford cleaning products in the last six months, while one in eight experienced hygiene poverty for the first time.
Read the full article over at SBS News.
