Doing the dishes may not be the nation's favourite pastime but the washing up process reveals more about a person than you think. Leading experts in 'washology' at Surcare, who make washing up liquid for sensitive skin, have revealed what your washing up says about you.

The term 'washology' was coined in Surcare's research and development department as the team has spent more than 20 years observing the process of washing up and chatting to consumers about how they attack the dishes. As a result of this knowledge, the following profiles have been complied:

Soaker - Time-conscious consumers looking for an easy life are characterised by the fact they will leave soiled dishes soaking such as burnt on egg or dried up gravy to ensure virtually effortless removal of dirt on the dishes. These 'washer-uppers' use a logical process and tend to be thorough, methodical people who value their leisure time.

Scrubber - Impulsive and magnetic, scrubbers attack the washing up with enthusiasm and drive. They will bypass soaking and dive straight in, filling the bowl with water, washing up liquid and dishes all at the same time. Serious elbow grease is required for sparkling dishes but Scrubbers feel a sense of achievement by creating hard work of this household task.

Dipper - Dippers are reluctant washer uppers who view the job as a chore. With a tendency to use lukewarm or cold water, they fill the bowl simultaneously with water and liquid and then dip the dishes under running water. With less foam carried over to the drainer, the job appears to have taken less time than expected.

Purist - Obsessive about cleanliness this group change the water at least once during the washing up process and will always ensure the bowl is thoroughly cleaned before use. Washing up will be done almost immediately after eating and every inch of plates and glassware is covered by the washing brush to ensure total cleansing. At the first sign of dirt, a fresh foaming bowl is prepared.

Carers - Ensuring their hands are cared for as well as their pots, carers fill the bowl with a small amount of detergent and will wash dishes one at a time. The water is never too hot and carers will soak dishes to prevent their hands being in water for prolonged periods.

Escapers - Latent Users view dishwashers as manna sent from heaven and only wash up when absolutely necessary. They will leave a pile of non-dishwashable dirty dishes until it's no longer hygienically possible not to wash up. Latent users tend to put the dishes in the bowl first, squirt washing up liquid all over the plates and begin washing up whilst the bowl is still filling with water. They have a tendency to add more liquid and water in a bid to create more cleaning foam rather than starting a new bowl.

Head of Washology at Surcare, Helen Herd, said: "We've been producing Surcare for 20 years which means we know our washing! By understanding how consumers feel about washing up and how they go about the process, we can ensure that we produce the right kind of products to do the job.

"Washology does tend to change the way you think about washing up - I now find myself observing friends, family and even strangers to see which profile they fit."

-ENDS-

For further Surcare product information please visit www.surcare.co.uk

Surcare's range of laundry, fabric conditioner and washing-up products is non-biological and contains no perfume or colour.

Created for more sensitive skins, the range has been dermatologically tested against other UK brands, is dermatologist approved and is available in all leading supermarkets.

McBride, manufacturer of the Surcare range, is a leading international developer of laundry, household cleaning, and personal care products.

Employing more than 4,500 staff in seven countries across Europe, McBride is Europe's largest private label company in its markets and provides focus and innovation at every level of research, development and production.

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