London, Oct 18 (IANS): A study into French washing habits found that one in five do not shower every day, and one in 29 people only take a shower once a week.

Hand washing, too, is "not always a priority for the French", according to the study by pollster BVA. The study was commissioned by hygiene product company Tork.

On the other end of the scale, 11.5 percent of French men and women shower several times daily, the Daily Mail reported Wednesday.

One eighth of those questioned said they didn't bother washing their hands after going to the toilet.

And 45 percent admitted they didn't scrub up after being on public transport even though 54 percent thought buses and trains were "the dirtiest objects in daily life".

The bath is in decline with only 18 percent of French people who take one once a week and 61 percent who say they do not bath frequently.

The French are more aware of hygiene when they are cooking - 86.6 percent say they always wash their hands before preparing food.

The findings, released in conjunction with Global Handwashing Day Monday, came a year after another study found the French led the rest of Europe in hygiene.