"You're Doing What... Where?": Survey Reveals That Americans Are Maximizing The Time They Spend In The Bathroom

PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Okay, time to confess: How much time do you really spend in the bathroom each day? And are you multitasking? If you frequently find yourself using your cell phone or tablet while sitting on the porcelain throne, you are not alone. A new survey^[1] found that more than one-third (38 percent) of Americans admit to regularly using a digital device while in the loo – and not surprisingly, this number jumps significantly among the younger demographic (ages 18-34) at more than 70 percent.

Since Americans are using the bathroom to the max, whether it's reading the news, catching up on social media, online shopping or channeling their "inner-gamers," LYSOL®, an RB brand, is introducing the new Lysol No Mess Max Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner to give max cleaning and freshening after every flush. Simply hang it on the toilet bowl rim and let Lysol do the work for you. With a design that measures three times longer,^[2] it provides max bowl coverage and lasts for up to four weeks between deep cleans to keep the toilet bowl healthy and disinfected for your family. With an array of fresh scents, including Ocean Fresh, Lavender and Citrus, Lysol No Mess Max is available at retailers across the nation with the suggested retail of $3.49.  

"With people using their toilets more and spending more time in their bathrooms, we are excited to launch a product that will not only make the bathroom smell fresh and clean the toilet with each and every flush," said Gregory Chabidon, marketing director, LYSOL. "As part of the LYSOL mission, we are committed to providing cleaning products that help keep homes clean, happy and healthy."

In addition to using digital devices while sitting on the toilet, the survey revealed other trends when it comes to time spent behind closed bathroom doors...

The Porcelain Safe Haven for Multi-taskers
Whether you are in the office and need a five-minute escape from your desk, or a parent and need a couple minutes of alone-time, turns out the bathroom can be a safe haven. Nearly half (49%) of Americans have escaped to the loo to email, text or talk on their cell phone. The survey also found that American parents are the ultimate toilet multi-taskers, with nearly 3 in 5 (57 percent) admitting to reading on their digital devices while in the bathroom. Parents are also maxing out their bathroom experience so that they can maintain their social lifestyles, as 66 percent cop to catching up on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook while sitting on the throne.

Confessions of a Shopaholic
Some Americans take multi-tasking to the next level, with one in five revealing they have purchased something online on a digital device while using the bathroom. Among those who shop online while sitting on the porcelain throne, their top purchases are clothing (54%), media, such as e-books or music (48%), furniture or decorations (31%), groceries (30%) and tickets for a trip or event (30%).

Save Your Thinking Time for the Loo?  Us Too!
Consider this: One in three emails that you receive could be coming from someone in the loo!  More than one-third (36%) of employed Americans admit to having emailed their boss, coworkers or clients while using the bathroom. In fact, more than one-quarter (26%) of employed Americans admit to doing so frequently.

For further information on keeping your family healthy, please visit the following resources:

• LYSOL website: www.lysol.com;  
• Global Hygiene Council: www.hygienecouncil.com  

About Reckitt Benckiser
Reckitt Benckiser (RB) is a global consumer goods leader in health, hygiene and home. With a purpose of delivering innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB is in the top 25 of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. Since 2000 net revenues have doubled and the market cap has quadrupled. Today, it is the global No. 1 or No. 2 in the majority of its fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional rate of innovation. Its health, hygiene and home portfolio is led by 19 global powerbrands including Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Lysol, Dettol, Clearasil, Veet, Harpic, Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Woolite, Calgon, Airwick,  and French's, and they account for 70 percent of net revenue.

RB people are at the heart of the company's success. They have an intense drive for action and a desire to outperform wherever they focus, including in CSR where the company is reducing its carbon footprint by 20 percent by 2020 and has a global partnership with Save the Children.

The company has operations in over 60 countries, with headquarters in the UK, Singapore, Dubai and Amsterdam, and sales in almost 200 countries. The company employs about 32,000 people worldwide.

For more information, visit www.rb.com

^[1] The Lysol No Mess Max survey was conducted by Wakefield Research with 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults, ages 18+.
^[2] Vs. Lysol No Mess Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140520/89708

SOURCE Reckitt Benckiser