Thousands admit that their home is a "pigsty", solely because they are just too busy to clean, a study has revealed.

Researchers have found that seven in 10 of us are unable to find the time to take care of everyday chores such as vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the bathroom.

A massive 57 percent admitted they have times when their home is a pigsty, while more than one in five have even refused to let people into their home before because it was in such a mess.

The study of 2000 people found that 63 percent don't think their home is as clean as they would like it to be, with half of those blaming this on their busy schedule.

"We are leading busier lives than ever and when you are juggling so much, it's inevitable that something has to give," a spokesperson for UK cleaning product firm Spontex, who commissioned the research, said.

"It seems that for many, staying on top of their household chores and keeping their home spotless is what they are letting fall by the wayside.

"Cleaning can be done in small chunks which makes it much more manageable to fit everything in and around your everyday life."

Researchers also revealed that a third of people's homes are such a mess that visitors or friends have commented on the state of it, while more than 50 percent have rowed with their other half about the mess.

It also emerged that 73 percent of people regularly shove things under cushions or behind sofas so any clutter is out of sight when someone pops in.

A surprising 60 percent have even shut doors to certain rooms so guests can't see the mess.

Despite this, 90 percent claim they consider themselves to be a tidy person, while 39 percent admit their house isn't that clean because they simply don’t like cleaning  and a more self-conscious 21 percent don't think they are very good at it.

Just under a quarter say they've got better things to do than worry about the state of their house.

A massive 42 percent have never cleaned their home from top to bottom, and even those who have admit it's an average of almost five months since they gave it a go.

More than one in 10 owned up to not cleaning their bathroom for at least a month, while another one in 10 even admitted it's been a year or more since they did some ironing.

One in 20 haven't washed clothes and one in 10 haven't got the vacuum out for a month or more.

Almost one in 10 also said they haven't used a duster in their home for at least six months, while one in 20 admitted it's been at least a year since they mopped their floors.

More than one in 20 owned up to never cleaning their windows. However,  60 percent admit that they don’t think they will ever have a spotless home.

"Many people feel a real sense of fulfilment and more in control of their lives when they are on top of jobs round the house; try not to see cleaning as a chore, why not pop on your favourite music and enjoy a bit of time away from work and other distractions and have some 'good clean fun' around the house," the spokesperson added.