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When we think of the past, we often picture grand adventures, old-fashioned charm, and life at a slower pace. But for those of us who appreciate a hot shower, a clean bathroom, and toothpaste that actually works, Colonial America would’ve been a serious wake-up call. Hygiene back then was… let’s just say, “different.” And for those of us over 50 who’ve seen the world change dramatically in our lifetimes, it’s fascinating—and a bit funny—to look back at how our ancestors lived, bathed, and brushed.
No Running Water, No Problem?
Imagine starting your day without a sink, a toothbrush, or even toilet paper. In Colonial America, there was no indoor plumbing. If you wanted water, you fetched it from a well or a nearby stream. And yes, that same stream might also serve as the local laundry spot, dishwashing area, and sometimes even the bathroom for animals and people alike.
Bathing? It wasn’t a daily routine. In fact, many colonists believed too much bathing could make you sick. Most people took only a few full-body baths a year—yes, a year! Instead, they used a cloth to wash their face and hands daily, focusing on just staying “presentable.”
Soap Wasn’t Quite Soapy
Soap in colonial times was homemade and harsh. It was typically made by mixing animal fat with lye—a powerful chemical made from ashes. It cleaned, but it also stung. People used it to wash clothes, dishes, and occasionally themselves. And don’t expect the soft lather or pleasant lavender scent we’re used to today; colonial soap was more of a gritty survival tool than a luxury.
The Great Toothbrushing Experiment
Dental hygiene was also in its infancy. There were no Colgate or Oral-B brands around. People cleaned their teeth (if at all) using twigs or cloth rags dipped in salt, soot, or even crushed eggshells. Toothbrushes as we know them didn’t become common until the late 1700s, and toothpaste was often a mix of chalk, brick dust, and whatever people thought might help.
To make matters worse, sugar was becoming more common in colonial diets, especially among the upper class, so toothaches and dental issues were a fact of life. If a tooth went bad, it had to be yanked out—usually without anesthesia, by a blacksmith or barber. Ouch.
Going to the Bathroom—Country Style
Forget about porcelain thrones and tile floors. In colonial days, people relieved themselves in outhouses or chamber pots. Outhouses were small wooden shacks out back, often cold in the winter and not-so-fresh in the summer. Chamber pots were kept under the bed for nighttime use and emptied in the morning—sometimes right into the street.
Toilet paper? Nonexistent. Corncobs, moss, or old cloths were commonly used. Reading this may make you extra thankful for every roll of soft, 3-ply tissue in your home.
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