Washing in the Middle Ages

I keep coming across the tired old myth that people in the Middle Ages had no idea of cleanliness. Here we go: In the Middle Ages there were bathhouses in many towns where people could pay to have a bath. Furthermore in Northern Europe in the Middle Ages, people took sweat baths.

In the 14th century, Edward III installed a bathroom in the Palace of Westminster. Other people made do with wooden tubs in their bedrooms.

Furthermore in the Middle Ages, there was an important soap-making industry in England (although many people made their own soap at home). In the Middle Ages, people used combs and tweezers. They also used toothpicks and mouthwashes.

In the Middle Ages in monasteries streams provided clean water. Dirty water was used to clean toilets, which were in a separate room. Monks also had a room called a laver where they washed their hands before meals. Read more in my history of washing.