Could be coming back. Energy prices predicted to make bathing a luxury
--- In a thought-provoking video titled
"What Was Hygiene Like In The Victorian Era?", the Weird History channel takes us on an insightful journey through the peculiar and often unhygienic practices of the 19th century. This era, romanticized in countless books and films, concealed a distinct lack of modern sanitation and cleanliness that might shock today's viewers. Victorians were known for their lavish gowns and elegant homes, yet beneath this façade, hygiene practices were surprisingly neglectful. Basic facilities like indoor plumbing were a luxury for many, leading to widespread diseases that were exacerbated by their ineffective sanitary methods. For instance, Victorians tackled laundry stains not just with soap but with unconventional 'hacks' such as using kerosene for grass stains and even urine as a bleaching agent! Dental care during this time was rather grim. While toothbrushes were available, many working-class individuals resorted to using makeshift methods for oral hygiene, including abrasive household items like soot or even chewing on celery, rather than seeking professional help, which was often nonexistent. The video explores how bathing was more of a rarity, with many relying on outdated advice found in literature about the ‘proper’ time to bathe—disconcertingly, this often involved waiting hours after meals. Notably, the Victorian obsession with clean hair led women to use eggs and other kitchen ingredients instead of modern shampoos. Furthermore, historical myths such as the miasma theory, which falsely linked bad smells to disease, reveal a notable lack of understanding of germ theory. Despite these shortcomings, the Victorian era did make strides in specific areas of hygiene, particularly with the advent of products like disposable pads and early tampons. However, it still took time for these innovations to become mainstream. In conclusion, while the past offers us a glimpse of societal values regarding cleanliness and health, it also serves as a stark reminder of how far we've come—and how the rising energy prices today could again make bathing and other luxuries feel like rare commodities. Feel free to share your thoughts on Victorian hygiene practices or how modern energy prices affect your daily routines. What odd historical facts about hygiene have you come across? Let's discuss! --- For more discussions like this, check out related topics in our community!