The Dirt on Clean

1. Cleanliness evolved from social ritual to religious duty to health imperative

"Cleanliness is next to godliness."

Ancient origins. The concept of cleanliness has deep roots in human history, evolving from social rituals in ancient civilizations to religious obligations in various faiths. In early societies, bathing was often a communal activity, serving both hygienic and social purposes.

Changing perceptions. Over time, attitudes towards cleanliness shifted dramatically. Religious views, particularly in Christianity, influenced bathing practices throughout the Middle Ages. By the 19th century, cleanliness became increasingly associated with health and morality, driven by scientific discoveries and changing social norms.

Modern obsession. Today, cleanliness has become a health imperative and a marker of social status. The 20th century saw a dramatic increase in personal hygiene standards, fueled by advertising, public health campaigns, and technological innovations. This evolution reflects broader changes in society, science, and cultural values.

2. Ancient Greeks and Romans embraced bathing as a social and hygienic practice

"Every culture defines it for itself, choosing what it sees as the perfect point between squalid and over-fastidious."

Greek baths. Ancient Greeks valued cleanliness, with public bathhouses serving as important social centers. These facilities were used for both hygiene and relaxation, often featuring hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and areas for exercise and socializing.

Roman innovation. The Romans elevated bathing to an art form, developing elaborate bathhouses (thermae) that became central to daily life. These complexes included:

• Multiple bathing rooms with varying temperatures
• Exercise areas and libraries
• Social spaces for conversation and business
• Advanced plumbing and heating systems

Cultural significance. Roman baths were more than just places to get clean; they were vital social institutions that reflected Roman values of civilization and sophistication. The practice of communal bathing spread throughout the Roman Empire, influencing hygiene practices across Europe and beyond.

3. Early Christianity's complex relationship with cleanliness shaped medieval attitudes

"He who has bathed in Christ has no need of a second bath."

Spiritual purity. Early Christian teachings often emphasized spiritual cleanliness over physical cleanliness, leading to a complex and sometimes contradictory relationship with bathing practices. Some Church fathers, like St. Jerome, viewed excessive attention to bodily cleanliness as a form of vanity.

Monastic practices. Monasteries played a crucial role in preserving bathing traditions during the early Middle Ages. Many monastic orders maintained bathing facilities and practiced regular hygiene, although the frequency and methods varied widely.

Decline of public baths. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, many public bathhouses fell into disuse or were repurposed. This decline was partly due to moral concerns about nudity and promiscuity, as well as changing social norms and economic factors.

4. The Black Death led to fear of water and a decline in bathing practices

"Bathing fills the head with vapors. It is the enemy of the nerves and ligaments, which it loosens, in such a way that many a man never suffers from gout except after bathing."

Miasma theory. The devastating plague outbreaks of the 14th century led to widespread fear of water and bathing. Medical theories of the time, particularly the miasma theory, suggested that diseases spread through bad air and that open pores (from bathing) could allow these harmful vapors to enter the body.

Cultural shift. This fear of water resulted in a dramatic decline in bathing practices across Europe. People began to believe that a layer of dirt could protect against disease, leading to:

• Infrequent bathing and washing
• Reliance on perfumes and powders to mask body odors
• The use of heavy clothing to cover and "protect" the body

Long-lasting impact. These attitudes persisted for centuries, shaping hygiene practices well into the 18th century. The decline of public bathhouses and the association of cleanliness with disease had far-reaching consequences for public health and social norms.

5. Clean linen became a substitute for bathing in the 16th-18th centuries

"We understand why linen removes the perspiration from our bodies, because the sweat is oleaginous or salty, it impregnates these dead plants [the flax from which linen was made]."

Linen as cleanser. In the absence of regular bathing, clean linen underwear and shirts came to be seen as a primary means of maintaining personal cleanliness. The belief was that linen absorbed sweat and impurities from the skin, effectively cleansing the body.

Social signifiers. The quality and cleanliness of one's linen became important markers of social status and personal hygiene. Frequent changing of linen garments was seen as a sign of refinement and cleanliness, even if the body itself was rarely washed.

Evolving fashion. This emphasis on clean linen influenced fashion trends, leading to:

• Increased visibility of linen undergarments in clothing styles
• The development of detachable collars and cuffs for easy cleaning
• A thriving trade in fine linen and laundry services

6. The return of water: 18th-19th century rediscovery of bathing and hygiene

"Cleanliness is the first requirement for 'the attractive bodily expression of innate Culture.'"

Scientific advances. The 18th and 19th centuries saw a gradual return to bathing practices, driven by scientific discoveries about hygiene and disease prevention. The work of pioneers like Ignaz Semmelweis on handwashing and Louis Pasteur on germ theory helped change attitudes towards cleanliness.

Social reform. Public health reformers championed improved sanitation and personal hygiene as ways to combat disease and improve social conditions. This led to:

• The construction of public bathhouses in cities
• Campaigns to educate the public about hygiene
• The development of modern plumbing and sewage systems

Cultural shift. Bathing and cleanliness gradually became associated with moral virtue and social progress. The Victorian era saw a renewed emphasis on personal hygiene, with regular bathing becoming a mark of respectability among the middle and upper classes.

7. American innovations drove global hygiene standards in the 20th century

"I consider that I have done more to save life and prevent the spread of disease in my work for public baths than in all my work as a physician."

Technological advancements. American ingenuity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to significant improvements in plumbing and bathroom fixtures. Innovations included:

• Mass-produced bathtubs and toilets
• Hot water heaters and indoor plumbing
• The development of affordable, mild soaps

Consumer culture. The rise of advertising and consumer culture in America played a crucial role in promoting new hygiene products and practices. Soap companies, in particular, became major advertisers, linking cleanliness with social success and moral virtue.

Global influence. American hygiene standards and products spread globally, influencing practices around the world. This was particularly evident after World War II, as American cultural influence expanded and global trade increased.

8. Modern obsession with cleanliness and the rise of antibacterial products

"As we know it, dirt is essentially disorder. There is no such thing as absolute dirt: it exists in the eye of the beholder."

Germ awareness. The 20th century saw a growing awareness of germs and their role in disease, leading to an increased focus on eliminating bacteria from our environments. This resulted in:

• The development of antibacterial soaps and cleaning products
• More frequent handwashing and bathing
• Heightened concern about household cleanliness

Marketing and fear. Advertisers capitalized on fears of germs and social rejection to promote a wide array of hygiene and cleaning products. This led to what some critics see as an excessive focus on cleanliness and sterility.

Health concerns. While improved hygiene has undoubtedly had positive health effects, some researchers now worry that excessive cleanliness may contribute to:

• Weakened immune systems
• Increased allergies and autoimmune disorders
• The development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

9. The future of cleanliness: balancing hygiene with environmental concerns

"Clean is a moving target."

Environmental impact. As awareness of environmental issues grows, there is increasing concern about the ecological impact of our cleaning practices. This includes:

• Water usage in frequent bathing and laundry
• Chemical pollutants from cleaning products
• Plastic waste from hygiene product packaging

Rethinking cleanliness. Some researchers and environmentalists are calling for a reevaluation of our hygiene practices, suggesting that we may be "too clean" for our own good and for the planet's health.

Sustainable solutions. The future of cleanliness may involve finding a balance between maintaining good hygiene and minimizing environmental impact. This could include:

• Developing more eco-friendly cleaning products
• Adopting water-saving technologies
• Reconsidering the necessity of daily bathing and frequent clothes washing
• Exploring alternative approaches to personal and household cleanliness

Last updated: January 24, 2025