Hygiene in Colonial Times and Today

Example:By Mrs. MattisonHygiene in Colonial Times and Today

Bathed a few times a yearHad to get many buckets of water from a wellPut it in a wooden tub in front of the fireplaceCleaned face and hands once a day (if that) with a wet clothToo much bathing was thought to destroy your skins oils and make you more likely to get sickWashed their clothes every few weeksResources used: Water (natural) and wood (natural) from trees to make the tub

Hygiene During Colonial Times

People take a shower or bath every day and use soaps and shampooPeople usually wash their clothes after wearing them once and use a washing machinePeople use antibacterial soap to kill germsPeople wash their hands many times a dayBefore and after eatingAfter going to the bathroomAfter sneezing into themWhenever they are dirtyResources used: Water (natural), regular and antibacterial soap (manmade), showers (manmade), and washing machines (manmade)

Hygiene Today

Hygiene in Colonial Times vs. Modern Times Bathed a few times a yearWashed clothes every few weeksBathed in a wooden tub in the kitchen or outsideHad to get water from a wellThought too much bathing would make you sick

Bathe every dayWashed clothes every dayTake showers in the bathroomWater comes from the faucetAntibacterial soap and washing keeps you from getting sick

Used waterWashed hands more often than body

Colonial TimesModern TimesColonial TimesDear Journal,Today mother forced me to take a bath. It has been a few weeks since the last time I took one so I guess its time! It took me 10 trips to the well before I had enough water to fill the tub in the kitchen. Luckily, mother had the fire going for a while so it was a little warmer in there than it usually is. I was still freezing as I scrubbed myself down. Thank goodness I wont have to do this again for another couple of months!Dear Journal,It was so great to take such a nice long hot shower tonight. I had soccer practice today, so I had to take a shower since I was sweaty from practice. I washed my hair, used conditioner, and used my body wash and wash cloth. Dad always complains that Im using too much hot water when I take long showers, but it feels so nice to be clean. I make sure I take a shower every day and wash my hands all the time so I dont get sick. I want to make sure Im always looking and smelling good!Journal EntriesModern Times

Websites:To Bathe or Not To Bathe: Coming Clean in Colonial America by Edwards Park http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/autumn00/bathe.cfmAbout Hygiene in Colonial Times by Jennifer Elbinhttp://www.ehow.com/about_4566961_hygiene-colonial-times.htmlBooks:If You Lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovernSources