“People in the Middle Ages were dirty and never bathed.”

The idea that people in the Middle (Review) Ages were universally dirty and never bathed is a pervasive misconception, often fueled by popular culture's portrayal of the era. This myth likely stems from a combination of factors, including later historical biases and a misunderstanding of what "bathing" entailed in a pre-modern world. Some early historical accounts, particularly those from Victorian historians, may have disproportionately focused on extreme examples of asceticism by religious figures who deliberately avoided washing as a form of spiritual discipline, rather than reflecting the general population's habits. Additionally, a decline in public bathing practices occurred in later centuries, particularly after the Black Death, due to medical theories suggesting that hot water opened pores and allowed disease to enter the body, and these later practices are often mistakenly attributed to the entire medieval period.

However, historical and archaeological evidence paints a very different picture. Cleanliness was indeed valued, and people engaged in various hygiene practices. Public bathhouses were common social hubs in many medieval towns, where people would bathe, socialize, eat, and drink. Even in private households, daily washing of the face, hands, and other body parts was customary, often using basins and jugs of water. Wealthier individuals often had private wooden tubs for bathing and employed servants to heat and carry water. People cleaned their teeth with twigs or linen cloths and used combs for their hair. Handwashing before and after meals was also a widely accepted practice for good etiquette.

This enduring myth persists partly because of a natural tendency to compare medieval life to our modern standards of hygiene, which benefit from readily available running water and advanced sanitation systems. The visual imagery presented in many films and television shows, depicting a grimy and unkempt populace, further entrenches this inaccurate stereotype. While medieval cities certainly faced challenges with waste management that led to unpleasant smells, this does not mean that individuals themselves neglected personal cleanliness. In reality, medieval people understood the importance of hygiene within their technological capabilities and social customs.