Sad truth about hygiene in the Victorian era, Queen Victoria

They Bleached Their Clothes With Urine

Where laundry was concerned, Victorians often used more than soap to "clean" their clothing. Grease and oil stains were regularly combated by rubbing chalk into clothing, while kerosene could remove grass stains and blood stains alike.

Milk was a go-to cleaner for removing urine stains and odors. In a similar vein, Victorians used their own urine to bleach clothes, since urine contains ammonia.

They Made Homemade Toothpaste Out Of Cuttlefish

Middle- and upper-class Victorians could easily purchase toothbrushes and toothpaste, but most working-class folks had to make home concoctions. Makeshift toothpaste could be made at home using soot, chalk, or powdered cuttlefish, among other options.

Toothbrushes usually had harsh bristles and wooden handles. For those who could not afford a toothbrush, celery was thought to be abrasive enough to clean one's teeth while eating. While their oral hygiene wasn't ideal, their dentistry was even worse. Dental care was often provided by local barbers or blacksmiths if there was no dentist in the area.

Books Instructed Them On How To Bathe Properly

As semi-regular bathing came into fashion, books were published that let Victorians know just what they could expect from a bath. One particular book offered various "Toilet Recipes" for curious, un-bathed Victorians. Much like the urban legend about swimming, people were advised against bathing within four hours of eating a large meal.

Victorians were also warned not to wash their faces when they traveled, unless they could purify the water with alcohol or ammonia beforehand. One of the more popular beauty regimens recommended a "Russian bath," which consisted of washing the face with extremely hot, then extremely cold water to help prevent wrinkles.