Pre-industrial people used a variety of natural and homemade cleaning methods to keep their homes clean. Since they didn't have access to modern cleaning products and tools, they relied on simple and traditional techniques using natural ingredients. Some common cleaning methods included:
Broom and Brush: They used brooms made from natural materials like straw, twigs, or animal hair to sweep dirt and debris from floors and other surfaces. Brushes made from plant fibers or animal hair were also used for dusting.
Natural Cleaning Agents:
- Vinegar: Vinegar was a versatile cleaning agent due to its acidic properties. It was used to clean surfaces, windows, and remove stains.
- Lemon: The natural acidity of lemons made them useful for cleaning and removing stains.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda was used for scrubbing surfaces and as a deodorizer.
- Salt: Salt was an abrasive cleaner and was used to scrub stubborn stains.
- Borax: Borax was used as a cleaning agent and deodorizer.
Soap: Soap was made from natural ingredients like animal fats and plant oils. It was used for washing dishes, laundry, and general cleaning.
Natural Disinfectants:
- Sunlight: Pre-industrial people often used sunlight to disinfect and bleach fabrics and surfaces.
- Boiling Water: Boiling water was used to disinfect and sanitize various items.
Hand Scrubbing: They scrubbed surfaces manually using brushes or scrubbing pads made from natural materials.
Fresh Air and Ventilation: Opening windows and doors was a common way to allow fresh air circulation, which helped reduce odors and improve indoor air quality.
Beating Rugs: Rugs and carpets were taken outside and beaten to remove dust and dirt.
Natural Pest Control: Pre-industrial people used various natural methods to control pests, like using herbs and spices to repel insects or employing traps.
It's important to note that cleanliness standards and practices varied widely across different cultures and regions during pre-industrial times. These methods may seem rudimentary compared to modern cleaning products, but they were effective in maintaining a certain level of cleanliness in households before the advent of industrialization and the mass production of cleaning agents.