Vintage Hygiene Practices That Are the Very Opposite of Clean

 
Rush Floors Were Full of Dropped Food and Animal Droppings

Rush floors were popular throughout the Middle Ages all the way up through the 16th century. It was a combination of herbs and grasses compacted down and splayed over the floors like a carpet. Its purpose was to provide insulation and fill homes with a sweet fragrance. Unfortunately, they were also a breeding ground for bacteria and bugs. More often than not, it was full of animal waste and food and drinks from spills.

The very top layer would be changed semi-regularly, but it was common just to throw fresh grass on top, resulting in the bottom layer being filthy. It could be decades before it was ever properly removed and replaced.