Buzz
Over the centuries, humans have resorted to some rather dubious techniques for post-bathroom cleanup. Before the advent of toilet paper, early American settlers turned to an unlikely alternative: corn cobs. Surprisingly, this method was so effective that it remained in use among rural Americans well into the 20th century.
When it comes to toilet paper substitutes, corn cobs sit somewhere between “logical” and “utterly bizarre.” More toward the “logical” side are printed materials like newspapers, the Sears catalog, and the Farmer’s Almanac. These were often hung from a nail in homes or outhouses, serving dual purposes for reading and wiping. The practice became so widespread that by 1919, the Farmer’s Almanac was being sold with a pre-drilled hole—a feature that persists to this day.
On the far end of the “utterly bizarre” spectrum are pottery shards. The ancient Greeks and Romans relied on these curved ceramic pieces, called pessoi, to clean themselves. Some historians speculate that certain pessoi originated as ostraka—broken pottery used for writing. For instance, during votes to exile unpopular figures, names were inscribed on these shards. Repurposing them as cleaning tools added an extra layer of humiliation to the act.
In the most recent episode of The List Show, Erin McCarthy, Mytour's editor-in-chief, delves into peculiar historical hygiene practices. From deodorants made of porridge to detergents derived from urine, these ancient cleanliness methods will make you appreciate your modern toiletries even more.
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