- Sponge baths were common, especially for those without easy access to a bathtub or shower. People would use a sponge and a basin of water to clean themselves.
- Shared bathhouses were also popular, especially in urban areas. These facilities had multiple tubs or showers, and people would pay a fee to use them.
- Outdoor bathing was also common in rural areas, where people would bathe in rivers, lakes, or streams.
- Soaps and cleansers:
- Soap: Commercially produced soaps were widely available by the 1930s. Common types of soap included bar soap, liquid soap, and soap powder.
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste tubes became popular in the 1930s, replacing earlier forms of toothpaste that came in jars or powders.
- Shampoo: Commercial shampoos were also becoming more common in the 1930s, although many people still used homemade alternatives like soap or baking soda.
- Deodorants and antiperspirants:
- Deodorants: Deodorants that helped combat body odor became available in the 1930s. One common type of deodorant was a liquid or cream that was applied to the skin.
- Antiperspirants: Antiperspirants that blocked sweat production were also introduced in the 1930s, although they were not as widely used as deodorants.
- Hygiene practices:
- Hand washing: Proper hand washing after using the bathroom and before handling food was emphasized to prevent the spread of germs.
- Oral hygiene: Regular tooth brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash were encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Personal grooming: People took care of their appearance by shaving, styling their hair, and applying makeup.