People of 18th century had different about health than we do. Some washed their hands and faces, and most bathed a few times each year. There was no running water, and water had to be heated over the fire. They thought bathing was unhealthy, and that the oils on their skins protected them from getting sick.

Lower class people hardly changed or washed their clothes. They usually had one outfit for working and one for Sunday. Rich people didn't bathe much more often, but they had more clothes, so they appeared cleaner. They sprinkled themselves with lavender water or wore small flowers to smell sweeter. They were called nosegays.