What did medieval people use instead of toilet paper?

What Medieval People Used Instead of Toilet Paper

Long before the soft rolls we take for granted today, people in medieval Europe had to get creative—sometimes uncomfortably so—when it came to personal hygiene. Forget plush toilet paper; most rural dwellers relied on whatever was at hand: straw, hay, and even corn cobs were common tools of the trade. These rough materials may seem harsh by modern standards, but in an era without indoor plumbing or mass production, practicality ruled over comfort.

Life in the countryside meant living close to nature, and that included using what the fields provided. After a trip to the outhouse—or more often, just outside behind the barn—farmers and villagers would reach for a handful of dried straw or a discarded cob left over from harvest. While not exactly gentle, these items were free, readily available, and biodegradable (though likely not always sanitary).

It wasn’t just peasants making do. Even in castles and monasteries, hygiene habits were surprisingly basic. Wealthier households might have used scraps of old linen or wool, but such luxuries weren’t widespread. The concept of soft, disposable paper wouldn’t appear for centuries—commercial toilet paper only emerged in the late 19th century.

Interestingly, in other parts of the world, different solutions existed. The Romans famously used spongia—a sea sponge on a stick—rinsed in salt water, while people in parts of Asia used bamboo strips or water. But in medieval Europe, simplicity was key, and innovation in the bathroom simply didn’t happen.

So next time you reach for the soft pack in your bathroom, spare a thought for those who once faced the same needs with nothing but a corn cob and a prayer. Life was rough—literally.