Outdated hygiene practices that are anything but clean

Reed Floors Were Full of Fallen Food and Animal Droppings

Instead of tiles or carpets, many medieval homes had reed floors: layers of grasses, straw, and rushes that insulated and perfumed the environment. Over time, these floors became traps for spilled food, animal waste, and general grime.

Instead of cleaning, people would often just add a new layer on top. Some floors went untouched for years, turning homes into veritable compost heaps with walls.