1. Amish Emphasize Simplicity Over Luxury
When it comes to hygiene, the Amish community prioritizes practicality and simplicity, often over what modern society may consider “luxurious” or advanced, according to AmishRules.com. For instance, while many of us might reach for a bottle of shampoo with multiple ingredients, Amish people prefer using basic, natural alternatives. For hair care, some Amish communities use simple, homemade solutions, such as vinegar and water or a basic soap that avoids artificial fragrances and chemicals. This minimalist approach ties into their overall belief in avoiding excess, and the desire to stay close to nature. The Amish strive for an unpretentious lifestyle, believing that it is more important to keep life simple and focus on the essentials rather than indulge in modern comforts.
Despite this, cleanliness is still a significant part of daily life for the Amish. They focus on maintaining cleanliness in their bodies and surroundings, though the means by which they do so might seem less modern. In homes without electricity, they might rely on water pumped from wells, with baths and showers often taken in small, efficient spaces designed for simplicity and ease. Hygiene routines are usually done without much fuss, as personal cleanliness is seen as a necessity rather than a luxury. Amish hygiene practices are deeply tied to their values of humility, discipline, and closeness to the earth.
2. Limited Use of Modern Toiletries
One of the most noticeable aspects of Amish hygiene practices is the limited use of modern toiletries. While many of us use an array of products like deodorants, body lotions, and other personal care items, the Amish community tends to use fewer of these products. For example, deodorants may be considered unnecessary, as they believe a person’s natural scent is part of their God-given being. The use of such products may be viewed as an indulgence or as a sign of vanity, which goes against the Amish principles of humility and simplicity.
In Amish communities, there’s a preference for more natural forms of cleanliness, such as soap made from lard or herbs. They also avoid the use of heavily-scented products, as these can be seen as vanity. This ties back to their belief in humility, avoiding anything that might draw attention to one’s outward appearance. Instead of relying on chemical-laden body sprays, shampoos, or lotions, the Amish turn to more natural, homemade remedies that align with their simpler lifestyle. They focus on keeping the body clean without becoming obsessed with external beauty or artificial enhancements, reinforcing the belief that cleanliness comes from within and should reflect inner values.
3. Water Conservation Is Key
In many Amish households, especially those in rural areas, water is a precious resource. This makes water conservation a central part of their hygiene routine. Since many Amish do not have access to running water inside their homes, they may have to pump water from a well or fetch it from a nearby source. This practice encourages them to use water more carefully, taking shorter showers or baths and making sure to only use what’s necessary for their daily needs. The Amish are also skilled at using water efficiently, never wasting it for frivolous purposes, which is seen as a way to honor God’s gifts.
Conserving water extends beyond bathing to other aspects of life, like laundry and cleaning. Amish families tend to wash clothes in large tubs, using manual labor, which reduces water waste and ensures that the resources they have are used efficiently. This lifestyle reflects their broader values of stewardship and frugality, applying to all aspects of their lives, not just hygiene. In addition to using less water for personal care, they also apply the same approach to farming, cooking, and other household duties, fostering a deep respect for the resources they rely on. Water conservation is not only a practical necessity but also an extension of their faith-based belief in living sustainably and with respect for nature.
4. Bathing Frequency Can Vary by Community
While the Amish generally emphasize cleanliness, the frequency of bathing can vary across different communities. In some more conservative Amish groups, bathing might be less frequent than in modern society, with families sometimes opting for a weekly bath rather than a daily shower, according to Mission to Amish People. This isn’t to say they neglect hygiene—it’s simply that they don’t feel the need to bathe as often as people in mainstream culture do. For the Amish, the necessity of frequent bathing is viewed through a different lens; it’s not about maintaining a certain appearance or comfort, but rather a matter of practicality and modesty.
In other communities, especially those with a more liberal outlook, bathing might take place more regularly, depending on access to water and individual family habits. The key is that bathing, while important, doesn’t require the same frequency as seen in other cultures, reflecting a more practical approach to hygiene. However, despite bathing schedules that may seem less frequent, Amish people still prioritize cleanliness in other areas of their lives, such as keeping their clothes, living spaces, and cooking areas tidy. The Amish maintain that personal cleanliness should be balanced with other aspects of their lifestyle, such as humility, hard work, and community cohesion.
5. Clean Clothing Is a Priority
Even if bathing is less frequent, Ohio’s Amish Country explains that wearing clean clothes is something that the Amish take very seriously. Amish people typically wear plain, modest clothing made from simple fabrics like wool or cotton. These clothes are washed regularly, and many Amish women dedicate a considerable amount of time to laundry duties, often using manual methods like handwashing in a tub or washing machine powered by a gas engine. Clean clothing is not only a matter of hygiene but also a form of expressing humility and respect for the community.
Keeping their clothes clean is a way of showing respect for their bodies and for God. Clothing, while modest and simple, is a reflection of the person’s commitment to cleanliness, discipline, and respect for others within the community. In Amish culture, appearance isn’t about vanity, but about modesty and cleanliness, which are seen as integral to spiritual and personal well-being. For the Amish, clothes serve as a tool for cultivating an inner sense of purity and modesty, and the act of keeping them clean is a reflection of their spiritual values.
6. No Electric-Powered Appliances for Hygiene
In Amish households, the absence of electricity significantly impacts the way hygiene routines are carried out, Amish Furniture Factory explains. Instead of relying on electric-powered appliances like electric razors, hairdryers, or electric toothbrushes, the Amish use manual tools and non-electric devices for grooming and cleanliness. For example, shaving might be done with a traditional straight razor, and hair is dried naturally after being washed. These non-electric methods reflect the Amish preference for self-reliance and their desire to live without the distractions and dependencies that modern technology can create.
This lack of electricity often means that Amish families live simpler, more deliberate lives. While this may seem like a step back in terms of convenience, it aligns with their belief in a lifestyle that minimizes distractions and focuses on more basic, meaningful activities. This approach to hygiene is also a way of fostering togetherness, as it often involves more family interaction and less reliance on modern conveniences. For instance, bathing in a large tub might be a family affair, where different members take turns in a shared space, contributing to the communal spirit that is central to Amish culture.
7. Hygiene Practices Vary by Gender
In Amish communities, hygiene practices often differ by gender, reflecting broader cultural norms surrounding modesty and social roles. For example, women are typically responsible for most of the cleaning, both in terms of household duties and personal care, AmishRules claims. They may wash the family’s clothing, prepare meals, and manage the cleanliness of the home, all of which are essential elements of daily life in Amish culture. This division of labor is rooted in the traditional gender roles that are common in Amish society, where men focus on farming and business, while women are tasked with domestic responsibilities.
Men, on the other hand, may have their own hygiene routines, though they might be less focused on cleanliness in the same way women’s routines are. Men’s grooming typically involves simpler, more utilitarian tasks, and they may not dedicate as much time to personal care as women do. This gendered approach to hygiene underscores the Amish values of traditional roles and responsibilities. However, both men and women maintain cleanliness and modesty in ways that align with their spiritual beliefs, and their hygiene practices reflect their desire to live pure, humble lives.
8. The Importance of Hands and Nails
In Amish culture, the hands are regarded as an essential part of cleanliness and labor, so they are particularly mindful of keeping them clean. Since manual labor is a significant part of the Amish lifestyle, keeping their hands free from dirt and grease is important, especially since they spend a great deal of time working in the fields, tending to animals, or doing other physical tasks. It’s not uncommon for Amish individuals to wash their hands multiple times throughout the day, particularly before meals, to ensure they are kept free from germs and dirt that can accumulate.
Similarly, keeping nails clean is also a priority for the Amish. Because they use their hands for nearly everything—building, farming, cooking—nail care is seen as part of maintaining personal cleanliness. Nails are often trimmed regularly to avoid any potential health issues, and since most Amish homes do not have electricity or indoor plumbing, manual cleaning methods like using a nailbrush and soap are common. This reflects their commitment to hygiene in a practical way, focusing on cleanliness where it’s most needed without unnecessary indulgences.
9. No Makeup or Beauty Products
Amish women, in particular, avoid makeup and beauty products, as these are seen as acts of vanity. This practice aligns with the community’s core belief that external appearances should not draw attention, and that beauty should come from within, not from external adornment. Makeup is seen as a form of self-promotion, something that could lead to pride and distract from spiritual focus. As such, Amish women typically refrain from using cosmetics such as foundation, lipstick, or mascara, which are commonly used in mainstream society.
Instead, Amish women focus on more natural ways to enhance their appearance, such as wearing modest clothing, maintaining clean skin, and using basic grooming tools. This lack of cosmetics doesn’t mean they neglect their hygiene; rather, they place their emphasis on simplicity and purity. Hair is typically kept in a simple, controlled style, usually tied up in a bun or covered by a prayer cap, further reflecting their commitment to modesty and humility. These practices are part of the broader Amish philosophy of living a life focused on faith and community rather than individualism or outward beauty.
10. Personal Hygiene Is Tied to Spirituality
The Amish believe that personal hygiene is not just about keeping the body clean but is also a reflection of spiritual cleanliness. Maintaining a pure and modest lifestyle is seen as a way of honoring God, and hygiene practices are an extension of that spiritual commitment. For example, an Amish person might view cleanliness as a form of respect for the body, which they believe is a temple of the Lord. The idea is that by taking care of their physical well-being through simple and modest hygiene routines, they are demonstrating gratitude for the life they’ve been given.
This connection between hygiene and spirituality also influences how Amish people approach illness and self-care. Rather than seeking out modern medical treatments, they might prefer natural remedies and preventative measures to keep their bodies in good health. Some Amish families still practice herbal medicine or use remedies passed down through generations. Their approach to hygiene reflects their belief that maintaining a pure body is part of living a God-centered life, and any action they take regarding hygiene is seen as an extension of their religious devotion.
11. Bathing Facilities Can Be Simple
Bathing facilities in Amish homes are often very basic and do not resemble the modern bathrooms many of us are accustomed to. In many Amish homes, especially those in more traditional or conservative communities, bathing occurs in a small room with a tub that is filled manually using water from a pump or well. This means that Amish people generally take fewer, shorter baths than those in mainstream society, as conserving water is a major concern. Some Amish families still use outhouses instead of indoor plumbing, which further reflects their preference for simplicity and practicality over modern conveniences.
For those Amish families that do have running water, their bathrooms are typically far more modest than what we might see in a typical home, with basic fixtures and few or no luxuries. While the hygiene facilities may be less comfortable, they still serve the function of helping maintain cleanliness in a practical way. This simple approach is part of the Amish philosophy of avoiding excess and living a humble, frugal life. For them, the purpose of a bathroom is not for relaxation or indulgence, but for basic cleanliness and practical use.
12. Community Support and Shared Hygiene Practices
Hygiene in Amish communities is not just an individual responsibility but a communal one. The Amish emphasize the importance of supporting one another, and this extends to their hygiene practices as well. For example, when an Amish family needs help with chores such as washing clothes or cleaning the home, they often turn to their extended family or community members for assistance. This communal spirit allows them to share resources and labor, making it easier for everyone to maintain clean living environments.
In many Amish communities, hygiene practices are passed down through generations, with mothers teaching their daughters how to care for the body, maintain clean homes, and perform various chores associated with cleanliness. Children are taught from a young age the importance of maintaining cleanliness in their lives, with tasks such as washing hands before meals and keeping their rooms tidy being introduced early on. This shared responsibility strengthens the bonds within the community, as everyone works together to support each other’s well-being. The Amish see cleanliness not only as a personal task but as something that helps maintain the harmony and integrity of the entire community.
