Put down that rubber duckie

In the 18th century most people did not want to wash with water, preferring instead “dry washing” or vigorously scrubbing with a dry brush.

Even into the 19th century, bathing was thought to be a health hazard. In Philadelphia, 1835, the common council tried to pass a ban on wintertime bathing that missed by only 2 votes. In 1845, Boston banned bathing except when prescribed by a doctor.