Let’s dive into the Amish way of bathing – a simple guide to their hygiene practices, including how they manage to get hot water.
The Amish believe people are made in God’s image. To honor this, they stress keeping the body clean and cared for as a sign of respect for God’s creation.
How Do the Amish Bathe?
New Order Amish typically have indoor plumbing, and their hot water is sourced from solar, natural gas, wood, or, in some instances, oil-fired furnaces.
Old Order Amish, including the Swartzentruber Amish, don’t have indoor plumbing, running water, or electricity. They get water from the family well using a hand pump, warm it on a stove, and then pour it into a large wooden or metal tub for bathing.
This labor-intensive method of bathing is why Old Order Amish usually don’t bathe every day.
They typically use homemade Amish soap for cleansing.
The Amish also use a wash basin for their daily hygiene needs. They use it to wash their hands and face in the morning. The same wash basin is used in the evening for washing their hands, face, and feet.
How Often Do the Amish Bathe?
How often the Amish bathe depends on how easily they can take a warm bath.
New Order Amish who have indoor plumbing and running water typically bathe or shower every day or every other day.
Old Order Amish, using stoves to warm water poured into metal tubs for bathing, often bathes infrequently, typically once a week during winter.
They usually bathe on Saturday evenings because the church service is the next morning.
During the week, many opt for quick sponge baths.
In summer, they typically bathe twice or three times a week to stay clean from dirt and sweat, especially since men often do labor-intensive work like farming.
Do the Amish Have Bathrooms in Their Houses?
Whether Amish homes have bathrooms varies. Most New Order Amish often do have one, but conservative ones, like Old Order Amish, often don’t.
Amish homes usually skip modern amenities like fancy showers and bathtubs. They prefer simpler setups without advanced plumbing.
An Amish bathroom won’t resemble a modern one, but it can fulfill the same function successfully.
In summer, some Amish families use outdoor showers for bathing.
Do the Amish Have Running Water?
New Order Amish may have indoor plumbing and running water, but some Old Order Amish, who are more conservative, usually don’t. It depends on how modern they choose to be.
The Schwartzenruber Amish, very conservative, don’t have running water indoors. They gather rainwater and use wells for bathing.
Do the Amish Share Bath Water?
Kids in Amish families might share bath water, especially in Old Order Amish communities. Once a week, they usually fill a wooden or metal bath, and the family takes turns bathing.
The person who goes last often gets left with the cold water.
Sharing water is a smart way to keep kids clean without using too much water.
How Do the Amish Bathe in Winter?
The Amish bathe in winter the same way they do in other seasons. If they have a bathroom with indoor plumbing and running water, they use the bathtub or shower. For Old Order Amish without indoor plumbing, they heat bath water on the stove and fill a large tub.
Long Story Short
- The New Order Amish often have indoor plumbing and various water heating sources, bathing in a bathtub or shower.
- Old Order Amish, lacking such amenities, heat water on a stove and fill a wooden or metal tub to bathe.
- New Order Amish may bathe every day, while Old Order Amish, often bathe once or twice a week.
- Children in Old Oder Amish families may share bath water as an efficient way to keep kids clean without excessive water usage.
- Homemade Amish soap is commonly used for cleansing during baths.