The idea of what defines "clean" changes throughout history, as does the purpose of washing. Going back to the first millennium CE, Europeans (specific to Christians) would very rarely have "bathed", meaning specifically submerging the body in water. The process of collecting and heating water in that large amount was very laborious. Washing of hands, face, and other body parts as needed would have been much more likely. A great deal of reliance for being clean is left to the clothing being washed regularly and absorbing most of what the body puts off. The hair is similarly covered or kept pinned up to keep it clean. Wet hair in cooler months can be much more dangerous to your health than not washing it.

There is, however, a great deal of argument over any level of washing during this time. It was part of the Christian belief that one shouldn't focus on the physical form, seeing it as ignoring the spiritual self. Taking the time to bathe or even wash thoroughly was self-indulgent. It was considered allowable for health based purposes, but most people didn't have that medical need. St. Francis is a notable supporter of this lifestyle, supposedly praising monks on the dirty state of their living quarters. St. Jerome wrote "A clean body and a clean dress mean an unclean soul". This un-concern with cleanliness is very different than other religions at the same time. Most had almost ritual purification written into their teachings, such as the Mikveh for Jewish women.

By the time we reach the Middle Ages bath houses are gaining in popularity again (having continued on post-Roman era in other regions like Turkey). Washing is no longer considered overly self-indulgent, though the bath houses themselves are still said to be ripe with inappropriate behavior- part of the reason they were discouraged to begin with.