The Bathroom

Bath-time was hit by rationing, like most aspects of living in the 1940s. You couldn't indulge in hot water up to your neck; a line painted round the inside of the bath marked the maximum measure (five inches) of water allowed in order to save on fuel units. A gentleman once caught abusing this rule protested that five inches was not enough to cover his “whereabouts"!

Economising on bath water - people were expected to use and re-use their five inches of water - was just one way of saving on fuel and keeping to the upper limit of one ton of coal per domestic household. Households were encouraged to nominate a fuel warden, who would implement fuel saving tips, such as the five-inch mark on the bath. Other tactics included doing the day's washing-up in one go, using low-powered light bulbs and sieving the ashes when cleaning out the boiler ("a million tons of coal could be saved this way").

The results of these measures were impressive. In 1939, the British had been burning over 45 million tons of coal, but by the end of the war, it had decreased to 35.8 million. With the help of every citizen, the nation scraped through with enough coal for the war effort.

The 1940s bath cabinet was pretty bare. Compared to today's gamut of potions and lotions, there was a pitiful selection of toiletries. In the absence of shampoo, people often washed their hair with Lux flakes (washing powder) or simply water. Wearing a hat was always a cunning disguise for unwashed hair! Forced to improvise, some women used vegetable dye to colour their roots. To moisturise their faces, women applied cold cream sparingly. Soap was rationed to 16oz per person per month and razors were made to last. If they did not have a razor, women were advised to use soapy pumice stones to get rid of the unwanted hair on their legs.

The beauty industry joined in the war with gusto and adverts advised you on, 'How to make your Lux Beauty soap last longer', with diagrams on the best storage and usage of your soap. While towels were difficult to replace, toothpaste was in short supply and many used salt and water as an alternative. Toilet paper was hard and like greaseproof paper - when it was available, that is. Bathroom cleaning products were also hard to come by. Many gave their bath a once-over with vinegar, paraffin or ammonia instead.