Cleansing station

A cleansing station is a place where people go (or are sent) to wash their clothes as well as their bodies. Depending on the circumstances, going to a cleansing station may be done voluntarily or mandatorily.

History of cleansing stations
During the nineteenth, and early part of the twentieth century, the increase of urbanization caused an increase in the spread of epidemics. Poor hygiene was determined to be the cause.

Since many families did not have practical means to clean themselves or their clothes, public cleansing stations were established for their use. While many people took the opportunity to use these facilities, others had to be compelled to do so. See for example, City of Edinburgh District Council Order Confirmation Act 1991 which defines, as follows:

"'cleansing station' means any premises where the cleansing of persons or clothing may be carried out;"

and sets forth laws regarding how a person can be compelled to go to a cleansing station.

Quoted from the City of Edinburgh District Council Order 1991 part five, article 20:


 * 1) The Council may, if satisfied that any person, or the clothing of any person, in verminous and if such person consents to be removed to a cleansing station, cause such person to be removed to a cleansing station and cleansed as to his person and clothing.
 * 2) If such person does not so consent the Council may apply to the sheriff, and the sheriff, if satisfied, on oral evidence of the facts set forth in the application, and that it is expedient to do so, may make an order for the removal of such person to a cleansing station by such officer of the Council as may be specified in the order and for the detention of such person therein for such period, and subject to such conditions, as may be specified in the order, to enable him to be cleansed as to his person and clothing.
 * 3) The cleansing of females under this section shall be carried out only by a woman registered medical practitioner or by a woman duly authorised by the Council.
 * 4) Any consent required to be given for the purposes of this section may, in the case of a person under 16 years of age, be given on his behalf by his parent or guardian.
 * 5) A charge shall not be made in respect of the cleaning of a person or his clothing, or his removal to, or maintenance in, a cleansing station.