FactSentinel

Romans did use urine in the laundering process, and the practice is well documented in both ancient texts and archaeological findings. Professional cloth cleaners, known as fullers (fullones), operated workshops throughout Roman cities where they collected urine, often from public jars and vessels placed on streets, and used it to treat dirty wool garments and fabric. Stale urine breaks down into ammonia, a mild alkali that dissolves grease, sweat, and oils. Workers typically soaked garments in a mixture of water and urine, then trod on them in tubs to agitate the fabric before rinsing.

The evidence comes from several sources. Pliny the Elder discusses fulling and the use of urine in his Natural History, and the poet Martial refers to the trade. Excavated fullonicae at Pompeii and Ostia reveal tubs, treading stations, and drainage systems consistent with this work. The emperor Vespasian is also reported by Suetonius to have taxed the collection of urine from public latrines, which is the origin of the saying "pecunia non olet" (money does not stink).

A common misconception is that Romans washed everyday clothing in urine at home. Most evidence points to urine being used mainly by specialized fullers, particularly for wool and for finishing and whitening togas. Another misconception is that clothes remained smelly, though rinsing and the chemical breakdown of urine into ammonia likely reduced odors considerably.