How did people clean themselves before soap?

Before the invention of soap, people used various natural substances to clean themselves, such as clay, sand, and ash, which helped to remove dirt and oils from the skin. They also utilized water, often infused with plant extracts or oils, to wash their bodies. In some cultures, the use of herbs, essential oils, and animal fats for cleansing was common, while others relied on communal bathing practices. Additionally, certain civilizations, like the Romans and Greeks, developed early forms of soap using animal fats and plant ashes.