In the United States, bidets are rarely used and often considered luxury amenities, although they are standard in other parts of the world. They can conserve toilet paper and gallons of water by replacing frequent showering. Bidets are used for post-toilet personal hygiene as an add-on toilet appliance or a stand-alone fixture equipped with a water stream for personal cleaning after toileting.
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The 6 Best Bidet Seats The Spruce Has TestedRead Now1 of 3Green Advantages
According to the eco-conscious community, bidets help conserve trees by reducing the manufacture and overuse of toilet paper. Bidets can also save countless gallons of water used while showering when only a bidet may be necessary at times.
Bidets are a common sight in bathrooms throughout Europe and Asia. In Japan, where bathing is a revered ritual, nearly every home boasts a toilet with a built-in bidet, a modern hybrid that's become a must-have amenity in many luxury hotel bathrooms.
Types of Bidets
While the numerous advantages of a bidet may sound appealing, installing an additional standalone fixture in your bathroom may be out of the question. Fortunately, some options don't require a complete remodel, including "smart toilets" with built-in bidet functions. You'll also find several high-quality seats and handheld attachments on the market that provide add-on bidet functions to an existing toilet.
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Toilets With Integrated Bidets
Many high-tech or smart toilets incorporate a bidet attachment function and pampering features such as built-in deodorizers, sensor-activated lid openers, and hands-free automatic flushers.
Credit: The Spruce / Elena Garcia
Bidet Seats
Easy to install and simple to use, a bidet seat instantly converts your toilet into a high-tech throne. With electronic models, the touch of a button extends a small nozzle beneath you that sprays a comfortable stream of warm, aerated water. When you’re done, the nozzle automatically cleans itself before retracting back into its sleeve.
Many models also have heated seats and air dryers, while some boast energy-efficient tankless water heating systems. Several eco-conscious, non-electric bidet seats are also available. These require only water pressure to operate and tend to be less expensive than their electric and battery-operated counterparts.
Credit: The Spruce / Nicholas McClelland
Bidet Attachments
Bidet attachments are affordable, easy-to-install products mounted to the underside of an existing toilet seat and require no batteries or electricity. They connect to your toilet's fresh water supply line and feature front, rear, and nozzle cleaning modes. However, do keep in mind that the water isn't heated.
Credit: The Spruce / Abigail Wetzler
Handheld Bidets
Similar in price to bidet attachments, these models resemble handheld shower sprays. They can be installed on virtually any toilet with an external water supply.
Credit: The Spruce / Laura Miller
Standalone Bidet
Standalone bidets are the original bidets and resemble porcelain toilets but do not have a lid or reservoir. They are typically placed next to toilets. Most feature water jets controlled by knobs for pressure and water temperature. These are a costlier option and require a larger bathroom footprint for installation.
Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris
FAQ- Do you still have to wipe after using a bidet?
This choice to wipe after using a bidet depends on the individual. When used properly, a good-quality bidet eliminates the need for toilet paper. However, you might prefer to dry off with toilet paper if the bidet does not have a drying mechanism.
Is there a downside to using a bidet?The downside to a bidet is that it can spread germs if it's not kept clean or well-maintained. Additionally, the water stream can potentially introduce bacteria if it flows from back to front or its force upsets the body's natural bacterial balance.
Are bidets sanitary?Bidets are sanitary when they are kept clean. Bidet nozzles must be kept clean and sanitized or they can become contaminated with bacteria.
Should I use the bidet every time after I urinate?The frequency of use depends on your preferences. Some people use it every time they urinate while others use it only to clean feces.
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