Menstrual cups can seem a bit odd at first, but many people eventually find them indispensable. Bidets might be another item that fits this description. While not very common in the United States, bidets are becoming more popular. My husband and I travel often for work, and through our trips, we’ve had the chance to try out a variety of bidets. Here’s our take on the pros and cons, and why we’re thinking about installing one at home. It could be a good time to make the switch, seeing how hard it is to find toilet paper these days!
To put it simply, a bidet is a bathroom fixture using water pressure to clean the genital or anal areas after using the toilet. Originating in France in the 18th century, the term “bidet” comes from a French word for “pony,” referring to the way you straddle it. Initially located in bedrooms alongside chamber pots, bidets transitioned to bathrooms with the advent of modern plumbing in the early 20th century.
In countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal, bidets are very common and even mandatory. They’re also used widely in parts of South America, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Japan, and the Middle East. There are three main types of bidets: the stand-alone bidet, the bidet shower (or handheld bidet), and the add-on bidet. The best choice depends on your specific requirements.
A stand-alone bidet, resembling a low sink or water fountain (though not for drinking!), usually sits next to the toilet. It allows users to adjust water temperature with hot and cold knobs. If you want to skip a full renovation, an add-on bidet might be ideal. These attachments fit onto your existing toilet seat or come as new seats with built-in bidets. Some spray cold water only, while others can access hot water or heat the water themselves, with options for electric or non-electric models.
The bidet shower is similar to a kitchen sink sprayer. This handheld device requires users to aim the nozzle accurately, potentially challenging for individuals with limited mobility. However, it’s budget-friendly and often requires no professional setup. We had one in our home for cleaning cloth diapers, and it never occurred to me to use it as a bidet!
If you’re hesitant, consider this high-tech model with features like an automatic seat, remote control, massaging wash, self-cleaning, and even warm air drying. For those who take their bathroom experience seriously, this could be a perfect choice. While bidets might seem unusual to many Americans, for some, they are a newfound necessity. Travelers who encounter them often become fans, while others may take time to warm up to the idea.
There are several reasons why our European friends say we won’t miss toilet paper once we make the change. Most people agree that bidets clean more effectively than toilet paper, especially if a water filter is involved. After all, we use water to wash the rest of our body, so why not this area too? Many already use wet wipes over dry toilet paper, recognizing the value of water in achieving cleanliness. A bidet simply extends this logic.
Though most don’t think much about toilet paper, Americans use a significant amount each year. A bidet won’t eliminate the need entirely but can significantly reduce usage. Americans average about 50 pounds of toilet paper annually, compared to around 23 pounds in Europe. Likely, adopting bidets could halve our consumption.
The cost savings are another advantage. The U.S. spends $6 billion a year on toilet paper. Reducing this consumption could save families money. Interestingly, bidets can even help conserve water. Toilet paper production uses substantial water, so reducing its use also lessens water consumption.
Here’s some math: a bidet uses about 1/8th gallon of water per cleanse, whereas producing one roll of toilet paper involves 37 gallons of water, plus energy and wood. In our household, a roll doesn’t last long, especially with kids, so a bidet might help cut down on water use.
Toilet paper requires a certain degree of flexibility and strength, which can be challenging for seniors or those with injuries. Switching to a bidet can restore some independence in the bathroom, greatly improving quality of life. For people with hemorrhoids, rashes, or postpartum women, bidets can be soothing and prevent further irritation—something toilet paper may exacerbate. Studies indicate bidets can even reduce hemorrhoids and urogenital infections.
However, bidets have their downsides. Costs can be a barrier, particularly for stand-alone bidets, which might require sizable renovations if space is limited. Even some add-on models can be pricey, though basic versions are more affordable and space-efficient.
Cultural perceptions are another hurdle. Many Americans find the concept strange or uncomfortable. This reluctance might stem from historical or social reasons, though the exact cause isn’t clear. Despite global usage, bidets haven’t fully caught on in the U.S.
For those ready to give a bidet a try, it’s important to follow specific usage instructions for different models. Although bidets aren’t often discussed in the U.S., they present a viable alternative or complement to toilet paper. Offering hygienic benefits and resource savings, bidets could be a key step in reducing single-use products.
I’ll keep you posted on what we decide and how we like it! Have you ever tried a bidet? Do you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between?
