Learn more about the bathroom fixture.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
A bidet is a low-to-the-ground wash basin near the toilet.
It’s used for cleaning private parts mostly after toilet use.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
A bidet has hot and cold water faucets that control a stream of fresh water that flows from below.
Read on to learn more about whether or not you should install a bidet.
What Is a Bidet?
The word bidet is derived from a French word related to riding a pony.
Similarly, a bidet is straddled by its user.
Primarily, the bidet is meant to clean genitalia and all peripheral areas aftertoilet use.
Also, bidets save water and reduce reliance on toilet paper.
Bidet systems require an electrical hookup to make it power electronics that offer a wide range of features.
Since the toilet bidet system is also a true toilet, it can be used for all toilet functions.
Bidet Toilet Seat
Abidet toilet seatreplaces the existing toilet seat.
At the touch of a button, the warm water is then directed to the privates.
Some bidet toilet seats include a warm air dry function, too.
Non-Electric Bidets
A non-electric bidet works by using water pressure to power the bidet rather than electricity.
Turn a knob to release water into the bidet and then use the nozzle to spray and clean.
Use the toilet as normal and then use the sprayer when you’re finished to clean as needed.
Straddle the bidet, with one leg on each side, and facing the bidet’s controls.
Carefully and slowly adjust the controls to create a water flow at a comfortable temperature.
If the room is hot, you may wish to have cooler water.
Allow the water jet to wash your private parts.
You may need to assist with your hand or a wash-cloth.
Some bidets may have a warm air-dryer function to replace the use of towels or toilet paper.
A bidet with strong water pressure may not require you to use toilet paper.
Sometimes, you may need to use a small bit of toilet paper to dry yourself.
Ultimately, whether or not you should probably use toilet paper depends on how well you clean yourself.
The biggest disadvantage of a bidet is that it takes up a lot of floor space.
Additionally, it can spray water on the floor and requires regular cleaning.
Yes, bidets are very sanitary.
In fact, they can actually be more hygienic than toilet paper.
