Bidets are in fact a legal building requirement in Italy and they have been so for nearly 50 years now. Article 7 of a Ministerial Decree issued on July 5th, 1975 states that “in each house, at least one bathroom must have the following fixtures: a toilet, a bidet, a bathtub or shower, and a sink”.
In fact the bidet is now so ingrained into Italian culture that it's a legal obligation to put a bidet in every bathroom that is built on domestic or hotel property. A bidet can still be filled with soapy water to wash, although with high water pressure most people choose to use soap and clean running water.
Bidets are common bathroom fixtures in the Arab world and in Catholic countries, such as Italy (the installation of a bidet in a bathroom has been mandatory since 1975), Spain (but in recent times new or renewed houses tend to have bathrooms without bidets, except the luxurious ones), and Portugal (installation is ...
The reason you don't see built-in bidets in the US and Europe is mainly because of cultural differences. Folks here have always just used regular toilets and toilet paper, so that's what everyone's used to. Also, adding bidets to existing bathrooms can be costly and tricky because of plumbing and space issues.
Apparently, the toilet seats are there originally but, then, they break. The seats break because people stand on them. People stand on them because they are not kept clean enough to sit on. Eventually, after being broken repeatedly, they are no longer replaced for one of two reasons.
You don't really need to bring this from home, of course —Italy does have toilet paper–but it's a smart thing for ladies, particularly, to throw in their purses before leaving the hotel in the morning. Why? Well, while 95% of the bathrooms you'll use at cafes or restaurants are perfectly well-stocked, some are… not.
Backflow Prevention: Bidets and shattafs pose a high risk of backflow, which can lead to contamination of the main water supply. These devices are classified as fluid category 5, the highest risk level for cross-contamination.
Bidets are more hygienic.
Bidets allow for nearly hands-free cleaning of the genitals and anus after toileting or intimacy. Water is used to thoroughly clean skin surfaces and crevices rather than wiping, which can lead to the spread of fecal matter and bacteria.
Italy is the only country where more than three-quarters of bathrooms have a bidet, one of only four countries where more than half have a bidet; and the only European country to be in the top ten. Bidets have been a legal requirement in newly-built homes in Italy since 1975 - and besides, Italians like them.
A common reason why bidets aren't used in the US is that during World War 2, American soldiers saw brothels utilizing bidets. When they came back to United States, they shunned the bidet because of the connotations. Plus, the construction boom that took place in the post-war years built plumbing systems without bidets.
Excessive bidet use should be considered an etiologic factor in patients undergoing a medical examination for anal pruritus or AI. In the hospital setting, compromised patients should be cautious regarding the shared use of bidet toilets to prevent infection by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
Ask for bidet permission
Hovering over someone else's bidet isn't like using their phone charger or using a paper towel to dry your hands. This fixture is very much a personal care item. And some homeowners might not be keen to let a guest mess around with it, especially a first-timer.
Tipping in Italy is not compulsory, in fact the majority of Italians don't generally tip huge amounts, that's if they tip at all. But, as tourists, you will be expected to leave a tip in Italian restaurants, when touring with a guide or taking a taxi ride.
Step 5: Drying Yourself
Most Bidets have a built in air dryer for you to use. If the one you are facing does not, use toilet paper or other paper towels to dry yourself off. Do not throw any toilet paper into the Bidet.
Con #1: Bidets may pose health concern for people with vaginas. Although some benefits are clear, as noted, there are potential downsides, especially if you have a vagina. “Bidets may mess with the health ecosystem of bacteria called Lactobacillus microflora in your vagina,” Dr. Rea said.
Should you use a bidet after peeing? You can if you want to! Most people use bidets after pooping, but it's totally fine to use one after you pee. Some people enjoy using a bidet while they're menstruating since it can really help clean your genital area.
It's important to follow usage instructions, though, particularly with jet stream pressure and water temperature. “But if it's working properly and you clean and sanitize it regularly, a bidet is a good alternative option for many people,” says Dr. Lee.
You see, bidets and hand sprayers can be extremely hygienic when installed correctly. But if installed incorrectly, by a handyman or anyone other than a non-licensed plumber, things can get dangerous. In fact, it's illegal to install a bidet without a plumbing license.
The cleansing of one's private parts seemed too intimate a topic to confront; therefore bidets were taboo. During World War II, American servicemen saw bidets all over Europe but most often in brothels and bordellos. The bidet became a symbol of sex, an instrument of hedonism, decadence, and fallen women.
The installation of a bidet shower is notifiable in Scotland and Northern Ireland and could be notifiable in England and Wales, for example as a material change of use. Notification is an important simple and essential check to minimise the risk to water supplies both within a premises and the wider community.
Don't use the bidet as a toilet: It's designed for post-toilet cleaning, not for the disposal of waste. Avoid using too much toilet paper: It can lead to plumbing issues, especially in areas with sensitive systems. Watch the water pressure: Start low to avoid splashing or discomfort.
Bidets are in fact a legal building requirement in Italy and they have been so for nearly 50 years now. Article 7 of a Ministerial Decree issued on July 5th, 1975 states that “in each house, at least one bathroom must have the following fixtures: a toilet, a bidet, a bathtub or shower, and a sink”.
In Europe, bidets can be found in two-thirds of homes while they are nearly non-existent in North America. Asia also has had widespread use of bidet use for centuries, with many modern forms including electronic ones that dispense warm water and air dry you after use.