Is it okay to use someone else's bidet?

Author: Hassan Crooks MD  |  Last update: Sunday, November 2, 2025

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.

Can I use someone else's bidet?

Cleanliness: Using someone else's bidet can be sanitary if you follow proper hygiene practices. Avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily, and use toilet paper or a towel to dry off after using the bidet.

Are bidets sanitary to share?

To prevent infection by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, not only patients with hematological malignancies but also compromised hosts, such as patients with severe inflammatory bowel disease, terminal cancer, and those receiving hemodialysis, must be cautious in the shared use of bidet toilets.

What is the etiquette for using a bidet?

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.

What is the most common problem with bidets?

The two most common nozzle problems are the bidet not spraying correctly or the nozzle not retracting as designed.

Why US Bathrooms Don’t Have Bidets

Can using a bidet cause a yeast infection?

If you're referring to the increased prevalence of problems for women using USA style bidets (ie, yeast and bacterial vaginal infections, and increased UTIs), then that is unfortunately a common problem. It's important to try and seek out bidets with actual front wash features.

Do you still have to wipe after a bidet?

Pat dry with toilet paper

One way to get dry after using a bidet is with toilet paper. Since you're already clean from your bidet, you won't need much toilet paper to do so–just enough to remove any excess water. Use a gentle pat-dry motion instead of a wipe to avoid any irritation. That's all there is to it.

How should a female sit in a bidet?

Sit or squat over the stream so that the water hits the area you need to clean. You can continue to hover above the bidet, or you can sit down on it. Note that most bidets don't have seats, but are still meant to be sat upon; you just sit directly on the rim.

What do doctors say about bidets?

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.

Do people dry off after using a bidet?

While most bidet users dry off with a small amount of toilet paper, sustainability-focused bidet owners use a dedicated cloth or towel. Bidet towels are a great way to reduce your home's environmental impact even more!

Why are bidets not popular in us?

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.

Is it safe to use a bidet as an enema?

At-Home Enema, Bidet-Style

Using a bidet as an enema is safe and effective and is one of the reasons we designed the Vortex Wash.

How are you not wet after using a bidet?

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.

How to sanitize a bidet?

If you have a bidet seat, clean it as you would a regular toilet seat and lid. Use a mild cleanser, such as our favorite cleaning spray, Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner, and a soft cloth.

Can a bidet aggravate hemorrhoids?

For example, if the water pressure and temperature are inappropriate or if you don't dry the area thoroughly after cleaning, a bidet can potentially worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

Should you use someone else's bidet?

Ask for bidet permission

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. So when you see a bidet and feel like trying it out, take the homeowner aside first.

What is the downside of a bidet toilet?

Uneven Nozzles

In some bidet models, especially cheaper ones, the nozzle spray may not be consistent, which can potentially lead to infections in female users. Choosing a quality bidet with adjustable settings can mitigate this risk.

Should I use the bidet every time I pee?

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.

Can you overuse a bidet?

A case of rectal mucosal prolapse syndrome due to bidet overuse has been reported previously. There was an increased incidence of hemorrhoids and pruritus ani (intense itching affecting the anorectal area) associated with habitual users of bidets.

Are bidets cleaner than wiping?

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.

Can a bidet cause arousal?

You are vulnerable, legs and genitals exposed and water is splashing on them, which can cause arousal. Plus, it's a very intimate and private thing that isn't your every day occurrence, and this can be a turn on. Any form of stimulation to the genitals and genital area can cause arousal.

Can a bidet give a woman a UTI?

Bottom line: Can you get a UTI from using a bidet? If you're using it properly, probably not. In fact, your bidet might even be a great tool for combating UTIs.

How should a woman use a bidet?

Adjust the position of the bidet nozzle to ensure proper cleansing. Position yourself on the bidet seat, ensuring comfort and stability. Activate the water spray by pressing the appropriate button or lever. After cleansing, activate the built-in air dryer, and you are ready.

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