While currently only 12% of the population of the United States has regular access to a bidet, that number is changing, with more and more people purchasing new toilets or attachments that provide the cleansing capabilities of the bidet to an ever-increasing number of bathrooms across America.
Bidet use throughout the world
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.
However, excessive bidet use potentially causes anal pruritus and anal incontinence (AI). Physicians are advised to instruct patients with anal pruritus to avoid excessive cleaning of the anus and those with AI to discontinue bidet use.
A common misconception surrounding Conor bidets is that they are water-guzzling appliances that contribute to higher water bills. However, empirical evidence suggests otherwise. Bidets, when used efficiently, consume a modest amount of water, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 gallons per use.
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.
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.
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.
Many articles claim a 75% reduction. I don't where this estimate comes from, but in my experience, it's at least in the ballpark. Given the current price of toilet paper, I think a bidet should pay for itself in two- or three-years' time — even if just one person uses it.
Regular bidet use will reduce the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in adult women with impaired functional status.
A bidet can get pretty disgusting, especially if it's not maintained well. Factors that influence just how clean a bidet are how often it is cleaned, whether it has self-sanitizing nozzles and how much the bidet is shared with others.
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.
The answer to why Americans don't own bidets can be summed up in two reasons: history and unfamiliarity. Most Americans who have had the opportunity to use bidets or Washlets abroad enjoy the experience of being freshly clean after each trip to the bathroom.
While currently only 12% of the population of the United States has regular access to a bidet, that number is changing, with more and more people purchasing new toilets or attachments that provide the cleansing capabilities of the bidet to an ever-increasing number of bathrooms across America.
Good quality bidet toilet seats have a lifespan of 6-9 years and any experienced bidet user will you tell - they really become a necessity.
Although bidets have been around for a long time, their popularity has been less than predicted. One of the biggest reasons why bidets have fallen out of favour is because of the invention of the toilet paper. The traditions of cleaning the rear end with dry paper has stuck, and bidets have failed to catch on.
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.
According to Coco bidet maker Biolife Technologies, a bidet uses an eighth of a gallon of water per wash. So it will raise your water bill a bit, but not much (compare that with a single toilet flush, which uses 4 gallons). You may also want to factor in the labor and grief you'll save from fewer clogged pipes.
While bidets are effective at cleansing, they may leave you feeling wet. To dry off, gently pat the area with toilet paper until you're dry. It's essential to be gentle to avoid any irritation. Pro Tip: Consider using high-quality, soft toilet paper to prevent any discomfort.
If you're not feeling completely clean, take a “splash” course on how to use a bidet effectively. You might also need to adjust the water pressure or nozzle settings, which may affect the spray force or pattern. You can get clean and dry without toilet paper, but a quick dab is totally okay.
Using a bidet is generally safe, but there might be some risks if you use it incorrectly. For example, make sure to keep the water pressure low if you have ulcerated skin on or near your genitals or anus, said Dr. De Latour. High water pressure may aggravate tears in your skin, increasing infection risk.
Generally, it is not necessary to pre-wipe. A bidet should clean your backside without the help of TP. Whether you wipe or not, you still use way less toilet paper overall. This saves not only money but also reduces paper waste.
Some high-end bidet attachments can cost $2,000. The sweet spot tends to be at a price point between $500 and $1,000, where you get a sturdy seat with nice features but without over-the-top extras like voice commands (yes, really) and a backup battery.
Not only that, but many of ours have features that can freshen up your bathroom and make it a more pleasant place to be. The Swash DR802 bidet toilet seat has an automatic carbon deodorizer to remove unpleasant odors from your toilet bowl, keeping your bathroom smelling nice and clean.
Then, move off the toilet and straddle the bidet so that you're facing the faucet(s). Make sure any nozzles are pointed in roughly the right direction so the water hits your skin (and doesn't spray out of the bidet) when you turn it on. Slowly turn on the faucets and adjust the water to a comfortable temperature.