Ever wondered about that mysterious porcelain bowl next to the toilet?  Itโ€™s not a 2nd toilet or a water fountain for your dog. 

Meet the bidet. It is pronounced: Bi – as in โ€œBitโ€ and Det as in โ€œDayโ€.  

But what exactly is it, and how does it work? 

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Bidets have been around since the early 1700s, but they’ve recently gained popularity in the U.S.

They help get your bottoms so fresh and so clean. Think of it as a water fountain to wash yourself.

Ready to find out what makes these bathrooms a cut above? 

Here’s everything you need to know on washing your bum.

Key Takeaways
  • A bidet can clean your Bum better
  • There is a a bidet for every budget
  • Bidets help save toilet paper and conserve water

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I can earn commissions. If you decide to purchase through my links, it is at no cost to you.

What is a Bidet?

A bidet helps clean your rear, bum, bottom, or butt. Whatever you call it, a bidet can clean it. 

There are different types: 

  • A separate fixture beside the toilet or a toilet with a built-in bidet
  • An attachment that fit right into your existing toilet set or one that is integrated into the toilet seat
  • A handheld or portable option

The idea is to use water for cleaning, which is more effective and can be more hygienic than just using toilet paper. 

How I Learned to Love a Bidet๐Ÿšฝ

I always thought a bidet was a little cool and a bit weird.

Then my husband tore his rotator cuff on his dominant arm. At that moment, the reality of not being able to wipe himself became a reality, and one of the classic vow tests of โ€œfor worseโ€ was in our faces. 

Luckily, he was willing to try the attachment, which relieved me, to say the least.

He was sold from the first use. Now, he is irritated if he has to use a toilet without one. 

The 3 Types of Bidets

There’s a bidet out there for every bum and every budget. Some are built-in and some are attached in a few minutes. 

First up, we have the classic standalone version. This is what most people think of when they hear the word “bidet.” 

It’s a separate fixture that sits next to your toilet and requires plumbing. 

It does take up a bit of extra space in your bathroom, but it’s a great option if you want the full experience.

1. Standalone Bidets: A Separate Fixture for Your Bathroom

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If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious bathroom, a standalone type might be the way to go. This is the traditional option and requires its own dedicated space next to your toilet.

You use it by straddling the fixture and using your hands to direct the water where it needs to go. 

It may take a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll never want to go back to wiping with dry paper.

2. Bidet Toilet Seats: An Easy Upgrade for Any Toilet

image

If you don’t have the space or budget for a standalone bidet, there’s another option that’s just as effective and way more convenient: the bidet toilet seat.

This device attaches directly to your existing toilet and uses the same plumbing to provide a refreshing stream of water right where you need it. 

You can usually do the install in a few minutes.

They come in all sorts of styles and price points, from basic models that simply spray water to high-tech versions with heated seats, air dryers, and even built-in deodorizers.

Some even come with remote controls, so you can adjust the water pressure and temperature without touching the fixture itself.

3. Handheld and Portable Options for On-the-Go Cleanliness

But what if you’re always on the go and don’t have access to a one at home or at work?

That’s where handheld or portable ones come in clutch.

Handheld ones are handheld sprayers that attach to your toilet’s water supply and are a great option for those who want the benefits of a bidet without the commitment of a permanent fixture.

Portable Bidet

Portable ones are small devices that you can take with you wherever you go.

They’re perfect for travelers, campers, or anyone who wants to stay fresh and clean no matter where they are. Simply fill them up with water, point, and spray โ€” it’s that easy.

What does using a bidet for the first time feel like?

Using one for the first time can be an unexpected and refreshing experience.

It may take a few tries to get used to the sensation, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

How much does a Bidet cost?

TypeCostProduct
Portable$10-$30Shop for Portable Bidet
Handheld$25-$50Shop for Handheld Bidet
Toilet Seat attachment$50-$100Shop for Toilet Seat attachment
Toilet Seat with built-in Bidet$125-$200Shop for Toilet Seat with built-in Bidet
Bidet Toilet$300 +Shop for Bidet Toilet

High-Tech Features: Enhance the Bidet Experience

If you thought bidets were just about spraying water, think again. 

Modern bidets come with all sorts of high-tech features that take the experience to a whole new level.

Here are some options:

  • Adjustable water temperature
  • Pressure settings
  • Oscillating or pulsating spray patterns for an extra thorough clean
  • Heated seats
  • Air dryers
  • Built-in deodorizers to keep things smelling fresh
  • Night lights
  • Remote controls
  • Self-cleaning spray nozzles

Remember the toilet paper crisis of 2020? If you had a bidet, you probably werenโ€™t even worried about toilet paper.

According to recent studies, the global bidet market is expected to reach a whopping $1.5 billion by 2027.

That’s a lot of clean bums. ๐Ÿ‘ But why the sudden surge in popularity? 

They are environmentally friendly, since they reduce the need for toilet paper, help conserve trees, and reduce waste.

More and more people are discovering the joys of the bidet every day.

Benefits of Bidets – Itโ€™s ok – We all Poop ๐Ÿ’ฉ

Let’s be real, talking about bathroom habits and personal hygiene can feel a little awkward. 

We’re all human, and we all poop. So let’s talk about your health and hygiene. 

Better Bum Cleaning ๐Ÿงฝ

The most obvious benefit: they are just plain better at cleaning than toilet paper alone.ย 

If you got dog poop on your hands, would you just wipe it off with a dry paper towel and call it a day? No way. You’d use soap and water to wash your hands. 

So why treat your delicate nether regions any differently?

Bidets are better for Hygiene, Hemorrhoids, and UTIs โš•๏ธ

Using water to clean after going to the bathroom is simply more hygienic and effective at removing bacteria and fecal matter. 

This can help reduce your risk of urinary tract infections, hemorrhoids, and other not-so-fun issues down there. 

Bidets are gentle on our skin ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐Ÿป

Bidets are a lifesaver for people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis. 

Repeatedly wiping with dry, rough toilet paper can irritate the skin and cause flare-ups. 

Bidets are Great for the Environment โ™ป๏ธ

Letโ€™s not forget the environmental benefits. By reducing your toilet paper use (or even eliminating it), you’re helping to:

  • save trees
  • reduce waste
  • lower your carbon footprint
  • best of all, SAVE MONEY

Who knew saving the planet could start in the bathroom? 

The Environmental Impact of Switching to Bidets

If youโ€™re someone who cares about the environment, youโ€™re probably always looking for ways to reduce your impact on the planet. 

Did you know that the average American uses 20,000 sheets per year โ€” and that’s just for one person. 

But by switching to a bidet, you can dramatically reduce your toilet paper usage โ€” a study suggests by up to 75%

That means less trees being cut down, less water and energy being used to produce toilet paper, and less waste ending up in landfills.

Toilet paper can be harsh and abrasive, leading to irritation and even hemorrhoids. 

White toilet paper rolls placed inside plastic basket and near it on light wooden floor near wall as everyday need for hygiene and sanitary purposes
Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels

Bidets use gentle streams of water to clean you thoroughly without any discomfort.

And if you’re worried about water usage, don’t be โ€” most use less than a gallon of water per use, which is still way less than the amount of water used to produce a single roll of toilet paper.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to reduce your environmental impact and treat your tush right at the same time, consider making the switch.

Your bum (and the planet) will thank you.

Conclusion

From standalone fixtures to high-tech toilet seat attachments, bidets offer a refreshing alternative to traditional toilet paper. 

They’re more hygienic, environmentally friendly, and can even help with certain medical conditions.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, one thing’s for sure: once you experience the clean, refreshed feeling a bidet provides, you may never go back to plain old TP again.ย 

So why not give it a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?

Trust us, your bum will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does a bidet use clean water or toilet water?

It uses clean water, just like the water that comes out of your faucet or shower. It doesn’t use the water from the toilet bowl.ย 

Are bidets sanitary?

Yes, are actually very sanitary! They use a stream of clean water to help you clean up after using the toilet, which is often more effective than just using toilet paper.ย 

Does a bidet need electricity?

Whether a bidet needs electricity depends on the type of bidet you have. Advanced bidets have features like warm water, air drying, or heated seats, which need electricity to power those extras.ย 

Can I buy a bidet that uses warm water?

Yes, you can definitely buy one that uses warm water! They are great if you want a more comfortable experience, especially in colder weather.ย 

Author
  • Erin Hybart

    Meet Erin, a real estate enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge and an insatiable curiosity for all things Real Estate and living with intention. She passionately advocates for alternative, affordable, and eco-friendly housing solutions. She believes in pushing the industry's innovation boundaries and thinking outside the box. As a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana, Erin dedicates herself to assisting clients in buying and selling properties and mentoring fellow agents to succeed in their own Real Estate businesses. In addition to her professional pursuits, Erin channels her expertise into captivating house-flipping adventures.

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