A bidet (pronounced buh-day) is a bowl used to clean oneself after using the toilet. Bidets are common in Europe, Asia, and South America, so if you’ve traveled abroad, you’ve probably seen one. If you are wondering how to use a bidet properly, now is a good time to learn, as they are popular in the United States.
A bidet
Bidets come in more styles than ever, which is part of the reason why they are so popular. With so many different types of bidets in demand in modern bathrooms around the world, you never know where you’ll find a compact or built-in bidet.
Free bidet
This is a traditional style bidet. Freestanding bidets often sit on the side of a toilet and look like a tall, low sink. Freestanding bidets are sometimes filled with water that rises above the bowl, and they can be operated with a jet. hand holding bidet
A hand-held bidet, also called a bidet shower or a bidet sprayer, is a faucet that attaches to the toilet. This type of bidet is manually placed near your private area to clean your private parts and energy after going to the toilet, or freshening up. With a handheld bidet, you control the flow of the water jet.
You can also read about bidet converter kit
Built-in bidet
A built-in bidet is a toilet with a bidet function. After you flush a toilet with a built-in bidet, the toilet can spray straight water directly to flush you.
Hot water bidet
A hot, free-standing bidet or sprayer can be installed. A hot water bidet is connected to a hot water piping system or has a built-in heater that delivers hot water to your waist while you use it.
How to use a bidet
If you find a bidet “in the wild,” plan how you will use it before you try it. Try turning on the spray nozzle or turning on the built-in bidet, so you can see where the water jet will come from and how strong the water will be.
Usage plans
- Check the bidet before trying to use it. Find out where the seaplane will arrive so you can be prepared.
- When using the bidet for the first time, clean it with toilet paper before attempting to flush the bidet. You don’t have to use soap to use a bidet. Some people use the bidet as a small shower after constipation, or to calm down, but it shouldn’t be. Make sure all clothing (such as underwear, pants, and dress-style shirts) is out of the way before turning on the bidet jet.
- You can find the towel within easy reach of your bidet. Be careful this is for cleaning your hands, not your back.
- For best results with any bidet attachment, be sure to remember to close the T-valve after every use, no matter what. Forgetting to turn it off can lead to annoying additions.
If you have a vulva, be sure to direct the water back and forth to avoid introducing bacteria into your vulva. Caution
Bidets may be a good alternative to toilet paper, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any downsides or risks associated with using them. Bidets aren’t for everyone, but if you have a weak immune system, you may want to wait a while before trying one. If you have male genitalia, using a bidet before having a bowel movement can make you feel hot. A 2016 study in Japan positively linked using a bidet before removing it and using it afterwards with itching symptoms. If you have a vagina, using a bidet can increase the risk of bacterial vaginitis. At least one study has shown that using a hot water bidet worsens the balance of hair and nails. Electric heaters also carry a high risk of infection, according to a 2017 study at the hospital.
The bottom line
Bidets may sound familiar, but many people love them so much that they decide to make a permanent change. If you want to try using a bidet, check the equipment and make sure you’re ready for the flight.
People with conditions such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may benefit from a bidet trial.
