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How is a Bidet used? – a Guide to using Different Bidets

Bidets are gaining popularity all over the world owing to their ability to help save the environment by reducing the use of toilet paper. Also, washing with water after using the toilet comes with hygiene benefits and is less harsh on your sensitive areas.

But if you have never used one before and are thinking of installing one in your bathroom, it could initially seem daunting trying to figure out how to use a bidet. Do not worry, they are not as complicated as they may look like, yes, even the electric ones with a lot of buttons!

Simply use this handy guide to answer the question, how is a bidet used, which is going on in your mind. Bidets are of different types and hence the usage of one may slightly differ from another. Read on to know more about how the most common types are used.

Standalone Bidet

A standalone bidet, being a separate unit, requires you to get up from the toilet after having used it. Make sure you have cleaned your posterior properly with toilet paper before you move on to the bidet. This ensures that no fecal matter or other bodily fluids are transferred on to the bidet, thus keeping it safe and hygienic.

To use the standalone bidet, position yourself in front of the water spray, and turn the knobs on. Depending on the type of bidet, you may find different knobs for washing the feminine parts and the posterior. Straddle your areas to be cleaned facing the spray and wash thoroughly.

Some standalone bidets may not have nozzles and simply fill the bidet washer with water. To use these, position yourself so that your dirty areas touch the surface of the water and use your hands to clean them.

If the bidet has temperature control options, make sure you turn on the cool spray first to avoid scalding. Once cleaned, you may use another toilet paper to dry yourself and flush it out in the toilet.

Built-in Bidet (Electric/Non-Electric)

Built-in bidets are the easiest to use as they do not require you to move away from the toilet to clean yourself. However, they come with a lot of advanced options either on a side-panel or on remote control, which may require some getting-used-to. Study the manual beforehand to understand the buttons.

When you wish to use it, simply press the relevant buttons or knobs to switch on the water jets that clean your posterior or the feminine parts. These could vary based on the model. You may find other buttons on the panel that control the water temperature. Use them to clean yourself comfortably.

Lastly, most of these bidets, especially the electric ones, have advanced features such as air dryer and deodorizer. Utilize these options so that you do not need another toilet paper to dry yourself.

Handheld Water Spray

Being a simple setup, water spray bidets are easy to use but they require the use of your hands. These are usually located close to the toilet so that they can be accessed by reaching out with your hands without leaving the toilet seat.

To use a handheld spray bidet, simply hold the spray head with your hands and position it in front of the area you wish to clean. Press the spray nozzle and feel the water jet coming out of it. The plus point of this kind of bidet is that you can move it around with your hands and access any area you want to clean without having to search for separate nozzles.

The water pressure can be manually adjusted by how long you press the nozzle head. Once done, replace the spray bidet to its base and wipe yourself dry with toilet paper.

Travel Bidet

A travel bidet, or a handheld portable bidet, needs a faucet to function. Before you sit on the toilet, make sure you fill the bottle with water from a nearby faucet. The bottle has a screw-on nozzle on top which needs to be placed back once the bottle is full.

With the bidet all set up, you can now use the toilet and then hold the bottle and squeeze it until it sprays water jets near the areas you wish to clean. As with handheld bidets, this one also provides you with the flexibility of moving it around until you find the perfect position.

Most of them are not equipped with temperature control and hence if the atmospheric temperature where you are traveling is too low, make sure you fill the bottle with warm water, to begin with.

Safe Practices

Bidets are easy to use once you familiarize yourself with their features. However, there are certain safe practices you must keep in mind while using any kind of bidet.

Firstly, whether or not your bidet has a drying option, it is best to use toilet paper afterward so that there is no unwarranted wet feeling later. Secondly, always check the temperature of the water to avoid scalding or freezing.

Thirdly, control the pressure of the water to prevent irritation on the skin (especially true for sensitive people), and finally, keep the bidet clean and free from fecal matter so that the next person can use it without hesitation.

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Bidet vs Toilet Paper – Which makes more sense?

You may be thinking about investing in a bidet, and wondering how it stacks up in relation to toilet paper. We’re here to answer your bidet vs toilet paper queries by examining why you should think about buying a bidet.

Which is more hygienic, toilet paper or a bidet?

This is a definite win for the bidet. There is no doubt that cleaning yourself with a water spray is more efficient and hygienic than smearing the area with toilet paper. No matter how well you wipe, you’re unlikely to be 100% clean using toilet paper alone. For confidence and a feeling of genuine cleanliness, a bidet cannot be beaten.

Which is more comfortable to use?

If you are sensitive for whatever reason, or suffer from a condition such as hemorrhoids, then a bidet can be a Godsend. Rubbing with toilet paper can irritate an already sore area. A gentle water spray will be much more pleasant to use and get you cleaner into the bargain. Also, many women find that using a bidet is a great way to keep clean during menstruation.

Which is more economical?

In the short term a bidet will obviously be more expensive as you have to account for the initial outlay. That being said, it need not be an expensive purchase. For example, a handheld bidet sprayer can be bought for as little as $25 and a basic bidet toilet seat attachment is only around $10 more. Of course if you want a bidet with more functions, the price will increase, but even a fully electric, multi-function toilet seat bidet can be had for under $250.

With US citizens using about 3 rolls of toilet paper per week, it won’t take long to offset your investment in reduced paper costs. Of course, with a simple bidet which doesn’t offer a drying function, you may still be using a couple of sheets per toilet visit to dry yourself after washing. Nevertheless, you will be using dramatically less toilet paper.

Which is better for the environment?

Nowadays everyone should be considering their impact on the planet and our consumption of paper, toilet or otherwise, is something we should all bear in mind. Overall, toilet paper manufacturers are using less recycled paper and cutting down more forests. This means toilet paper production is becoming less sustainable.

Also, large amounts of water and electricity are used in its production, as are bleaching chemicals such as chlorine. In fact, it can take as much as 37 gallons of water just to make 1 toilet roll. You will use much less than this with a bidet.

Using a bidet means you have to use little or no toilet paper and you will therefore be helping the environment.

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Is a Bidet Worth it – Should you buy a Bidet?

The number of people using bidets has risen in recent years. More and more people are asking the question ‘is a bidet worth it?’ Considering the low price of simple bidet solutions and the many advantages of using a bidet; the answer has to be yes!

How much will a bidet cost?

Because of the large range of different bidets, there is a correspondingly large range of prices. You can expect to spend as little as $10 for a simple portable bidet, up to more than $1,000 for a highly sophisticated model. To help you choose the best bidet for you, we’ve outlined the things you need to consider before making your purchase.

Are you remodelling your bathroom, or creating a new one from scratch?

In Europe it’s common for bathrooms to have a separate bidet installed alongside a regular toilet. These generally consist of a simple ceramic bowl and faucet with a spray nozzle. These are relatively cheap and easy to install, but take up quite a lot of room and lack the functions and ease of use of many modern bidets.
If saving space is a consideration, and you’re looking for a more functional solution, it’s worth considering installing a toilet with a built-in bidet. There are several elegant solutions which often look the same as a regular toilet, but come with a comprehensive set of bidet functions fully integrated into the toilet. You can expect a heating system, self-cleaning nozzles with a variety of pressure settings, a warm air drying function as well as a remote control to operate everything with. Obviously, all these extras come at a price – this is the top end of the bidet market.

Are you looking to add a bidet to your existing bathroom?

If this is the case, then there are a huge range of bidets which either attach to your existing toilet seat, or replace it entirely. You can expect to pay from around $30 for a simple, manually operated bidet attachment, and up to several hundred for a multi-function toilet seat replacement. Either option will be quite easy to add to your existing toilet and come with everything you need to install it.

Are you looking for a portable solution?

Handheld portable bidets are the simplest option of all, and therefore the cheapest. They generally consist of a plastic, squeezable bottle with a spray nozzle on top. There are also battery-operated alternatives, which tend to be smaller and easier to pack, as well as more comfortable to use.

Are you looking for a cheap solution?

One of the best options is the handheld bidet sprayer. These are very easy to install, requiring you to attach a simple wall mount and some very basic plumbing. They are also useful for many other than washing your nether regions. Other uses include cleaning your toilet and washing pets! Prices start from around $20.

Is a bidet worth it?

Definitely! With so many options available at a wide range of prices, it’s easy to find a bidet suitable for your situation.

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Types of Bidets – which Bidet to Choose

An important aspect of renovating your home is to upgrade your bathroom. This does not always mean fancy lighting or decorative tiles around your bath. Rather, something as simple but useful as a bidet is often overlooked when upgrading your washing space. There are many types of bidets, this article will help you choose the best one for you.

What exactly is a bidet? A bidet is a fixture that allows you to wash up using jets of water after using the toilet. It may sound simple, but when you go shopping for a bidet to install in your bathroom you would be surprised at how many different types of these fixtures flood the market. So, how do you choose? Here are outlined the pros and cons of 8 major types of bidets. Read on.

Toilet Seat Bidet

A toilet seat bidet is nothing but a combination of a toilet seat and a bidet. The bidet is strategically placed at the bottom of the toilet seat and can be controlled using a remote control or a panel on the side. They can be either manual, or electrically operated.

Pros: It is an integrated feature and hence does not require any extra space in your bathroom. It is also easy to access and control using the panel.

Cons: Price ranges could vary based on the features. It could be confusing to pick the right features and you could end up spending more for features that you may not even use.

Handheld Bidet

It is a simple setup in which a hose is connected to the plumbing with a sprayer on the other end. The hose is placed close to the toilet so that you can easily access it.

Pros: Handheld bidets are easy to install and you may not even need to call a plumber for the setup. They are also less expensive compared to many other kinds of bidets. Additionally, you could connect the bidet to the warm water plumbing for a comfortable spray during winter months.

Cons: It could be a bit challenging to operate handheld bidets as you have to hold the hose in your hands and position it properly. This handling also raises some hygiene concerns. Moreover, it does not come with any luxury settings.

Ceramic Bidet

These are standalone bidets and are installed as separate units, usually close to the toilet. Imbibed with two sets of nozzles on the tap (for feminine and posterior wash), these are more conventional types of bidets.

Pros: Plumbing can be adjusted to include warm water and the tap allows the user to control the flow of the water easily. As these are age-old bidet models, their prices have lately been coming down.

Cons: These bidets require you to move from the toilet to a separate entity, making washing complicated and less hygienic. As this is a separate unit, it takes up additional space in your bathroom, too. Also, its looks are outdated making it not quite suitable for modern bathrooms.

Electric Bidet

An electric bidet is, of course, as the name suggests, operated by electricity. These bidets are typically fixed under the toilet seat and have many high-end features. You can operate such a bidet through remote control or panel buttons.

Pros: With a plethora of features, these bidets are for the luxury lover. This bidet allows you to change the water temperature and the water pressure and also heats the toilet seat through a mere press of a button. It often comes with additional features such as air dryer, air deodorizer, and self-cleaning options.

Cons: All of these features come at a hefty price and these bidets are complicated to install. Repairing them if anything goes wrong may also be cumbersome. Most importantly, these will not work if anytime there is a power outage in the area or a circuit fault in your house.

Portable Bidet

Also known as travel bidets, portable bidets are essentially water bottles with nozzle extensions at the top. All you need to do is fill the bottle from a faucet and then use the nozzle to spray for washing up. These are also available as battery-operated bottles.

Pros: As with anything portable, the USP of these bidets is that they are a boon for travelers and those who cannot use public restrooms for sensitive skins and other health issues. The battery-operated ones deliver a good spray as well, just like the bidet installed at your home.

Cons: You cannot prefill the bottle and use it later. Hence, access to a faucet is a must when using this bidet. These are difficult to use for those with disabilities as they need extra maneuvers.

Built-In Bidet

What if you want your bidet to be hidden from view yet be fully functional? You then go for the most modern type of bidet, which is the built-in bidet. These bidets are seamlessly incorporated within the toilet and run on electricity.

Pros: The best part of installing a built-in bidet is that it gives your bathroom a minimalist and modern look. They come with a lot of additional features such as air dryer, warming-up the seats, water temperature control, and more.

Cons: These are probably the most expensive types of bidets available in the market. Also, they have all the disadvantages of being run by electricity, aka, the complexity of installation, difficulty in repairs, and outage obstructions.

Over-the-Rim Bidet

Another conventional bidet, it is also a standalone unit but operates in a slightly different way. While a typical standalone bidet allows you to wash up with sprays, an over-the-rim bidet simply fills the fixture with water and enables you to sit inside the water to cleanse yourself.

Pros: These bidets are inexpensive and simple to install. Also, this kind requires only a simple faucet that it uses to fill itself up.

Cons: Using your hands to clean yourself might gross some people out, which is why this kind of bidet is not preferred in many modern households. Sitting in a bidet-bowl full of water also might be seen as less hygienic as compared to using sprays.

Bidet Toilet Attachments

While using toilet seat bidets or built-in bidets may provide a lot of features, they only fit a specific size of the toilet seat. Instead, you can use a bidet attachment on any toilet seat. No need to purchase a whole new toilet seat when you can simply attach a bidet to your existing one.

Pros: These bidets are cost-effective and easy to install. You get most of the conveniences of the toilet seat bidet without having to shell out a fortune. They are also more hygienic compared to handheld or standalone bidets.

Cons: Even though they are similar to toilet seat bidets, these attachments usually lack advanced features such as air drying, deodorizing, and temperature control.

Takeaway

While choosing a bidet for your bathroom, you must weigh-in several parameters such as cost, extra features, durability, complexity, and so on. But the most important feature you must evaluate is hygiene. To that effect, it is advisable to choose the more modern options such as a toilet seat bidet or a built-in bidet.

Of course, your final decision also depends on the look of your bathroom and the space it provides. Choosing the right bidet can provide your home with a more modern and convenient washing area.

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Bidet with Dryer – The Multi-function Bidet Solution

Looking for a toilet that washes and dries your bottom? You’re in luck! Some high-end bidets come with different functions to clean and dry you at the touch of a button (well, maybe a couple of buttons). Most are designed to completely replace your existing toilet seat with a high-tech alternative. If you’re looking for the ultimate in after market bidets, a bidet with a dryer may be the answer for you.

What do they offer?

A typical design will provide you with the following functions:

An electrically heated toilet seat, which is a real boon for winter time or for people who live in colder countries
Adjustable water pressure levels
Adjustable water temperature
2 Nozzles – one for cleaning both sexes and one for a feminine wash
Both nozzles should be self-cleaning
An adjustable warm air dryer, so no need for toilet paper, yay!
A remote control to access all these features

Additionally, the bidet may offer different spray patterns or an oscillation feature, which can aid in providing a thorough cleaning; and even a sensor which detects when you’re sitting on the toilet.

Note: As with all toilet seats or toilet seat bidets, you need to make sure you purchase the correct type for your toilet – it will be either ‘elongated’ (most common), or ’round’. Check the measurements beforehand.

Advantages of a bidet with dryer

Apart from all the advantages offered by any bidet, bidets offering a warm-air drying function allow you to completely do without toilet paper and offer an unmatched level of cleanliness, hygiene and usability. Most will come with a remote control allowing you easy access to all functions.

Despite being much more complicated than a bidet sprayer, this type of bidet can still be installed by nearly everyone with no difficulty. Everything you need to set it up will be included in the kit.

Disadvantages

All this functionality of course comes at a price, and you can expect to pay $250 upwards for this kind of bidet. But many would argue it’s well worth it for the ease of use and comfort they give you.

Conclusion

A bidet with a dryer function may not be within the reach of everyone, but how often can you say that something makes going to the toilet fun, as well as offering an unparalleled level of cleanliness and ease of use?

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Handheld Bidet Sprayers

A bidet sprayer is the favored bidet option for many people since they are easy to use and install and also versatile. Their simplicity makes them good value for money as well.

What is a handheld bidet sprayer?

A bidet sprayer is essentially a shower hose which attaches to the water inlet of your toilet and is stored on a bracket ready for use. The unit may be manufactured from plastic, or a metal such as aluminum or chrome. A simple lever or button allows you to switch the spray on and off. More expensive models may incorporate a ring or dial which allows you to adjust the strength or spread of the spray. Sprayers are provided as a kit with everything you need to install them.

Advantages of a handheld bidet spray

Handheld sprayers are a simple solution which require little knowledge or effort to install and take up much less space than a traditional ceramic bidet; yet offer nearly all the advantages of their bigger brethren (such as increased personal hygiene and reduced costs over using toilet paper). They also clean more efficiently than a handheld portable bidet.

They can also be used for many things beyond their intended purpose – such as cleaning the toilet, rinsing out cloths or washing your pets!

Installation is a breeze and everything you need will be supplied in the kit. Simply screw the mounting bracket to the wall, or hook the bracket over the lip of the toilet cistern (depending on the model). Then use the supplied T-valve to connect the sprayer hose to the toilet’s water line. The installation shouldn’t take more than 10 or 15 minutes.

What to look for when buying one

There are many elegant options to choose from, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a unit which goes well with your existing bathroom fittings; for example different colored plastics and chrome finishes are available.

Choose a sprayer which has a strong wall mount and good quality hose for longevity. One which has an easy means of adjusting the strength and dispersal pattern of the spray is also preferable.

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Handheld Portable Bidets – Cleanliness on the move

There are few things as uncomfortable as using the toilet in a strange place; not only are you thrown off by being in a new environment, you have to adjust to new bathroom setups.

If you have become accustomed to using a bidet at home, that adjustment can be even more difficult; after all, it isn’t easy to simply pack up your home bidet and take it with you. That is where portable bidets come in! In this article, we’ll outline what they are, as well as some of the benefits of handheld portable bidets. Let’s get to it!

What is a handheld portable bidet?

While most of us have probably seen or used a standard bidet, portable bidets might not be as familiar. While they come in a few different styles (more on that later), portable bidets perform the same function regardless of design. A portable bidet is normally a small bottle with a spray nozzle and water tank, just like a regular bidet! The only difference is that you can take a portable bidet with you wherever you go! You can be sure that you’ll stay clean, no matter where you go.

Different styles

As we mentioned earlier, most portable bidets are designed around the same basic principle- a container for the water and a spray mechanism to emit water where you need it. However, some are a little more advanced. Certain makes and models of portable bidets look like small water bottles, with a nozzle that flips out and a collapsible water container. These are great if space is an issue. After all, f you can break down your portable bidet, packing it and moving it around will be a breeze- and it will certainly take up less space than extra toilet paper!

What are the benefits of handheld portable bidets?

But why use portable bidets for toilets? There are a number of benefits that make this a worthwhile investment. The first is purely sanitary; a portable bidet will ensure that you stay clean no matter where you go. Even if you are in a situation where toilet paper is hard to come by- like a camping or hiking trip- you will still be able to stay hygienic and enjoy the rest of your trip to the fullest! It will also help cut down on the amount of toilet paper you need on a trip; while it will probably still be a good idea to pack a roll or two, you won’t have to worry about lugging around a whole bag’s worth of toilet paper. A portable bidet will save you money and a headache on your vacation.

Traveling should be fun! Its a time to explore new places and meet new people; the last thing on your mind should be your bathroom situation. A portable bidet might be the answer! Not only can a portable bidet save you money on toilet paper, it also gives you peace of mind. No matter where you are or what you do, a portable bidet will ensure that you are clean while you do it.

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Top 5 Reasons to Use a Bidet

Bidets have traditionally been more popular in continental Europe than the UK and USA, but that is changing as people are coming to realize why using a bidet is such a good idea. So here, in no particular order, are our top 5 reasons you should be using a bidet.

1. Personal cleanliness

Whichever type of bidet you plan on using, be it the traditional toilet-style ceramic type, an electric toilet seat bidet, or a manual hand-held bidet sprayer; one of the main reasons people use them is personal hygiene.

Using a jet or spray of water to clean your nether regions after you do your bathroom business is simply cleaner than trying to wipe away any remnants with toilet paper. This is particularly true if you are suffering from diarrhea or have looser stools for whatever reason. Whilst toilet paper on its own obviously cleans you to some extent, actually washing your rear is bound to be more efficient.

2. Bidets can save you money

Considering it’s something you literally flush away, toilet paper can be an expensive household item. Economy toilet paper is not pleasant to use, and the paper can be so thin that you need so many sheets per bathroom visit that you wipe out (pun intended) any cost savings. The median price of a reasonable quality toilet roll in the USA is about 90 cents, and an average-sized household will go through several per week. In fact, the average American gets through around 141 rolls of toilet paper per year.

While you will still want to have some toilet paper on hand if you have a bidet – for example for drying off if you don’t have a bidet with a drying attachment – you’ll be using considerably less. You can start seeing savings in your household budget quite quickly if you switch to a simple handheld spray bidet.

3. Help save the environment

Toilet paper is obviously a single-use item and its manufacture is unequivocally bad for the environment. Trees from old growth forests are often used in its production and the process itself requires large amounts of energy and water to create the pulp. Chlorine is usually used to bleach the pulp and other chemicals, for example dyes, may also be used.

Once you add to this the cost of transportation, the plastic packaging, and the addition of used paper to the sewerage system, it’s easy to see that cutting down on the use of toilet paper can have a big impact on the environment.

4. Comfort

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from hemorrhoids or other similar issues, using a bidet to spray that area with water rather than repeatedly wiping it, is a lot less uncomfortable. Menstruating women report that using a bidet leaves them feeling clean and fresh.

5. Bidets are easy to install

Some people may be put off buying a bidet because they think they require specialist know-how to install. While this may have been true for the traditional ceramic bidet, modern versions can be installed in a few minutes by simply attaching them to the water inlet behind the toilet using the provided adapters. No plumbing skills necessary.