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.