Tag Archive for: Bidet

Can a bidet save you money?

How using a bidet can save you money

There are a large number of bidets on the market, ranging in price from a few tens of dollars to several hundred. While it might take quite a long time to realize any economic benefit from a more expensive bidet, there are several financial benefits to be had.

Reduced Toilet Paper Usage

Bidets are designed to clean using water, which can significantly reduce the amount of toilet paper you need to use for cleaning. This can lead to substantial savings over time, especially since toilet paper can be an ongoing household expense.

Lower Plumbing Costs

Bidets can be gentler on the skin compared to wiping with toilet paper, which can help prevent irritation or discomfort. This may reduce the need for certain hygiene products or treatments that you might otherwise use to address skin issues.

Environmental Savings

Using less toilet paper means fewer trees are cut down for its production. Additionally, since bidets use water for cleaning, they contribute to a decrease in paper waste and the energy required for toilet paper manufacturing.

Septic System Maintenance

If you have a septic system, using a bidet can be beneficial. Excessive toilet paper usage can lead to clogs and issues in septic systems, which can be costly to repair. Using a bidet can help reduce the likelihood of these problems.

Health Benefits

Bidets can contribute to better personal hygiene and cleanliness, which can help prevent certain health issues. This might result in fewer doctor’s visits or medical expenses related to skin irritations or infections.

It’s important to note that while bidets can offer potential cost savings, there are upfront costs associated with purchasing and installing a bidet. These costs can vary depending on the type of bidet (standalone fixture or attachment), the brand, and any additional features. However, over time, the reduced consumption of toilet paper and potential health-related savings could make up for the initial investment.

Keep in mind that individual experiences and savings may vary, and it’s a good idea to research and compare the costs and benefits of bidets based on your specific circumstances.

Do I need toilet paper if I have a bidet

Whether you need to keep buying and using toilet paper if you have a bidet is a common question among people looking to buy a bidet. So, ‘do I need toilet paper if I have a bidet?’ – the answer largely depends on the type you buy. Not long ago there weren’t many options available, nowadays you’re spoiled for choice and there’s a bidet for every bathroom and budget.

Bidet types

Basic bidets, whether the built-in, over-the-rim, or handheld spray types, don’t offer any drying functions in their design. This means that you will probably want to use a few sheets of toilet paper to dry yourself off after using the bidet. You will however need to use far less paper than you would normally have to.

If you plan on investing in one of the more fancy smart bidets on the market, then you can expect to have a built-in drying function. This will mean you probably wont need toilet paper at all (although many people will have a roll or two on hand, just in case..). This is obviously more hygienic, as well as being more gentle on your butt.

Toilet paper usage

Cutting down or eliminating your usage of toilet paper has many advantages, both for you and the world at large. If you tend to use baby wipes or something similar instead of toilet paper, then it’s even more important. Wet wipes are more expensive and biodegrade less easily. Using less toilet paper or wipes will help in many ways:

  • Reduce your costs – Americans spend around $6 billion a year on toilet paper. You may not realize how much you can save in a year by not buying so much, but the savings can certainly mount up.
  • Help the environment – toilet paper production is not good for the environment and any way you can help in reducing your usage is beneficial to the planet. Apart from trees, huge amounts of water, bleach and energy are are needed to produce toilet paper.
  • Better for your body – it’s obvious that bidets clean you more thoroughly than just using toilet paper. Another advantage of reducing or eliminating the need to use toilet paper is that it it much gentler on your bum. Toilet paper can be abrasive, and only having to use a sheet or two to pat yourself dry, is a lot better than having to wipe repeatedly. This makes for less irritation and is especially helpful if you are sore in that area or have hemorrhoids. Alternatively, installing a bidet with a dryer can mean you never have to buy toilet paper again.

Conclusion

Do I need toilet paper if I have a bidet? You will probably still have to use some toilet paper if you have a bidet, but your usage will be dramatically reduced. This will help save you some money and reduce the burden on the environment caused by its production.

Do I need Toilet Paper if I have a Bidet?
Save money on toilet paper with a bidet
Bathroom bidet

The Dalmo Bidet Toilet Attachment DDB01S2 is a popular example of a manual bidet which can be fitted to an existing toilet seat. Like all bidets, it’s designed to clean you after using the bathroom, more efficiently and hygienically than using toilet paper. Also, you’ll be using much less toilet paper, so there are some cost-saving en environmental benefits to be had.

In this review we’ll get to the bottom (pun intended) of this bidet attachment and see if it’s worth your money.

Dalmo Bidet Features

This toilet attachment is fully manual, and requires no electricity – just a connection to your toilet’s water supply. It’s a slim design and is made from ABS plastic. The control pad sticks out about 6″ from the side of the toilet seat. It has the following features:

  • Adjustable water pressure controlled by a knob located by the side of the toilet seat
  • A second knob controls the sprayer system. It has 2 modes of operation (rear, for men and women), and a mode specially designed for women
  • A self-cleaning nozzle which retracts when not in use

Installation Kit

The bidet is supplied as a kit with everything you need to install it – which isn’t much; this is a simple device. Even the DIY-challenged should find it easy to install. This is what’s in the kit:

  • The Dalmo bidet attachment
  • A braided metal hose and t-valve to connect it to the toilet’s water supply
  • 2 Anti-slip rings
  • 3 Anti-slip bumpers
  • User manual

What we like

  • Quality is good and the device feels sturdy
  • There’s a good range of pressure adjustments
  • The hose and t-valve are both metal, not plastic like some bidet attachments
  • Installation was easy and took us only 15 minutes**
  • This is a fully manual option so you don’t need to worry about an electrical connection like you would with a smart bidet
  • The supplied bumpers keep the toilet seat nice and level and are necessary because the attachment raises the seat slightly at the back

** It would probably have taken 10 minutes or so, but we forgot to put the washer into the top of the t-valve. This was entirely our fault as the instructions clearly warn you not to forget this. It’s also a good idea to put some PTFE tape on the valve threads before attaching the hose. This will ensure a good leak-free seal.

What could be better

It would be nice if you could adjust the angle of the nozzles. Unfortunately, they are fixed at around 45º for the back spray and 60º for the front (feminine) spray, with no ability to change them.

Some people may not like the gap between the toilet bowl and the lid created by installing the bidet. However, this is common with all bidet attachments of this type, and is honestly not a big deal.

Conclusion

That wraps up this Dalmo bidet toilet attachment review. It is a relatively simple device which performs its job perfectly. Its simplicity is one of its strengths, as it makes it easy to install and is very economical to buy, including for several toilets.

Bidet Attachment

If you’re looking to improve your bathroom experience, then installing a bidet attachment is one of the best options. They provide an efficient cleaning function while being very economical and a doddle to install. The fresh, clean feeling you get after using a bidet is a revelation if you’re just used to using toilet paper.

What is a bidet attachment?

Is it a relatively simple device which attaches to the hinge area of your existing toilet seat. It is connected to the clean water supply used by your toilet and provides a cleaning function for your bottom. It will clean you much better than toilet paper and will save you money too.

The cleaning is provided by a spray nozzle which is angled towards your bottom and is controlled by dials or switches conveniently located at the side of the attachment.

Self-cleaning

You may be thinking that the spray nozzle could become dirty when the toilet is used. But don’t worry – on most models they are designed to retract out of the way when not in use and many also have a self-cleaning function built in.

How are they controlled?

This kind of bidet is controlled with a simple pad normally located on the right-hand side of the toilet seat. The simplest manual or non-electric bidets usually have a dial with multiple positions which relate to the strength of spray you require. You just turn the dial to the required pressure and turn it off when you’re finished. It’s a good idea to start with a gentle spray and increase it if necessary. Some models also provide a feminine wash function.

Are they tricky to install?

Honestly, no. They’re extremely simple to add to your existing toilet. You’ll receive everything you need to install your bidet attachment in the kit provided. It involves removing your toilet seat, placing the attachment over where the hinges are and putting the seat back. This does tend to raise the back of the toilet seat slightly. If this bothers you, installing a couple of bumpers on the front will solve the problem. After draining the toilet, you install the supplied hose onto the water inlet and that’s it! No advanced DIY skills are required.

What are some alternatives?

If you’d prefer a bidet with more functionality, then a smart bidet may be the best option for you. Instead of an attachment which affixes to your existing toilet seat, a smart bidet replaces the seat completely and will offer adjustable temperatures, different washing modes, a drying functions, etc.

Or, if you would prefer a simpler option, a handheld bidet sprayer may be the answer. These are very much like a shower head and hose which is mounted by the side of the toilet.

Bidet Attachment
Bidet attachment design
Smart bidet toilet

The ultimate upgrade for your bathroom, a smart bidet is the most luxurious option for your toilet. On this article we’ll find out what this kind of bidet can do and whether you should consider buying one.

What is a smart bidet?

All bidets exist for one main purpose: to provide a means of cleaning yourself after using the bathroom. Bidets in general clean you in a much more thorough and gentler way than using paper. They also save on toilet paper and thus lower your impact on the environment.

Smart bidets replace your existing toilet seat are the Rolls Royce of the bidet world, offering many more functions than other types. The features you can expect include:

  • Adjustable water pressure
  • Heated seat
  • Soft-close lid
  • Warm air, adjustable dryer
  • Adjustable temperature
  • Multiple nozzle positions for front and back cleaning to suit both women and men
  • Different wash/massage functions
  • A self-cleaning system for the bidet nozzles
  • Touch and/or remote control panel

You might be asking yourself if some of these are just marketing gimmicks, but while many may not be essential, they’re all great to have.

Are they hard to install?

In a word, no! The smart bidet replaces your existing toilet seat and will be packaged with everything you need to install it. Installing the bidet seat itself simply requires removing the 2 screws holding your existing seat on and replacing it with the bidet.

Some models require only 2 connections: one to the electricity supply and one to the cold water inlet of your toilet. With this type a reservoir of water is kept constantly warm ready for use. These models take about 15 minutes to install and are a very simply DIY job.

Other smart bidets may also require a connection to the hot water pipe on your sink and are therefore a little harder to install. The advantage of this type is that you have a non-stop warm water supply and don’t have to wait for it to heat up between uses.

How much do they cost?

All these features come at a price of course, and this type of bidet is more expensive than the toilet seat attachment type. You can expect to pay a minimum of around $225. Even so, they are great value for money for the features offered – and you’ll save a lot on toilet paper too!

Smart bidet
A smart bidet toilet seat
Non electric bidet

One of the simplest and most popular options for people looking to improve their toilet experience is a non-electric bidet. They provide a basic water spray for cleaning yourself after using the toilet. Bidets are much more effective for personal hygiene than just using toilet paper, and provide a more gentle cleansing. Additionally, they will save you money in the long run, and are better for the environment.

How does a non-electric bidet work?

This type of bidet needs no connection to a power outlet (obviously) and only needs water pressure to work. They generally consist of an attachment which is mounted under your existing toilet seat and connected to the toilet’s water supply. A cleaning nozzle protrudes from under the rear part of the toilet seat. This nozzle is usually designed to automatically retract when not in use so it stays clean.

They are connected to the water inlet on your toilet and a spray head provides the cleaning function. Some models also connect to the hot water hose on your sink to provide a warm water wash. Because of their simple design, they tend to be affordable and easy to install.



How to install a non electric bidet seat

Most bidets of this type are installed under your existing toilet seat, near the hinge area. A T-shaped connector is then attached to the water inlet by the toilet in order to allow two simultaneous connections to the water supply. A hose is then attached from the T-connector to the bidet attachment, and the original water hose is reattached to the connector. It should only take a few minutes and you don’t need advanced plumbing skills!

What to look for

An easy to use pressure adjustment is an important feature. It’s a good idea to look for a model with a braided steel hose, rather than a plastic one, as these tend to be more durable. One with a retracting self-cleaning nozzle or a nozzle guard will ensure it stays clean between uses. Some models offer rear- and front-cleaning options, which is something to consider if both sexes will be using the bidet.

Pros and cons of a non-electric bidet

PROS

  • As with all bidets, you will clean yourself more effectively than using toilet paper alone
  • The simple design means they’re cheap to buy
  • There are a wide range of non-electric bidets on the market, meaning it should be easy to find one which fits in with your bathroom decor
  • Installation is easy, requires only one connection to the water supply, and no plumbing skills are necessary

CONS

  • Their simplicity means you only get a basic cold water wash with most models, with few adjustments except water pressure.
  • No electricity normally means no warm water, drying functions, or other extras. Although there are some models which use the hot water from your sink connection, which are a bit more complicated to install
What does a Bidet do?

Maybe you heard about bidets on the internet. Maybe you visited a hotel or a friend’s house and saw a bidet (pronounced beeday) in their bathroom. If so, you probably wondered what a bidet is for and whether you should consider getting one yourself.

So what does a bidet do?

A bidet is simply a means of cleaning yourself after going to the toilet. It does this using a jet or spray of water directed towards your bottom. This allows you to clean yourself much more thoroughly than using toilet paper. Rather than wiping and, by definition, smearing remnants of poo around, a bidet will efficiently and cleanly wash the poo away.

Although you may use a couple of sheets of toilet paper to dry yourself afterwards, you will be using a fraction of the amount you normally would. This is good for your wallet and also good for the environment. If you buy a more up-market bidet, you won’t even have to dry yourself either. Many more expensive bidets have an integrated drying function. Warm air will be directed onto your nether regions to dry you after the ‘wash cycle’.

Why use one?

By far the biggest reason people use bidets is the increased personal hygiene they offer. The feeling of being truly clean after you go to the toilet is simply great. Also, if you have sensitive skin using a gentle spray and a pat dry is much more comfortable than repeatedly rubbing with paper.

Other people might also be attracted by the fact that using a bidet causes less harm to the environment. Toilet paper production is notoriously bad for the planet. Apart from all the trees which are cut down to make paper, harmful chemicals such as chlorine are used to bleach the paper and huge amounts of water and electricity are used in its production. Multiply luxury toilet paper is particularly bad, as it contains a low amount of recycled paper.

Finally, some people opt for a bidet sprayer instead of a toilet seat bidet. These consist of a hose with an adjustable spray nozzle on the end. Easily plumbed into your existing toilet, the spray head is normally stored on a wall mount next to the toilet. These are a cheap option which can be used for more than cleaning your bottom. They fact that they’re separate from your toilet means you can use them for cleaning almost anything (pets, shoes, the toilet itself…).

There are 3 main reasons to use a bidet

  1. Whichever kind of bidet you choose, they provide a hygienic means of cleaning yourself after going to the toilet
  2. Bidets save on the on-going cost of toilet paper
  3. They reduce your impact on the environment
Toilet seat bidet
This type of bidet is easily added to an existing toilet
Adjustable bidet toilet seat
Bidets may offer warm and cool water sprays and can be manual or electrically operated
Hand held bidet spray
A bidet spray can be used for many things...
How is a Bidet used?

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.

Handheld Bidet Spray
Handheld Bidet Sprays are easy to use, and help you clean the toilet as well!
Bidet toilet spray
A bidet toilet spray in use
Bidet with adjustable nozzle
Bidet with adjustable, self-cleaning nozzle

Bidet vs Toilet Paper

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.

Toilet Paper vs Bidet
The cost of toilet paper mounts up and its production is bad for the environment
A bidet washer attachment for an existing toilet
Bidet washer attachments are cheap to buy and easy to install
Built-in ceramic bidet
Built-in bidets are common in Europe

Is a bidet worth it?

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.

Simple built-in bidet
'European' style built-in bidet
Bathroom bidet
If space is a consideration, a bidet sprayer may be the best option

Installing a bidet
Installing a bidet is an easy DIY job for most people