You've probably made some surprising discoveries when you use the bathroom while travelling internationally. Bidets (also known as washlets) are a common fixture in European and Asian bathrooms. But Americans are not yet open to the idea of using them in their bathrooms or public toilets. Learn more about the benefits of installing a bidet inside your bathroom.
What is a Bidet?
A bidet, or bathtub-like washtub, has taps or faucets attached to it. First, fill the basin with water. Then, straddle the bidet to wash the bottom. When you travel internationally, bidets will be found near toilets and other restrooms.
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A Brief History Of The Bidet
In France, the bidet idea was first developed in the 1600s. The bidet was used in conjunction with the chamber pots found in bedrooms and dressing rooms. Maria Teresa Hart, writing for The Atlantic, explains how early bidet designs resembled ornamental ottomans. The basins were hidden within wooden furniture frames that had short legs. To blend with furniture, the lids were covered in leather, wood, or even wicker.
The bidet was associated with high society and the aristocracy in the first part of its history. Because carrying large amounts of water into a house was difficult, bidets were considered a luxury by these individuals. The bidet was moved from the bedroom to the bathroom with the introduction of indoor plumbing in the 1800s. The bidet became more popular as people in France, Western Europe and Latin America began to use it in their lavatories and bathrooms.
Hart claims that bidets didn't catch on in the United States, despite their popularity in other countries. Arnold Cohen, the founder of the American Bidet Company in 1964, designed a bidet that combined a toilet seat and a spritzing function. Cohen met representatives of Nichimen Jitsugyo, a Japanese trading firm, to help him market his invention to Americans. After creating a proprietary model, Toto, a Japanese trading company, introduced a tech-centric washlet in 1980. Individuals could use an automated control panel to activate the multifunctional bidet/toilet hybrid of the company.
Hiroshi Kobayashi, Toto's general manager of toilet product research, wrote in the Taipei Times about his company's innovativeness. He said, "We did something that others weren't willing to do." "We brought electronics to the water closet."
Bidet Advantages
Bidets offer many health and environmental benefits, in addition to personal hygiene.
Environmental Benefits
Although many sources debate the amount of toilet paper Americans use each week or year, it is important to recognize how toilet paper is used and the impact it has on the environment. According to the World Wildlife Fund, each ton of toilet tissue produced requires approximately 1.75 tons of raw fibre. The organization points out that the demand for toilet paper has increased exponentially since 2010.
Advocates for bidets who are eco-conscious argue that increasing bidet use could have a double impact on water conservation and forest conservation. Bidets can conserve water and trees required to make toilet paper as well as the gallons that Americans use for cleaning up after showering.
Health Benefits
Bidets can be beneficial for some people who have specific medical conditions. Individuals with haemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel diseases, for example, may feel discomfort or pain while using toilet paper. A bidet, on the other hand, can offer a gentle and soothing stream of water to clean up after using the toilet.
A bidet is also a good option for older adults and pregnant women with reduced mobility. A bidet reduces the straining, twisting, and rotating motions associated with toilet paper use.
Types of Bidets
You might be considering installing a washlet or bidet in your bathroom. This article will help you to understand the various options available and how they can be installed without requiring a complete bathroom remodel. Many smart toilets have integrated bidet functions. You can also add bidet functions to existing toilets with handheld attachments.
Smart Toilets with Integrated Bidets
Many of the latest toilet innovations include a bidet function. Toto's Washlet G400, for example, has a high-tech electronic toilet seat and an automatic open/close feature for the lid. It also features remote-controlled front and back warm water washing, with adjustable temperature control and water pressure control.
Bidet Seats
An easy to install bidet chair can transform any toilet into a toilet with a bidet combination. Toto's Washlet Round S300e offers heated seats with temperature control and dual-action water sprays with oscillating or pulsating functions. It also includes an automatic air deodorizer to improve bathroom air quality.
Bidet Attachments
Bidet attachments external devices that attach to an existing toilet seat. Connect the bidet attachments to the freshwater supply for the toilet. Many models have variable cleaning modes that allow you to control the water pressure and spray output.
Handheld Bidets
A handheld bidet attachment is an option if your bathroom doesn't have enough space. This bidet is similar to a handheld showerhead. This type of bidet is best if your toilet has an external water supply.
We hope this article will clear up any questions you might have about whether or not you should buy a bidet to use in your bathroom.
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