Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What is a bidet? COVID-era trend or bathroom mainstay? We tell you everything you need to know

Thinking about getting a bidet for your bathroom? Here are the facts

If you live in the U.S., you’ve probably thought to yourself at some point, “What is a bidet?” Most Americans don’t grow up using them, because they’re not in public restrooms, and the toilet paper method largely reigns supreme. 

Therefore, Americans may have lots of questions when it comes to bidets in their bathrooms. While bidets became more popular in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic when toilet paper was flying off store shelves, there is still an air of mystery around bidets and whether they should be here to stay.

Allow us to give you the lowdown on bidets — what they are, how to use them, and if they’re worth the investment.

Bidet

What is a bidet?

Plain and simple, a bidet is a device that sprays your rear end clean with water after you do your business. Bidets originated in France and are now widely used in many European and Asian countries. However, the trend has not quite caught on in the U.S.

A traditional bidet is a short, sink-like structure placed next to the toilet with its own plumbing. But in the U.S., a bidet is usually in the form of an attachment to the toilet because most American bathrooms aren’t designed with extra plumbing for a separate bidet.

How to use a bidet

There are three basic kinds of bidet attachments: electric, nonelectric, and handheld. You use each a bit differently, but they have the same functions and yield the same results: shooting out water to clean your hiney.

  • Electric bidets are the most common. They are pretty simple to install onto any toilet, and they have controls that rest on the side of the toilet seat that can control water pressure and temperature.
  • Nonelectric bidets have a similar, simple installation process and typically have knobs to control the water.
  • A handheld attachment is essentially a sprayer that you hold and aim at your nether regions, like a hose.

Some high-end bidets have dryers, but otherwise, you can use a bit of toilet paper to dry off or air dry from your bidet cleanse.

Bidet with sprayer

Are bidets worth it?

If you’re used to cleaning your tush with toilet paper, using a bidet may seem odd to you. But there are several benefits, and it can even save you money in the long run. Here’s how.

Bidets are better for the environment because you’re saving toilet paper. It’s also better for your wallet because you will save money on toilet paper. Plus, health experts say that washing off down there with water causes less irritation and is all around better for you.

As far as the cost, bidet attachments come at all different price points — from a to to the that comes with all the bells and whistles. But like we said, you’d be paying significantly less for all that toilet paper, so it eventually pays itself off.

For all these reasons, we recommend giving bidets a try. Just because toilet paper is back in stock since peak COVID days, that doesn’t mean we have to be wasteful wipers. At the same time, we understand bidets can be intimidating for those who aren’t familiar. We hope this information helps you choose whether to bidet or not to bidet.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Briana Bonfiglio
What couch material should you get? We have the answer
the best leather couches

If you're in the market for a new couch or sofa, one of the biggest considerations beyond the size and shape is the couch fabric. Deciding on how you plan to use the couch and who you plan to let on it (for example, pets and kids) can help determine which material you choose. If it's a sofa for a living room and one the whole family will use daily, you need couch material that's durable and will hold up over time. If it's one in an office or formal living room, you can be a bit more relaxed about the fabric.

Beyond the frame and springs, there are many fabric choices available when it comes to buying a couch. Here are a few things to watch out for and consider before making your big purchase. They can make the difference between a couch that stands the test of time and one that needs to be replaced after a couple of years.

Read more
Barbiecore: The glam new home design trend you’re missing out on
Dusty rose walls with pink couch and green plant

Do you love pink? Then you’ll love the newest trend in home design. Bolstered by promotional images from next summer’s Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbiecore first swept fashion trends and is now hitting home aesthetics. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Barbiecore?
In a word? It’s everything pink. But, it’s also more than that. Just like Barbie is the woman who can do everything — doctor, teacher, and gymnast, all while driving her friends and her beau Ken to the beach in her hot pink car for a little summer surfing — this trend is the epitome of more is more, trying to capture the enthusiasm, playfulness, and, well, fun that Barbie exudes.

Read more
Are PVC kitchen cabinets a good buy? What to know before you spend any money
pros and cons of pvc shutterstock 1784492126  1

A quick remodeling project, particularly in the kitchen, gives the space an immediate facelift and could even make your daily life a bit more pleasant. Are your kitchen cabinets are looking dated or worn? Maybe you're just tired of the style or color and need a change. If so, you've probably been researching all the different materials that can be used for cabinets. We're going to dive into one option worth considering: PVC kitchen cabinets.
How are PVC kitchen cabinets different than other cabinet materials that are popular in kitchens - like cabinets made from wood?

You've probably heard of poly-vinyl chloride, or PVC, in connection to water and drain pipes. The material is used for pipes because of its durability and waterproof construction. What you may not know is that it's actually become a popular material for kitchen cabinet construction for these reasons as well. While you may know kitchen cabinets to be made from plywood or natural wood materials, PVC cabinets don't contain any wood. Instead, they're made from plastic composite.

Read more