Usually, when someone has a bidet in their bathrooms, we presume that it’s a sign of luxury. But actually, it has a long history and tradition as the bathroom fixture which originates from the 17th century. “Bidet” is a French word and it means “pony” pointing out to the fact that one straddles a bidet like they would a pony.
This bathroom fixture was an invention of the French furniture makers but there are no details on the name of the inventor. However, the bidet we know today didn’t appear until the 20th century when the American Bidet Company introduced a spray nozzle. This was a moment when bidet was marked a household item and considered a welcoming addition to the bathroom.
Contrary to popular belief, today’s bidets don’t need much space in your bathroom. While they can be separate units and create that luxury we all connect them to, they can also come as seats or attachments. In Japan, they have a practical option with smart bidet which offers adjustable temperature for seats, deodorizing, air dryer and self-cleaning function.
In a way, you may not get that luxurious style in your bathroom, but you will get everything you need from the Japanese modern version. However, if this is too expensive for your budget, you can install a nozzle under your existing seat.
You probably noticed that movies like to depict bidets in a comedic manner. A character would get showered by the nozzle spray, but in reality, it’s a completely different case. Bidet seats allow you to adjust the position and pressure of the water, so you definitely wouldn’t get soaked.
Another fact about bidets is that you will spend less toilet paper, meaning that you would decrease the incidents of clogged pipes. This is a really important thing for all of us who had experience with clogged toilets and had to call the plumber in the end.
Some will say that bidets are unsanitary but they couldn’t be more wrong. If anything else, they offer improved hygienic habits that will preserve your health. Using toilet paper is not enough and you can easily get an irritated undercarriage which can really be uncomfortable and even have serious consequences.
Water from the nozzles provides a gentle spray and electric bidet seats self-clean, so you don’t have to worry about unsanitary conditions. Some bidets even offer a temperature setting so you can adjust them to use warm water and have a comfortable experience. And another great thing is that some models even have an air dryer function which will dry the washed area immediately.
Toilet paper is mostly made of trees just like any other paper. People usually find recycled toilet paper uncomfortable and so they try to avoid buying it. However, bidets will save you the trouble of buying a toilet paper and thus help you be more eco-friendly.
Based on Justin Thomas, editor of the Meta Efficient website, Americans use 36.5 billion rolls annually which is actually around 15 million trees. The water used for bidet is trivial compared to the 473,587,500,000 gallons needed for the production of all this toilet paper. Therefore, bidets not only save the trees but also the water consumption.
Toilet papers vary in price and quality. If on average one roll costs $3, then when you multiply that with 36.5 billion rolls annually you will get a staggering number on yearly expense on toilet paper for the USA. The bidet will cut these expenses significantly and the best thing is that it’s a one-time buy with prices ranging from low to high, depending on what you want.
Even the doctors advise using wet toilet wipes instead of paper, supporting the fact that you will achieve better sanitary conditions with water. However, since those are paper as well which you have to buy on regular basis, it’s safe to say that bidets are a much cost-effective choice.
Bidets are not only for women but rather for both genders. Make no mistake, they are great means for maintaining female hygiene during those days in the months, but men can also use them. More importantly, they don’t limit the age so even children and the elderly can use them as well.
While the luxury of the bidets is undeniable, their need is undoubted as well. They come in all shapes and models, so you can easily find the one that is the most appropriate for you and your family. They will improve your sanitary habits and preserve the environment since you will downsize your use of toilet paper. Additionally, your wallet will know how to appreciate it, too.
This article was written by Sarah Jessica Smith, a young blogger from Sydney. She is in love with life and all the things that can make your daily routine easier. She loves to write about home improvement, lifestyle, and all the small things that make life such a great adventure.