6 Essentials to Know Before Buying a Bidet

Bidets are a widely used bathroom accessory around the world. However, because going to the bathroom is a subject that many people may consider taboo, few people discuss bathroom habits or consider new options. What is the purpose of a bidet? Bidets are useful gadgets with a specialized wash base that provides personal and sanitary cleaning after using the toilet. They emit a focused stream of water to allow easy and refreshing cleaning. Since they reduce toilet paper usage, bidets are a great option if you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint and achieve sustainable living.

Though the idea of a bidet may at first sound weird or funny, if you’ve never tried using one, you’re missing out on the benefits it offers. Bidets are increasingly gaining popularity in North America, and there's a vast pool of types and designs to choose from. Ranging from a simple faucet-like unit that offers a refreshed feel to a smart home toilet that provides lighting and deodorants, there are many bidet designs to suit your needs. Read on to explore the top six things you should know before you buy a bidet for your home or place of business.

Many people state that it's impossible to appreciate the benefits of a bidet until you use one. If you still haven’t enjoyed the experience, here are the main reasons why these bathroom and personal care accessories are becoming popular:

1. They provide a clean and fresh feeling that toilet paper doesn't offer.
2. Since they clear all residue from your skin, bidets offer improved health and wellness.
3. A bidet can help save you money usually spent on toilet paper.
4. Bidets are friendly to the environment and reduce paper usage.
5. Bidets reduce the risk of clogging, so they help save plumbing costs.

Bidets come in different layouts to meet your specific needs. Since their innovation in the 18th century, these fixtures have seen various changes in appearance and designs. Below are some of the common bidet types and answers to the question "how does a bidet work?":

• Standalone bidets: These are the traditional bidet that you'll probably find when on vacation in Asia or Europe. They have existed for centuries and are fully detached units separate from the toilet bowl. Although they often sit beside the toilet, some standalone bidets allow mounting on the wall like a urinal. Modern ceramic or standalone models often have features like water temperature control, heated seats and self-cleaning functionality.
• Portable bidets: Also known as travel bidets or bidet bottles, these are suitable for individuals that travel frequently. They look like a water bottle with extended, angled nozzles on their top for spraying. They come in compact layouts and are easy to use. Simply fill one up with water and direct the nozzle toward the area you need to clean.
• Spray or handheld bidets: These types of bidets usually consist of a hose connected to your toilet plumbing with a sprayer on one end. This spray design is a simple option for most users, as it offers increased flexibility when directing water flow. It also has a mechanism that provides control over water pressure. The simple layout enables people with injuries that limit motion to use spray bidets with ease. They also give the elderly more independence in the bathroom, making them the best bidet to buy for active aging. There are also models with dual feeds to allow seamless switching between hot and cold water.
• Built-in or toilet seat bidets: Choosing a toilet seat with a built-in bidet eliminates the hassle of selecting both accessories separately. Also known as combo toilets, these types of bidets comprise a toilet seat with built-in, angled spray jets to help clean up after using the bathroom. Modern designs boast improved functionality and useful features like heated seats, warm air dryers and controlled water pressure. Others even have a musical function to create a more relaxed ambiance as you handle your toilet-related business. These models, however, require electricity, which may be a deter some buyers.
• Bidet attachments: Are you looking for the basic functions of a bidet but your budget is limited? If so, then bidet attachments are an ideal option. These gadgets fit snugly beneath the toilet seat of existing bowls. Even though bidet attachments may lack features found in built-in models, such as temperature control, they're affordable and offer the same benefits as traditional bidets.

Bidets are relatively easy to clean and only need regular wiping with a damp cloth and cleaning solution of your choice. Some electronic bidets have a self-cleaning function for the spray nozzle. However, you should still deep clean the nozzle occasionally with some cleaning solution and an old toothbrush. As the bidet is part of the toilet system, check hoses and connections often for potential leaks. You could also invest in water leak detectors for real-time alerts in case of any leaks.

While a bidet is a significant addition to any home, it's a good idea to spend a little time researching the options so you know exactly what you want before you make a purchase. Use this information to answer the question of how to choose a bidet.