Bidets are a bathroom fixture that has become much more popular in recent years. However, millions of people still have significant misconceptions about what bidets are and how they work. There’s a good chance you’re thinking about bidets all wrong.
So, where do these misconceptions come from, and how do you address them?
How You’re Thinking About Bidets All Wrong
By now, you probably understand the fundamentals of how bidets work. A bidet is a device found in a bathroom that uses a stream of water to help you clean your underside, typically after defecating. The water is designed to provide a much more thorough, much gentler clean than toilet paper, and there are a variety of different bidet devices that can offer additional features.
These facts can address some of the misconceptions and myths that you probably hold in your mind.
- Bidets aren’t purely standalone. In traditional settings and traditional bathrooms, bidets have been standalone devices. In many European countries, the bathroom contains both a toilet and a bidet in separate corners of the room. While these types of fixtures are still hypothetically available, they typically require major plumbing work to be installed, so they’ve fallen out of popularity. Instead, we’ve seen a rise in more accessible, more flexible types of bidets, such as bidets toilet seats that can be quickly and easily installed by any homeowner with basic DIY skills.
- Bidets are cost-effective. Some people are reluctant to purchase a bidet because they view them as expensive. But in reality, these devices are usually highly cost-effective. You’re probably spending at least $100 on toilet paper every year. Using a bidet may not totally eliminate your toilet paper usage, but it will dramatically reduce it. And considering how inexpensive bidets have become, installing this type of device might give you a return on your investment in just a year or two.
- Bidets are more hygienic. It might seem like there’s something dirty about using a bidet, but these devices are usually much more hygienic than wiping with toilet paper. As a demonstration, get your hands dirty with a material like barbecue sauce, then wipe them off with a napkin. Do they feel clean? Then, rinse them off with water and dry them off. Do they feel clean now?
- Bidets don’t use much water. Some people deliberately avoid bidets in their bathrooms because they don’t want to increase the water bill. And it’s definitely true that bidets rely on a consistent water supply to function properly, but these devices use a lot less water than you think. Chances are, you won’t notice much of a difference in your water bill. On top of that, because bidets allow you to significantly reduce your toilet paper usage, they’re considered to be environmentally friendly overall.
- Bidets can be quite comfortable. If you’ve never used a bidet before, the first experience is likely going to feel strange and unexpected. But with a few little tweaks, bidets can be quite comfortable. Adjust the temperature, adjust the pressure, and you’ll likely find a setting that works perfectly for you. Granted, it might take a few rounds before you start truly appreciating the experience, but after a week or two of using it, you’ll never want to go back.
- Bidets are better for your health. There are measurable, real health benefits of using bidets. In addition to being more hygienic, they can also prevent certain health conditions like hemorrhoids. Not everyone is going to see dramatic health benefits from using a bidet, but it’s a nice added benefit on top of all the other perks.
- Bidets aren’t weird anymore. In the culture of the United States, bidets have historically been viewed as weird. But that’s quickly changing. Thanks to the availability and inexpensiveness of bidets, combined with a new awakening and appreciation for their functionality, more people than ever are installing bidets in their homes. In a few years, it may become a new normal, with bidet-less homes being strange.
Where Do These Misconceptions Come From?
Many of the myths and misconceptions about bidets stem from a kind of status quo bias, combined with the fact that bidets have been abnormal in American culture for decades. Whether we like it or not, we tend to be averse to new things – especially when those new things have something to do with private bathroom experiences. But if you’re open-minded and you like to make logical decisions for your health and well-being, it’s worth at least considering using a bidet.
No one can decide your personal preferences for you. And after using a bidet, you may still prefer using toilet paper on a daily basis. But it’s important to address the reality that you might be thinking about bidets the wrong way – and you might be missing out on a much better experience.
