A bidet is a basin of water that is used to wash a user’s backside after using the toilet. These are often found in bathrooms around the world, particularly Europe.
Although bidets are more commonly used in European countries than in the United States, some Americans remain confused about their function. Nevertheless, they are becoming more popular here.
1. Water jets
A bidet for a toilet sends water up from a sprayer at a certain angle to cleanse the rear and genital areas, or even the entire body. It’s a convenient alternative to toilet paper, especially for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or hemorrhoids.
Bidets are commonly found in bathrooms in Europe, Asia and South America. However, they are starting to gain popularity in the United States as well.
These units typically come in several different types. Some are built into the toilet itself; others are free-standing, or attached to the existing toilet bowl. There are also bidet seats, which are essentially bidets that are affixed to the seat of your toilet.
The type you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the available space in your bathroom. Stand-alone bidets are usually the most expensive, but they have the widest range of features and are also the most convenient for use in a smaller bathroom.
Some stand-alone bidets have controls on the side of the unit, while other models have them in a convenient location next to the user. With these options, it’s easier to straddle or sit on the bidet in order to make adjustments to the jets, temperature and flow of the water.
Many people find that a bidet is a great way to clean their rear and genitals, and may even eliminate the need for soap. In addition, some people use them for sexual intercourse or to freshen up after a bowel movement.
Using a bidet in combination with toilet paper may also help prevent the buildup of bacteria on the anus. If you have a weak immune system, you should wait before using a bidet.
If you want to wash your anus with the water from a bidet, it’s best to dry it off before leaving the toilet. Most toilets have a ring nearby that you can hang a towel on so it won’t drip or get wet during your wash.
Regardless of which type of bidet you choose for your bathroom, it’s important to follow the instructions that came with the unit. These steps will ensure that you have a hygienic, comfortable and safe experience with your bidet.
2. Warm air dryer
A warm air dryer is a handy feature that can make the bidet experience more enjoyable. It helps to dry residual moisture after washing, reducing toilet paper use by up to 75% or more.
These bidets use electricity to power a special fan that creates warm air, just like your oven or hair dryer does. This feature can be helpful for a number of reasons, including for sensitive skin and medical issues like hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Bidets that have this feature also come with other comforts, such as a heated seat, deodorizer, and LED nightlight. They can even be adjusted to a sleep mode for an energy-saving mode that saves your utility bills.
Some bidets are equipped with tankless water heaters, which allow you to have a limitless supply of hot water. This is great if you are in a place where there isn’t a constant supply of hot water, or if you don’t want to be dependent on a small storage tank for water.
Other models are reversible, and have two different wash settings – the first is usually warmer and the second is usually cooler. The latter can be more useful for people who have sensitive skin or medical conditions.
Many of these seats have a wireless remote control, so you can activate the warm air dryer at the push of a button. Some even have side-arm controls that are more convenient for people who have limited space in their bathroom.
While you can also use a bit of toilet paper to dry off after washing, using a bidet with a warm air dryer is the most eco-friendly option. It uses less toilet paper and leaves no residue, which can help you to save money on your utility bills.
You can also choose a model with a dedicated wash cloth or towel to dry yourself off after your wash. These are often provided in homes and hotels that have bidets, and they can be easily hung right near the bidet seat for easy access.
If you aren’t sure whether a bidet with a warm dryer is right for you, it’s a good idea to try a trial run before making your decision. This way, you can be sure that the bidet works for you and your family’s needs.
3. Temperature control
The temperature of the water that comes out of your bidet nozzle can be an important factor in how comfortable it feels to use. Some people find that cold water can be uncomfortable, while others prefer warm waters that feel soothing and relaxing.
Fortunately, there are options for both of these needs. Some bidets offer both cold and warm sprays, while others have a heated seat that provides an extra degree of comfort and warmth.
Many electric bidet seats come with an eco mode that lowers the seat and water temperatures to save energy. This power-saving feature can reduce a bidet’s overall power consumption by as much as 25%.
This eco mode option can also help to cut down on a bidet’s water usage, which is a huge bonus in terms of cost and the environment. A bidet uses about 1/8 gallon of water per wash, which is far less than what a toilet requires.
In addition to the ability to adjust the temperature of your bidet’s spray, some models will allow you to control the pressure as well. This can be especially helpful for sensitive areas on your body, as you can customize the water pressure to match your needs.
There are a few ways that some bidets get their hot water: one is via a tank water heater, which stores a reservoir of warm water in a water tank. This tank is then accessed by the bidet when you want to use it, supplying enough warm water for up to 30 seconds of use before it begins to cool off.
Another way that some bidets get their warm water is via a hybrid water heating system, which taps into your home’s hot water line and heats the water using an internal system. This type of bidet usually requires a more substantial tank than a standard tank water heater, but it does offer a more comfortable wash, as the warm water is always available when you need it.
While some of these systems require a lot of space in the bathroom, they are often more affordable than models that use a tank water heater. Additionally, some of them are able to heat the water faster than models that use a tank water heater, so it can quickly warm up to a user’s desired temperature.
4. Remote control
A bidet for a toilet is an excellent addition to any bathroom, but it can also make a real difference for the elderly and disabled. These people often need a lot of assistance to use the toilet, which can be awkward and imposing on their dignity. Using the bidet with remote control can help to remove these obstacles and give them more freedom.
Most modern bidets are controlled either by an attached side control panel, or a wireless remote. These control types work well and are the preferred choice for many consumers.
Side control panels usually have large, easy to read buttons that are etched onto the side of the device and display the adjustable pressure and temperature settings. They also have brightly lit LEDs that indicate which options are selected.
Alternatively, some of our higher end models feature screens, which can be helpful to users as they allow them to see what they are changing and give feedback on how the bidet is working. However, screen based devices tend to be larger and more complicated than their non-screen counterparts and may require more attention from the user.
Another great benefit of a bidet for a toilet is that it can help to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses, which is particularly important when the user has a chronic condition like diabetes or bronchitis. Some of our top-rated products use germ resistant poly carbonate seats that are sterilized by a spray system, and many of our bidets include heated seats and warm air dryers for extra comfort.
Once you’re ready to wash, press the Wash button on the bidet seat or remote control, and the spray nozzle will extend beneath you. It may pause for a second to let the nozzle clean itself and the water heat up. Then, simply press the Stop button on the control and the nozzle will retract back into the bidet seat.
There are several different kinds of remote controls for bidets, but some of the most popular are wireless remotes that attach to a wall mount. These are a good option for homes with young children, as they will be less likely to accidentally misplace the remote.