How To Use A Bidet Properly? The Ultimate Guide

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A bidet toilet is gradually taking its place in American homes and public establishments all around the world. While increasing in popularity, it may be unfamiliar to you. So, before you come face-to-face with a bidet in real life, it is a good idea to learn how to utilize this innovative invention today. For those who are curious about how to use a bidet, there is one essential question you might be asking yourself.

How to use a bidet properly? The general method is to, after defecating, turn on the wash feature of the bidet and allow it to completely clean the genitalia region. Once you are clean, you will need to dry off- either with a dryer function or with a towel (paper or cloth depending on the setting you are in). The bidet will then self-sanitize for the next user.

While this answer may provide you with sufficient details to get you started, bidet types come in a variety so understanding how each type of bidet functions will be important for you to be prepared in any situation. In this guide, you will learn how to use the different types of bidets and where you can usually find them. Also, take note of the “don’ts” when using bidets which will be discussed in the latter portion of the article. The more you know, the more comfortable your bidet experience is likely to be.

How To Properly Use Standalone Bidets

Know What a Bidet is Utilized For

For starters, a bidet attachment seat (following the standalone bidet model) is utilized for cleaning the anal and rectal area after passing pee or a bowel movement into the toilet. The use of a bidet replaces the general use of toilet paper, that most people in the western countries are accustomed to, with water to clean your bottom and genitals.

While the bidet has gradually made its way to many American homes, this bathroom fixture has been utilized by other countries for a long time. Today, people still have mistaken bidet seats as a porcelain unit in the bathroom that is used as a small sink or second toilet. Particularly for those who have never seen or experienced a bidet before, some confusion may be found when happening upon one unexpectedly. It is not uncommon to find a social media post with a picture of a bidet and a caption full of question marks to accompany it on an inexperienced bidet user’s social media account.

Recognize the Difference in Standalone Bidets and Bidet Attachments

Standalone bidets, differing from the aforementioned bidet seat attachment, should only be used after using the toilet. This device is only intended for washing the bottom can and either be used along with toilet paper, towels, or just the bidet. As it is not attached to the toilet, you should avoid “doing your business” in this porcelain device as this would be extremely unsanitary for the next user.

Face the Direction You Prefer

When washing with a standalone bidet, you can either face towards the controls or away from it like a regular toilet seat- both methods have their perks. If you choose to face the bidet controls, make sure to remove your pants to straddle the bidet properly. Otherwise, you could find yourself with a bit of a mess that could look like it was not coming from the bidet use (if you know what I mean).

Adjust the Controls Prior to Washing

Next, it is better if you adjust the controls first before you start washing. Most bidets offer cold and warm water to make washing a more comfortable experience for all users. By making any preferred adjustments to the bidet prior to using it, you will be confident that the water will be comfortable and make your bidet use enjoyable. Avoid unnecessary discomfort by taking this step.

Correctly Use the Jets and Complete Your Wash and Dry

A standalone bidet also integrates jets. This device that looks like a funky toilet is a basin that is filled with water that helps to clean the anal or genital area by using your hands. After washing, make sure to dry off using a clean towel or toilet paper. Then, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, of course, to maintain good personal hygiene after bathroom use.

How To Properly Use A Bidet Attachment Seats

To save space, designers in Japan launched an innovative version of the bidet to the world in the 1980s. Instead of installing a separate porcelain unit in bathrooms, they created the Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat that has been utilized by more than 80% of homes in Japan. The bidet attachment seats are quickly spreading due to their economic and practical use in homes and public restrooms across the world.

Know What a Bidet Attachment Seat is Used For

Unlike a standalone bidet, bidet attachment seats are just what their name suggests. This innovation is a smart toilet seat that can be attached to a previously installed toilet to replace the traditional toilet seats. Then, the bidet attachment functions as normal providing a cleansing mechanism for your genital region after bathroom use.

When we say that this is a smart toilet seat, bidet attachment seats boast more advanced features despite their simple, economic design. These seats deliver clean water to the toilet seat through the fill valve of the toilet. Bidet attachment seats have internal heaters to provide both warm and cold water as well as warm air dryers to eliminate the need for toilet paper or towels to dry you off. Some of the models of advanced bidet attachment seats may also feature memory settings that will allow the seat to remember the preference of the user.

Remain Seated on the Toilet with the Bidet Attachment Seat and Begin Your Rinse

To use a bidet attachment seat, you do not have to stand up and position yourself on another toilet-like fixture. This is because you are already sitting on top of the bidet. Enjoy a comfortable heated seat and wash more cleanly and hygienically by pressing the wash button in the bidet. This button is usually found on the seat itself, on the wall near the toilet, or on a remote that will be placed near the toilet with the attached bidet seat. After washing with the bidet, dry off using toilet paper or a clean towel and then wash your hands in the sink per usual.

Position and Utilize the Nozzle, Complete Your Dry

The bidet attachment seat’s nozzle is automatically positioned out of the way of any dirty, contaminated water so you can peacefully wash. But before it starts the cleaning process, it may pause for a while to heat the water and clean itself.

Yes, you did read that right. The nozzle of most bidet seat attachments automatically cleans itself after every use. This helps the device to remain hygienic for future uses. Some models of this toilet fixture also utilize silver nanoparticle technology to sterilize the nozzles for added peace of mind.

Once you have tried washing using a bidet attachment seat, you will realize that toilet paper is outdated, less comfortable to use, and significantly less environmentally friendly. Bidets are considered to be a more effective way to clean after using the toilet by most people across the world today.

How To Use A Bidet Hose

While electronic bidet attachment seats are widely utilized in Japan, bidet hoses or handheld bidets are commonly accepted in many countries worldwide, especially in median-income households because of their cost-effective operation.

Appropriately Setup Your Bidet Hose

The setup of a bidet hose is simpler to the standalone bidet and electronic toilet seats. To operate, it only requires a T-adapter that includes a shut-off valve to connect to a water source that will be linked to the toilet. This device will divide the line appropriately so that the water will go to the bidet sprayer and the toilet rather than stemming from the same source. This adds to the hygienic control of the bidet.

Angle the Hose to Begin Your Rinse

Then, a flexible stainless hose comes off of the line extending to the handheld bidet which you will squeeze to begin washing your bottom. This handheld bidet hose offers the ultimate control as you will be angling the hose yourself while you spray rather than positioning yourself over the hose to ensure that the water hits all areas. Using the bidet hose offers even more angle control than a bidet with a remote control that you can angle the hose while it sprays.

Switch the T-Valve “On”

After using the toilet, always remember to switch the T-Valve on before grabbing the bidet sprayer. This is what will allow the water to flow through the bidet hose. Afterward, aim the hose towards your anal or genital area before squeezing the trigger. Doing so will allow water to flow through the sprayer so that you may begin your rinse.

Avoid Spills

To avoid spills with such flexibility, make sure to learn desired pressures as well as angles of the bidet sprayer. You may practice this prior to using the toilet so that you are confident in your abilities to handle the bidet hose. Do not expect to hit the right spot on your first use because you will probably need to do it a couple of times before you become comfortable using the device. With practice, you should be able to easily hit all of the right angles to provide an appropriate and efficient cleanse.

Return the Bidet Hose to Its Holder

After cleaning yourself, always return the bidet hose onto its holder. Handheld bidets are usually placed next to the toilet, sitting on a holder or hook that it comes with. It is important to replace the device for pretty obvious reasons: leaving it sitting on the floor or on top of the toilet is unsanitary and could result in misguided or unintentional water leakage. Additionally, the next user will undoubtedly be uncomfortable grabbing a device to cleanse themselves with that has just been resting in an unsanitary area.

Take note never to place the hose on the bathroom floor because it will become unhygienic- even if you are just placing it there to turn off the T-Value. Always place it in its holder when it is not in use. To finish cleaning yourself after using the spray of the bidet hose, dry yourself off using either a clean towel or toilet paper (depending on which is provided for you).

How To Properly Use Bidets In Public

Using bidets in public establishments like malls or hotels is similar to the process of using a bidet when you are using a friend’s bathroom. But, unlike what you may find in a friend or in your own home, most hotels provide a clean towel that is only intended for drying off after washing using the bidet. This is to aid in completing the cleansing process and make sure you are feeling ultra-comfortable before returning to the rest of your day.

If you doubt the cleanliness of the towel, you may use toilet paper instead. Be aware, though, that locations that offer sanitizing towels use intense sanitation methods as they recognize where the towel would have reached. Normally, you will place this towel in a designated receptacle or bin once you have completed drying yourself off. You will encounter different bidet types when traveling from one country to another, so it can come handy if you learn how to use each type as well as the procedure to follow.

Meanwhile, the use of a bidet in a public restroom is still the sizzling topic of debates. While being widely accepted by several countries worldwide, a lot of people still perceive this bathroom fixture as an unhygienic solution compared to toilet paper and wet wipes. Keep in mind that there is nothing to worry about here. Bidet manufacturers and designers keep hygiene in mind and have installed a variety of different mechanisms to ensure sanitation from one user to the next.

List of Bidet Etiquette to Follow

Included here are some of the etiquette guidelines that you need to observe when using a bidet whether in public or private establishments. By following these, you can be sure to appropriately prepare the bidet for the next user in hopes that the cycle will be continued and the device will remain sanitary and comfortable.

Dispose of bidet towels in its designated bin, not in the bidet or toilet. If a towel for drying has been provided for you to complete the bidet process, then there should be a location in which to drop the towel once you are done.
Throw used tissue paper in the trash bin, not in the standalone bidet to avoid clogging. Standalone bidets are not to be used as regular toilets, anyways, so you should not need to flush any large particles down. If you use paper towels or toilet paper to dry yourself, flush it down the toilet or toss it in the trash bin.

To avoid overflow or spill, adjust the bidet’s water pressure first before using it. If you have never used the device (such as a public bidet), then you will not know exactly how it functions- even if you understand the concept. By testing out the water pressure, you will eliminate unpleasant spills, accidents, and unwanted pressure.
After washing your anal or genital area, rinse away all left particles in the bidet bowl to avoid germs from flourishing. While the bidet is self-sanitizing, it is helpful to contribute to the process.
Select whether to use warm or cold water before using the bidet. Your preferences matter and meeting them will help you to have a positive experience in using a bidet for the first or other times. Choosing the water temperature ahead of time will help you to know what you are getting yourself into.

In case of accidentally splashing water or leaving drips on the bathroom floor, make sure to wipe them off before leaving the place. Doing so will prevent the next person from slipping just because of your negligence. This is both a safety and sanitary precaution.
Never use the face, hand, or body towel in a public toilet to dry off after washing with a bidet. Besides, most establishments, especially hotels, provide a designated bidet towel for that specific use. Thus, using one that is not designated for drying off after a bidet could cause confusion and chaos in the cleaning department and end up wreaking havoc on those who are attempting to clean the towels appropriately.
Do not use the bidet to wash your feet. Since standalone bidets look like a small porcelain toilet bowl with a faucet, it can, unfortunately, pass as a pedicure bowl. However, it does not serve the same purpose because it is only intended for washing the anal or genital area after passing a bowel movement or urination. Though it is great to always keep your feet clean, make sure not to do it using a bidet.

Never use a bidet as a pet bathtub. The same guidelines follow the above-mentioned reasons: this is not what the bidet was designed for. If you do this, you are not only risking your pet’s health but also yours and any future use of this device.