Have you ever arrived at a nice new hotel, eager to check in and get to your accommodation as quickly as possible because you simply have to use the bathroom? Whether or not you’ve had an emergency, you may have found an additional accessory next to the toilet that is unfamiliar to you. It’s called a bidet (pronounced bih-day). Although the word is derived from French, there are actually more bidets in Italy, where 97% of homes contain one.
What is the purpose of a bidet?
A bidet is a cleaning unit for the lower body. Travelers staying in certain European and luxury hotels outside of the continent may find a bidet located next to the toilet in the bathroom. It is often backed by a shelf containing a small, flat towel and an easy-to-reach soap holder.
The first time you see a bidet, you may not know what it is or how to use it. However, a bidet can be very helpful in achieving greater cleaning of your genitals and nether regions than toilet paper. In fact, when a bidet is used correctly, there is no need for toilet paper after urinating or defecating.
What does a bidet look like?
A bidet looks and can resemble the adjacent toilet in style and color, but it does not have a lid and is generally somewhat smaller. Bidets come in a variety of colors and styles that, in most cases, match the toilet. A popular bidet made by Kohler, the K-4886-O belongs to the traditional Memoirs® collection. It stands 15 inches tall and comes in a range of seven colors, from white to black.
How does a woman or a man use a bidet?
When you are lucky enough to have a bidet in your bathroom, take advantage of it and use it after every time you go to the bathroom.
To properly use a bidet:
- First locate a clean bar of soap and place it within easy reach.
- Choose a towel to dry and use only with the bidet. Low nap towels are preferable.
- Turn on the bidet water supply and set it to a temperature that is comfortable when spraying on delicate fabrics.
- Straddling the bidet in the same direction you would sit on a toilet, lower your body over the water coming out of the bidet nozzle. Adjust the direction and angle of the nozzle if necessary.
- Clean your anal and genital regions with the soap, rinse and dry with the dedicated towel.
- Get up and turn off the water.
- Dry the areas you just cleaned.
- Separate the soap and towel bidet from similar items.
- Wash your hands in the sink.
Are there wrong ways to use a bidet?
Yes! Do not use the bidet for the following:
- A bidet is not an additional urinal or toilet.
- A bidet is not a refrigerator or a place to store ice when you don’t have a bucket or if you have guests.
- A bidet is not comfortable for soaking your feet, although it can be used to wash your feet.
- A bidet is not a good place to store anything, including newspapers and magazines.
- A bidet should not be used as a sink for washing clothes.
If you find a bidet that is not clean, do not use it and report it to management.
