Bidets, which are common in areas of Asia, South America, and Europe, and are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, are an alternative to the use of toilet paper in public restrooms.
These freestanding basins, which were said to have been developed in France in the 1700s (although the precise date is unknown), were used routinely to keep people ‘fresh’ between their weekly baths, and royalty used them to ‘clean up’ after horse rides, according to legend. As a matter of fact, the name “bidet” is derived from the French word for “pony,” because users would sit astride bidets like they would a miniature horse.
The advantages are as follows:
Bidets spray that are portable
Handheld bidets, also known as’ shattafs’ (washers), are particularly common in the Middle East and certain regions of Asia. This sort of bidet spray (sometimes called colloquially a ‘bum cannon’) is a basic water hose with a nozzle that may be controlled by the individual who is using the device. He or she is linked to the side of the toilet and takes water from the toilet’s own supply. Use a shattaf while still on the toilet, then flush the water down the toilet bowl.
Advantages and disadvantages
Handheld bidet spray can be difficult to direct at times, resulting in a puddle of water on the floor or in the bidet. You’ll also need to have the walls and floor surrounding the toilet waterproofed as part of the installation process. Traditionally, their water has not been heated, which may be uncomfortable for certain customers.
However, they are far less expensive to purchase and install than traditional freestanding bidets, while providing the same sanitary benefits as the latter.
Save money by not using toilet paper.
You use far less toilet paper than you would with a normal flush toilet, resulting in significant savings. In recent months, sales of bidets have soared as a result of toilet-paper shortages created by panic buying during the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States.
Hygiene standards are exceptional.
Most Australian families use toilet paper to clean up after using the toilet. However, we might get a significantly more sanitary clean of our privates if we utilised water to clean up after using the toilet rather than paper. Handwashing after wiping is far more effective (or ineffective) than paper wiping, and the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of handwashing after wiping is also a problem.
Exceptionally calming
Bidets can be used to alleviate the symptoms of haemorrhoids, as well as some of the symptoms of constipation and inflammatory bowel disease, among other things.
Super-assistants
Those who care for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and youngsters who are in the process of toilet training can all benefit from the increased independence and hygiene that bidets provide.
The disadvantages are as follows:
It’s a bad karma element.
For those of us who have grown up using toilet paper, the concept of using a bidet — a jet of water that emerges from beneath the toilet seat — may seem unsanitary and even uncomfortable at first. Bidets may also be difficult to learn, and it may take a few clumsy attempts before you achieve mastery of the technique.
Various varieties of bidets exist.
The’standalone’ bidet is a bidet that stands alone.
This classic style consists of a fully separate bowl that resembles a low sink, with one or two faucets attached, and is typically placed next to the toilet as a decorative feature.
Once users have finished using the toilet, they go to the bidet, where they straddle the bowl while facing the wall. Traditional bidets do not have seats, so users must squat or sit on the lip of the bowl in order to use them.
Anus and genitals are cleaned with a stream of water that is released from the faucet when it is turned on. Rather than using water jets, some bidets allow users to clean themselves by hand after filling the basin with water from the taps.
Other bidets that are stand-alone only utilise cold water. Others are also connected to hot water, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the water. Following their washing session, individuals can dry themselves off with a clean towel or toilet paper to avoid odours.
Advantages and disadvantages
As with all types of bidets, the solo bidet provides a convenient and, in some cases, more sanitary alternative to wiping with toilet paper alone. However, there are some potential drawbacks to using a solo bidet as well.
This kind of bidet necessitates a larger amount of bathroom space as well as more frequent cleaning. In addition, you’ll have to get off the toilet (which may mean getting undressed or removing your trousers or pants). In addition, they might be more expensive to purchase and install than other types of bidets.
