While bidets have been around for hundreds of years, they actually grew in popularity during the 2020 pandemic due to the lack of accessible toilet paper. As a result, many people started wondering whether bidets are a better alternative to toilet paper.
Most people that use bidets say that bidets are much better than toilet paper, and even feel much cleaner. In this article, we’ll discuss the main differences between using a bidet and using toilet paper – but first, what exactly is a bidet?
What is a Bidet?
Although you won’t find bidets in every household, these types of toilets are quite popular around the world. Originally, a bidet was a separate appliance within the bathroom that looked similar to a toilet but had a different seat which allowed users to clean themselves with a stream of water.
Nowadays, you can also find bidet attachments to use with your existing toilet, making bidets even more accessible. You can also find bidets with additional features like remote control, built-in dryers, and adjustable water temperature.
Overall, people use bidets as a hygienic and sustainable alternative to toilet paper when cleaning themselves in the restroom.
Which Option Is More Effective?
Although many believe that a bidet would be more effective at cleaning than the regular toilet paper, which is more effective can actually depend on several features.
Furthermore, there is no hard evidence that either a bidet or toilet paper is more effective at clearing all waste. Instead, the best and the most effective method is actually a combination of both by using a couple of squares of toilet paper after first rinsing off with the bidet.
Which Option Is More Hygienic?
The best thing about bidets is that it offers a hands-free method to wash. While you can still use a couple of squares of toilet paper after the bidet if you’d like, it’s not necessary, and many choose to go completely hands-free with just the bidet. We touch dirty things and objects every single day, so using a bidet can help you reduce the spread of germs after using the bathroom. To take hygiene to another level, some brands like Tushy have an additional feature called “nozzle wash”. This feature means that the bidet will self-clean the outside of the nozzle regularly, ensuring the full system is regularly washed. With all these factors, the bidet is definitely the more hygienic option.
Which Option Is Better For The Environment?
As bidets still use water, they are not zero-waste. However, they are still better for the environment than toilet paper. An average bidet consumes about 1.5 gallons of water per week. On the other hand, it takes about 35 – 40 gallons of water to make just one roll of toilet paper. Aside from that, we shouldn’t forget the carbon emissions produced by transporting and manufacturing toilet paper, let alone the trees needed to produce the paper itself.
Are Bidets Cheaper?
When it comes to bidets, the initial cost will be bigger than a roll of toilet paper, but in the long run, bidets are much more cost-effective. Therefore, switching to a bidet is one of the best investments you can make. Luckily, you can find bidets nowadays at very affordable prices. Not only that, but you will most likely recoup the initial investment in less than a year as you won’t need to regularly purchase toilet paper anymore.
Which One Is Easier To Use?
Once you install a bidet, it is very simple to use. All you need to do is to turn the water on by twisting the knob or using the remote. While some bidets may not be entirely hands-free to operate, they are definitely more accessible than toilet paper. As such, bidets are also a much better option for people with limited mobility. Another advantage of using a bidet is the fact that you won’t have to deal with a clogged toilet from too much toilet paper, which is one less stress when using a bidet.
Do Bidets Take Up A Lot Of Space?
A lot of people give up on buying a bidet because they don’t have enough space in their bathroom. However, nowadays not all bidets are separate units that duplicate plumbing and take up a lot of floor space. Instead, you can easily find a great alternative known as a “bidet seat”.
This great invention allows you to replace the toilet seat you already have with a seat that includes all the features of a regular bidet. If you want to keep your toilet seat, there is also a bidet attachment that can be installed directly under your toilet seat.
Do You Need to Use Soap?
One thing that comes to mind when you think about a bidet is whether you should use soap to effectively clean yourself or not. If you do choose to use soap during cleaning, make sure to select a gentle formula specifically made for sensitive parts to avoid any abrasion or inflammation. In general, however, simply using warm water should be effective for cleaning while using the bidet.
Final Verdict
All in all, bidets are getting increasingly popular and are one of the best investments you can make in the long run. They are also quite pleasant to use and when used properly won’t cause any type of irritation or inflammation. Further, they are way more environmentally friendly than regular toilet paper while being simple to use and doing an amazing job of cleaning.
If you are not sure whether a bidet is right for you, keep in mind that they can also be space-efficient as you can buy a bidet attachment or a bidet seat that can easily be installed on your toilet. Therefore, you can find an affordable option to test it out, and with all the benefits explained in this article, we’re sure you’ll agree that bidets are the better option.