If you're looking to upgrade your bathroom experience, it's time to get acquainted with the bidet! This bathroom fixture might not be as well-known in some parts of the world but, trust us, once you've tried it out, you'll be hooked! Let's dive into the history of bidets, the various types available on the market, their features, uses, and benefits.
The History of Bidets
Originally popularized in France in the 18th century, the word 'bidet' actually means "small horse" or "pony" in French. This name was given because the original bidets required straddling the basin – similar to how one would mount a horse. Though they were initially seen as a luxury item, today's bidets are found in private homes, public restrooms, and hotels worldwide, establishing themselves as a standard feature in many countries.
Types of Bidets
There's certainly no shortage of bidet styles and designs, adding extra oomph to any modern bathroom. Here are the main types you'll come across:
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Handheld Bidet Sprayer: This portable option consists of a spray nozzle connected to a hose and water source, which can be used for personal cleaning.
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Traditional Bidet: This standalone fixture is installed separately from the toilet. It has a faucet and a basin, much like a small sink.
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Bidet Attachment: This is a budget-friendly option that connects to your existing toilet. It replaces your toilet seat or installs beneath it.
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Bidet Toilet Seat: This high-tech replacement toilet seat comes with built-in bidet functionality and extra features. It offers both convenience and luxury.
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Smart Toilets with Bidet Functions: These high-tech toilets offer bidet functions, often accompanied by luxury features like heated seats, deodorizers, and even music connectivity.
Features of Bidets
Bidet fixtures come with a variety of features designed to enhance your bathroom experience. Some of these include:
- Adjustable water pressure
- Heated water
- Heated seat
- Air dryer
- Remote control
- Deodorizer
- UV light sanitation (for bidet toilet seats)
- Self-cleaning nozzles
Uses of Bidets
Bidets offer a hygienic alternative to toilet paper, using water to gently clean your private parts. They can be used after using the toilet for a comfortable, refreshing experience. Because bidets use water rather than friction to get you clean, they remove bacteria that can lead to inflammation, infections, and discomfort. Additionally, bidets can provide relief for people with hemorrhoids, skin irritations, or for women during menstruation or postpartum care. And in men, bidets have been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of bacterial prostatitis.
Benefits of Bidets
Bidets come with an array of advantages that make them an excellent choice for any bathroom:
- Improved hygiene: Bidets provide a thorough clean, ensuring better personal hygiene compared to toilet paper alone.
- Environmental friendliness: By reducing the need for toilet paper, bidets contribute to reducing paper waste and conserving water.
- Comfort: The soothing water spray can provide relief from discomfort caused by skin conditions or hemorrhoids.
- Cost-effectiveness: Over time, bidets can help you save money on toilet paper, making them a smart investment.
In Summary
If you're looking for a healthier, more hygienic way to clean up after using the bathroom, it's time to consider investing in a bidet. Bidets offer countless benefits, from saving money on toilet paper and reducing waste to improving hygiene and making trips to the bathroom more pleasant. With adjustable settings like temperature and pressure, they can help reduce skin irritation and discomfort, while also eliminating odors. Plus, bidets are easy to install and use, making them an ideal upgrade for any bathroom! Ready to take the plunge? Investing in a bidet is sure to be a decision that you won't regret.