What is a Bidet? They are a standard in many homes in most parts of the world including South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. However, they are still an unknown for a majority of North Americans, many who have never tried one, aren’t sure what they are used for or have concerns based on common myths.
A bidet is a plumbing fixture used for washing the genital and anal area, providing a warm water wash rather then just using dry toilet paper. Here are five common myths you may have heard about bidets and the truth behind the benefits and effects of using a bidet.
Myth 1: Toilet paper is just as good.
The use of just dry toilet paper doesn’t provide the same level of cleanliness with residue usually left on the skin after wiping. This can lead to skin irritations and infections and can be extremely painful for those dealing with other conditions specific to that area. The spray of a bidet provides a gentle water-based wash that removes any residue on the skin and provides a much deeper clean then using toilet paper. Considering a bidet for your bathroom? Check out this Beginner’s Guide to Using a Bidet for a step by step guide to using different bidet styles!
Myth 2: Bidets are bad for the environment.
After all, it uses more water and we’re supposed to conserve water right? Consider the benefits: you use minimal toilet paper – approximately 75% less. On average, we use approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper each day. The number of trees required for production is astronomical and the manufacturing process to produce toilet paper requires a significant amount of water. Reducing toilet paper use not only saves you money, but it conserves more water, uses less trees and results in a positive impact on sustainability and environmental issues.
Myth 3: Bidets are just for lazy people.
For many of us, bidets are something we’ve only seen in movies where they are generally a luxury item located in the home of a rich individual, the type of individual that has staff to do everything for them. They don’t do anything for themselves, not even wiping their own bottoms. The truth is, good hygiene is something we can all benefit from and being lazy isn’t part of that equation. The high level of hygiene from one is also beneficial for those suffering from conditions such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and more. It is a great source of care for those with mobility issues including seniors and people living with disabilities. It provides a hands-free wash with minimal twisting and bending in the process providing a greater sense of independence. Nearly everyone, at any age, can benefit from using a bidet.
For more great ideas, click here.
Myth 4: Adding one would mean renovating my bathroom.
At this point, you may be thinking of adding one sounds like a good idea but you really don’t want to have to renovate. Thanks to new technologies, you can now get bidet seats like the SpaLet Bidet Seat from American Standard that install directly onto your existing toilet. They are easy to install and allow you to enjoy the benefits of a bidet without having to renovate at all.
Myth 5: I don’t have room.
The other benefit of a SpaLet Bidet Seat is that you can now have one in any bathroom, no matter how big or small. Even the smallest powder room can offer the benefits of a bidet. If your bathroom has room for a toilet, you have room for a SpaLet Bidet Seat!
For more great ideas, click here.
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Cleaner and easy to install. I agree.
Am interested to learn that I don’t need to renovate my bathroom to add a bidet!
I would love to have a bidet, I always thought I would have to do a big reno, but that is not the case at all, this would be an awesome win!
Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom: I’m glad this is a myth, I would LOVE to have a Spabidet in my home!
Glad it’s possible to get a bidet without rennovation!
This is such a great idea! I love the thought of feeling extra fresh!
Myth – Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom……good to know this is a myth!
Interesting perspective, very informative. Got to spread awareness of such myths .
Myth 4: Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom…..not any more I guess thanks to SpaLet Bidet Seat !! wow….just wow!!
Had no idea that I can now have a bidet in any bathroom very easily!
Wonderful invention
Good info, thanks!
wow
The myth that surprised me was Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom. I didnt know it was that simple
easy to install
Great that bidets can now be installed on existing toilets….thought i’d never be able to have one without remodeling or moving.
I thought Myth 2 was true – turns out they’re not bad for the environment! Surprise!
Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom
makes a lot of good points!
Myth 4: Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom.
I’m glad that all the 5 Myths are false.
I don’t have room for a bidet- myth busted!
What really surprised me is that I don’t have to reno my bathroom to enjoy the benefits of a bidet!
Myth 1: Toilet paper is just as good as a bidet
My wife would love this.
I never thought about a bidet being a great source of care for those with mobility issues including seniors and people living with disabilities great idea
The myth 2- that bidets are bad for the environment surprised me the most.
I learned so much from this article, makes me want to buy a Bidet
Thanks for helping me to understand how a Bidet works and the benefits of having one.
thought it would be more difficult
None of the myths really surprised me, but I am most glad that it is a myth that you need to do a reno to add one.
I thought bidets were bad for the environment/wasting water. Good to know they aren’t! I used to have one in my old condo!
Busting myths 4 and 5 are a game changer for me!
Myth 4: Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom.
“Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom” Myth is such a surprise ! I thought it should be the bath tub !
Always thought we should have bidets in North America. Used them in Europe.
I’m thrilled to read that installing this bidet needs no renovation!
It’s good to know I wouldn’t have to renovate my bathroom in order to install a bidet.
Glad to hear that people who use a bidet are not lazy!!!!
Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom.
It’s marvellous that one can now get a SpaLet® Bidet Seat from American Standard that installs directly onto your existing toilet.
Easy to install is something I didn’t know!
Wow this would be so much easier for me to care for my 2 boys that are special needs. One has cerebral palsy and requires bathroom help everyday. I never ever thought of a bidet until reading this article. Something to really look into in the future.
I’ve never read about bidets before, didn’t know they were good for the environment, but it must take longer to use one vs using toilet paper, it would be interesting to know about that aspect of using it.
Myth 2: Bidets are bad for the environment— we are saving tons of toilet paper thus saving TREES! that is good!!!
Myth 4: Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom. (I would have thought this was true!)
I had thought a bidet would require a big reno job so I’m happy to learn that it is an easy install
The fact that toilet paper is just as good as a bidet is vey interesting!
I use a bidet at a friends home and I love it!
No more toilet paper!!! Yeh!!!
The fact that a bidet uses less toilet paper is great!
I guess I always thought of bidets as something for the wealthier classes. I was surprised to hear that a bidet can be installed without renovating the bathroom.
I can’t live without one now!
I had no idea a Reno wasn’t required for a bidet!
Bidets are just for lazy people. what a myth
I love it
“Myth 3: Bidets are just for lazy people” I don’t believe that I am a lazy person and I would love to win one of these beautiful Spalet Bidet !!
that a bidet is for a lazy person!
I used one in the airport in Japan and was sold! I want a bidet!
Wow, I thought they used way more water!
it can fit in any bathroom
I like that you can have a bidet in any bathroom without a reno and they are beneficial for the environment because use of toilet paper is reduced.
Myth #4 surprised me because I thought that you have to do some renovations to install a bidet.
Hmm… I’m surprised that you don’t need to renovate the bathroom in order to install one. Easier than I thought.
I’m surprised that you don’t need to renovate the bathroom in order to install one. Easier than I thought.
I would love to have a bidet but I did not think I had the room…the bidet seat looks interesting.
‘Myth 2: Bidets are bad for the environment.’ Surprised me, I was always worried about the water usage!
the myth that surprised me was that a bidet is for lazy people. I would think the opposite.
Knew most of the facts, actually. Have a bidet in 1 bathroom already, could use another one!
Myth 1: Toilet paper is just as good as a bidet. this myth surprised me.. i grew up with bidets so i love them!!.
I didn’t know that you could put a bidet in any bathroom without renovations. Thanks for informing me.
Myth 3 surprised me the most. I have never thought of people using a bidet as lazy and am surprised that other people do. It’s ridiculous.
I thought adding a bidet meant renovating.
My girlfriend has a bidet, so none of the myths surprized me.
I’ve also thought of bidets as ‘luxury items for lazy people’ – not anymore!
Would love to own a Bidet, was surprised to see I wouldn’t need a renovation
You’ve made the case – I want one!
Great that they can be installed on an existing toilet.
Bidets are the greatest invention ever.
How civilized!
I never would have known that you could buy a bidet seat that can be installed directly on to your existing toilet.
Never knew they weren’t for lazy people! (Whaaa?)
I totally thought Bidet’s were worse for the environment than toilet paper; great to hear that they are far better!
wow sounds amazing!
Definitely surprised it doesn’t require a Reno!
I was surprised to read about Myth 3: Bidets are just for lazy people, which I did not know was a thing. Obviously, it is not for lazy people, I actually think the opposite!
I love how clean this would be!
I’ve never tried a bidet, but I’m seriously starting to wonder what all the fuss is about. I’d like to have one eventually!
surprised about myth #3
Bidet’s are great to have in a home, since got one 2 years ago, my life has changed significantly!
It did not even occur to me to think that a bidet could be bad for the environment. My only concern would be increased water usage but that is balanced off with decreased landfill or solid waste treatment facility usage.
The myth that I don’t have room for a bidet. I have an older home and this is a real solution built for our house
Myth #2 is a surprise!
Looks fancy!
Wow, I didn’t think about how toilet paper has a negative effect on the environment. I guess being “lazy” is beneficial for the environment.
Easy to Install! Love it!
I am now really considering getting a bidet.
Didn’t know it was better than toilet paper!
I think this would add value to ypour home, and love that it is eco friendly
I’m in!
Good design that would fit in my small bathroom. would love the spray , toilet paper is overrated.
Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom. That’s good to know
Reminds me of toilets in Hapan which were awesome.
Loved the bidet in Japan.
I’m surprised nobody needs to renovate.
Much better than jumping in the shower all the time 🙂
Definitely easy to install – so worthwhile!
Once upon a time, I would have thought #3 to be absurd. How hard is it to just wipe? And just imagine the water splashing everywhere. Then I used my first bidet. Heaven! I’ve since realized that myths #4 and #5 are also just that…myths.
I’m surprised that you don’t need to renovate to add a bidet!
I was glad to have myth 2 (bidets are bad for the environment) busted. It’s great to know that they save so much paper.
Now I’m interested!
It sounds like a excellent idea. Easy to install and offers health benefits! Thanks for the opportunity!
I actually did think you had to renovate to add a bidet.
The myth “Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom” the fact that we don’t have to renovate our bathroom surprised me the most.
Good info!
I did not realize how easy they are to install!
Bidets are bad for the environment. I never thought about the amount of toilet paper that saves.
“On average, we use approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper each day.“. WOW that is a lot of toilet paper over a lifetime. Bidets and squat toilets are the way to go
Myth 4 I though I would need to renote! This is awesome!
So I do have room for a bidet in my tiny bathroom, that’s a great news!
I was most surprised that bidets do not require a bathroom renovation. I love that they’re hygienic and environmentally friendly.
Myth 3: Bidgets are for lazy people
Everyone can benefit. There not just a luxury item
I am surprised by the fact I have room for one.
After reading the myths about the use of a bidet, I am convinced that a bidet offers the most sanitary way of cleaning oneself after having a bowel movement. Why is North America and Canada so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to bidets.
Surprised to read that it can have a positive environmental impact
Bidets > tp for the bunghole
No renos and easy to install
Awesome post. very informative
Love that no Reno required to have a bidet in bathroom. Fresher than ever!
I’m glad to know that a bidet seat can be installed on an existing toilet seat, eliminating the need for a whole new installation or renovation. I always thought a bidet would be a full fixture and any attachments might be clunky or cheap. Glad they are becoming popular here in North America now!
This sounds like it would be great ! It would save money on toilet paper and save trees. That is the myth that surprized me. I could save 3 trees.
Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom…..not any more I guess thanks to SpaLet Bidet Seat
hat bidets are bad for the environment surprised me the most.
No renovation required.
So easy to install. Nor renovation needed.
Got me curious!
Thought a bidet would mean a bathroom renovation – interested to hear it doesn’t.
Myth 1: Toilet paper is just as good as a bidet surprised me.
I think the use of a bidet is so handy. Often times I use wet wipes but the bidet is more environmentally friendly.
Bidets are bad for the environment.
I would love to win this!!
The myth that I am most surprised about is that toilet paper is just as good as a bidet. Who knew?!
Interesting about the water usage
Myth 5 Surprised me
very intresting
great idea
I think this is a great idea. I would love to have a bidet, it is so much better for my health and I would not have to renovate!
Well, that tears it- I want a Spalet Bidet!
I am quite fascinated about the concept of a Bidet. Only because, as the article suggested, it is rather a foreign luxury? for us North Americans. I would be open to the experience of using one!
No reno to have a bidet, that is great!
I’m most surprised that it fits in any sized bathroom.
I was surprised that a bidet can be installed over the existing toilet, with no nee for renovation.
I am surprised by the fact that it is possible to add a bidet without having to renovate a bathroom
It is wonderful that you do not have to renovate.
I am glad to know that adding a bidet doesn’t mean a major bathroom renovation!
I’m glad they are environmentally friendly.
Can’t wait til this is the standard in North America.
Traveled around some of Europe and the Middle East, see these almost everywhere. Very hygenic, highly recommended
Someone once said to me “if a bird pooped on your arm, would you just wipe it off with some tissue? No, right?. Then why do people think its ok to just clean their bottoms with tissue…)
That really made me think.
the myth that surprised me the most was number 2, i thought it was bad for the environment as well since it used water, but turns out, it is healthy for the environment because you save on toilet paper and saving trees!
Myth 2: Bidets are bad for the environment.
I like the idea of saving toilet paper
Have found out that “I don’t have room for a bidet” is now a myth.
I learnt that it is a myth to say that bidets are bad for the environment
Fell in love with them on a recent trip to Japan. They are standard everywhere from subways to restaurants.
Myth #4 was a surprise to me! I didn’t realize how easy it was to install!!
Myth 3: Bidets are just for lazy people
I didn’t realize how environmentally friendly they were!
Reducing toilet paper has a positive impact on the environment
Those are great tips, didn’t know the seat could be added on an existing toilet.
I’ve always wanted a bidet, and this confirms that it’s a smart choice.
No room, no problem. Awesome.
The myth about being lazy if you use a bidet is a surprise to hear. I think it makes a bathroom safer because people are not trying to clean themselves using some other method and end up in an accident in the washroom because of trying to do acrobatics.
Easy to install
I find it funny the Myth that Bidet is bad for the environment.???? You are using less toilet paper. If every one had a Bidet there would be less waste in the sewer system and less smelly people on a crowded bus.
i was most surprised by Myth 5: I don’t have room for a bidet.
Budgets are awesome, never understood why North America never adopted their use.
Every bathroom should have a bidet, they should be standard.
Thank you for bringing the bidet seat onboard! I have seen this type of product and thought it was a great idea for smaller bathrooms.
I’m glad to see it will fit into even really small bathrooms.
Looks like a great idea.
I wasn’t surprised by anything, just reminded that I should get one ?.
I found myth 4 most surprising! I’ve been interested in a bidet for a while but I was worried I’d have to renovate my bathroom. Knowing that isn’t the case is a big, nice suprise.
Myth 2: Bidets are bad for the environment. That one surprised me the most.
Myth 5: I don’t have room for a bidet. With a SpaLet,I would!
I have heard that a bidet provides the ultimate in hygiene and since this one installs on an existing toilet and there is no need to renovate, it sounds like an ideal solution,
It’s interesting to know it doesn’t need much space and renovation to install.
ce serait vraiment apprécié
I was happy to hear that I could install one without a huge Reno.
Myth 1: Toilet paper is just as good as a bidet!
Only question if I win, does it get installed in the Primary Bedroom ensuite or the guest bathroom? Great idea. Hope it works well.
that’s great that the benefit of a bidet can be had without renovating your bathroom!
Interesting.
i really read this!
Myth 2 about bidets being less harmful for the environment was interesting.
Great not to have to renovate to install one.
love it so easy to clean
Bidets have come a long way!
Oh my Goodness about time Canada caught up!
Bidets are bad for the environment
Myth number one that toilet paper is just as good as a bidet most surprised me.
The myth that surprised me the most was that bidets are bad for the environment – makes sense though, while you might think more water is used, it’s likely less environmental impact than the amount of toilet paper that is flushed each year.
Love bidets we are lacking these in North America
Myth 5: I don’t have room for a bidet.
i have never used a bidet but i would use this! what a great idea. also i really like the fact that much less toilet paper is consumed. great for our waste water treatment plant!
Myth 4: Adding a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom. This is great for all of us that cannot afford the reno’s
I was most surprised about the myth a bidet would mean renovating my bathroom
Something i have always wanted – had one at my parents place, miss it dearly.
I’m surprised how easy it seems to install a bidet
Love this!