What are they and how to use them.
For hundreds of years, people all across Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East have used bidets. Yet, Americans are still a little late hopping on the bidet bandwagon.
As an American, I was wary upon first hearing about a bidet as I am used to cleaning myself off with dry toilet paper. I kept hearing about how a bidet is considered the best way to clean up after a trip to relieve oneself but still… It seemed too foreign. However, after trying this innovative cleaning machine, I now realize how ineffective and old-fashioned toilet paper alone is!
Now, let’s get to the “bottom” of all questions you may be too shy to ask!
What is a Bidet?
To put it simply, a bidet is a bathroom fixture used for cleaning yourself with water, after a “trip to the john”. It can take the place of toilet paper, however, some people still like to use TP afterwards.
Fun fact: Bidet is a French word meaning “short legged horse,” referencing how you straddle a bidet toilet seat and also how French nobility used bidets back in the day, to clean themselves after long rides on their horses.
Up until recently, a bidet was a separate porcelain fixture in the bathroom, often mistaken for a weird looking sink or maybe even a second toilet. In the 1980’s, Japan introduced the world to a space-saving design that made it easy (and cheap) to add a bidet to any bathroom, using an attachable bidet toilet seat. This seat replaces the existing toilet seat and with a simple connection below, the toilet’s fill valve delivers clean water to the bidet seat! No plumbers required.
How Do You Use a Bidet Toilet Seat?
Step 1: Taking care of business
One of the perks of a bidet toilet seat is you don’t need to move from one place to another to use the bidet; you’re already on it! The bidet nozzle remains inside the bidet seat until you press the wash button. Once you’ve finished your business, you can get ready for your wash. Keep in mind, the nozzle and spray are calibrated to automatically self-clean for every use!
Step 2: Start your bidet wash
When you’re ready to use your bidet, press the WASH button to activate the spray nozzle beneath you. Your wash will start after the nozzle cleans itself and the water heats up.
If you are nervous for your first time, you can get a feel for it beforehand. Hover your hand over the toilet bowl and press the WASH button. You can watch the nozzle extend and test the temperature, pressure, and angles with your hand instead of your…
Step 3: Adjusting
While the bidet is spraying you, adjust the settings so it’s comfortable and hitting the right spot. Customizing the spray settings is easy as 1, 2, 3. The water temperature, pressure, nozzle position, and width of the spray can all be adjusted on the control panel. Experimenting is the best way to have the full experience!
Press STOP when you’re finished. The nozzle will clean itself and slide back into the seat.
Step 4: Dry Off
Some bidet toilet seats include warm air dryers. To start drying, press DRY. If you’re in a rush, using a bit of toilet paper will be your best option as the drying process can take a few minutes. Because of this, many people prefer to dry themselves with a designated cloth or towel, which are usually hung next to the bidet.
Do you think you’re ready to give a bidet toilet seat a shot? Before you think I’m full of crap, try out the Veken Bidet for yourself and see how you feel. You can thank me later!