Navigating bathroom customs in different countries can sometimes lead to unexpected encounters. For many first-time travelers in Europe and Asia, the bidet is one such surprise. Often found nestled beside the toilet, this fixture, while common in many parts of the world, remains an enigma to those from regions where it’s less prevalent. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “what is that?” or, more importantly, “how do I use it?”, you’re not alone. Understanding How To Use A Bidet is simpler than you might think and can significantly enhance your personal hygiene routine.
What Exactly is a Bidet?
Contrary to some humorous depictions you might find online, a bidet is not a drinking fountain for the bathroom. Instead, this plumbing fixture, typically made of porcelain, is designed for washing after using the toilet. Positioned near the toilet, it features a faucet or nozzle that sprays water to cleanse your perineal and anal areas. Think of it as a supplementary tool for personal hygiene, working in conjunction with, or sometimes even replacing, toilet paper.
Bidets come in various forms, from standalone units resembling a low sink to bidet seats that attach to your existing toilet. Regardless of the type, the core function remains the same: to provide a more thorough and hygienic cleaning experience compared to toilet paper alone. In many cultures, bidets are considered a standard bathroom fixture, valued for their cleanliness and environmental benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide: Mastering the Bidet
Using a bidet for the first time might feel a little daunting, but with a simple step-by-step approach, you’ll quickly become comfortable. Here’s how to effectively use a standalone bidet:
Step 1: Use the Toilet as Usual
Begin by using the toilet as you normally would. While the bidet is for cleaning, it’s intended to be used after you’ve finished your business. It’s advisable to use toilet paper to remove the majority of waste before using the bidet for a final, more thorough cleanse.
Step 2: Position Yourself at the Bidet
Next, move over to the bidet. There are a couple of common approaches to positioning yourself:
- Facing the Faucet: Sit facing the bidet’s faucet with your legs straddling the sides. This position is sometimes preferred by women for washing the vulva area, as it allows for a front-to-back wash, which is considered more hygienic. However, it can feel a bit awkward with clothing around your ankles.
- Facing Away from the Faucet: Sit on the bidet facing away from the faucet, much like you would sit on a toilet. This is often more comfortable, especially after a bowel movement, as it naturally positions the water stream for cleaning the anal area.
Choose whichever position feels most comfortable and practical for your needs.
Step 3: Adjust the Water
Now, it’s time to turn on the water. Most bidets have controls to regulate water flow and temperature.
- Temperature Control: Look for handles or knobs. Often, a single handle controls both temperature and pressure. Turning left usually introduces warmer water, while turning right provides cold water. Some older models might have separate knobs for hot and cold water. Start with lukewarm water to avoid any temperature shock.
- Pressure Control: Begin with a low water pressure and gradually increase it to your comfort level. Bidets can sometimes have a surprisingly strong spray, so starting gently is key to a comfortable first experience.
Carefully adjust the water until you find a comfortable temperature and pressure.
Step 4: Cleanse and Dry
Allow the water to cleanse the desired area for a few moments. You may need to slightly adjust your position to ensure the water stream is effectively cleaning. Avoid using your hands to splash water unless you have washed them first, maintaining hygiene is the point! Many bidet faucets also have a nozzle that you can adjust to direct the water flow precisely where needed.
Once you feel clean, turn off the water. To dry yourself, you have a few options:
- Bidet Towel: In many bidet-using households or public restrooms, you might find a small towel specifically for drying after bidet use. If provided, use this towel to gently pat yourself dry.
- Toilet Paper: If a dedicated towel isn’t available, toilet paper is perfectly acceptable. Use a small amount to pat dry the area.
- Air Dry: Some modern bidets come with a built-in air dryer. If yours has this feature, you can use it to dry yourself hands-free.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully used a bidet! With a little practice, it will become a quick and easy part of your bathroom routine.
The Advantages of Using a Bidet
Beyond just feeling cleaner, incorporating a bidet into your hygiene routine offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Hygiene: Water cleanses more effectively than dry toilet paper, leaving you feeling fresher and cleaner. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or certain health conditions.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reducing toilet paper consumption is a significant environmental plus. Bidets decrease deforestation and the energy and water needed to produce toilet paper.
- Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While there’s an initial investment in installing a bidet, you’ll save money over time by using less toilet paper.
- Comfort and Relief: Bidets can provide soothing relief for conditions like hemorrhoids and can be more comfortable than wiping, especially for those with mobility issues.
While some might initially see a bidet as an unusual bathroom fixture, its benefits for hygiene, the environment, and personal comfort are undeniable. Once you understand how to use a bidet, you might just find yourself wondering how you ever lived without one. Give it a try – your bottom (and the planet) will thank you!
