Bidets are an easy way to upgrade your current bathroom. What once was a European favorite is quickly becoming more popular everywhere. They are an easy way to add a bit of luxury to your toilet, all while increasing cleanliness and saving on toilet paper. Learn everything you need to know about bidets to help you choose the right one for your bathroom.

What Is a Bidet Used For?

A bidet is a bathroom fixture, either stand-alone or a toilet add-on, for cleaning yourself after using the toilet. Bidets spray a stream of water to a specific area which enables you to clean exactly where you need to, allowing you to cut down on the amount of toilet paper you are using.

Types of Bidets

Different types of bidets range in function, style, and features.

Toilet-Seat Bidets: A toilet-seat bidet can be added onto your toilet at any time. It replaces your current seat with a seat that has a bidet already installed. All you have to do after installing the toilet-seat bidet is connect the bidet's water hose to a T-valve which connects to the toilet's water line. These built-in bidets typically have a side control panel to activate or deactivate the bidet feature.

Tip!

If you plan to go with a toilet seat bidet, you'll need to choose the right type for your existing toilet bowl shape. Elongated toilet seats have a long oval shape, while round toilet seats have a circular shape and a shorter bowl. Once you determine the bowl shape of your toilet, you can measure its dimensions to determine the best size for a bidet replacement.

Freestanding Bidets: Freestanding bidets are stand-alone, traditional bidets separate from your toilet. They are placed next to the toilet and look like a large sink that is low to the ground. Freestanding bidets come with two different mount options, floor mount and wall mount. Freestanding bidets tend to be installed at the same time as your toilet due to plumbing needs.

Handheld Bidets: Handheld bidets are also called bidet sprayers or bidet showers. They are nozzles that attach directly to your toilet or bathroom wall and spray a controlled stream of water. The handheld sprayer provides control over the positioning and intensity of the water. Bidet sprayers are a great option if you are looking for a way to keep your current toilet and add on a bidet.

Bidet Materials and Finishes

With a type of bidet in mind, it's time to look at your material and finish options to match your bathroom features and functionality.

Bidet Materials: Choose a bidet made from plastic, metal, or vitreous china. Plastic bidets are typically more budget-friendly and come in toilet seat or handheld configurations. Metal bidets usually come in handheld configurations, either toilet-mounted or wall-mounted, so you can match the finish to your toilet handle and surrounding hardware. Although metal bidets are a bit more expensive than plastic bidets, they're also more durable, so you can get long-term use out of it.

Vitreous china refers to porcelain or ceramic materials with an enamel coating that strengthens the ceramic layer and makes it more durable — not to mention adds a sheen to the surface that creates a glossy look and feel. Vitreous china bidets typically come in freestanding configurations, but you can also find them in toilet seat bidets. Because of their look and durability, vitreous china options are on the higher end of the price range, but well worth it.

Bidet Finish: Bidets come in a variety of finishes – from basic white, to chrome, black, and other satin, polished, or brushed finish options – so you can find one that matches the finish of your bathtub, shower base, toilet, or bathroom sink. Take a look at your bathroom fixtures to determine which bidet finish will fit seamlessly into the room.

Bidet Features

Water Pressure Control: If you are looking for higher or lower water pressure, look for a bidet that gives you the ability to change the water pressure. Most bidets with water pressure control will have three to five different settings, allowing you to choose the right one for you.

Heated Seat: Hate sitting on a cold toilet seat? Opt for a bidet with a heated toilet seat. You won’t have to sit on a cold toilet seat again!

Temperature Control: If you want to customize the water to the temperature of your liking, look for a bidet with temperature control. You can choose between different temperatures, allowing everyone to use it regardless of their temperature preference.

Remote Control: Remote controls are the most common feature on bidets. They allow you to start and stop the stream of water with the touch of a button. Some remotes affect additional features, like temperature control, stream intensity, and more.

Included Hardware: If you are looking to mount your bidet to a wall, you will need the hardware to do so. Bidets that come with the mounting hardware ensure you have the right hardware and bolts so you can finish installing your bidet.

Bidet Faucet Handle Styles: Whereas toilet seat bidets have a small lever or side panel to turn the bidet function on or off, freestanding bidets and some handheld bidets come with built-in handles to turn the water on or off. No-handle bidets usually come in a handheld form with a lever on the back of the faucet that you press to release the water. Freestanding bidets have built-in handles on the back of the bidet that come in a variety of styles to match to cabinet knobs or sink handles in your bathroom, including single, cross, or lever handles.

Bidet Faucet Finishes: Choose from a variety of bidet faucet finish options that match other fixtures in your bathroom and have the durability to last for the long-term. For long-lasting quality and a sleek look, look to nickel, brass, or bronze finishes. Review the finish tab to the left-hand side of product pages for more finish options that cater to style.

Mount Type: If you're leaning towards a freestanding bidet, you need to consider the faucet mount type for your bidet. Widespread bidet faucets have three or more components, including a drain and pressure control valve. Typically widespread bidets include the faucet itself, and one handle for hot water and another for cold water. Widespread bidets require three faucet holes to install.

Single hole bidet faucets have one faucet with an attached handle that can produce hot or cold water depending on the direction you turn the handle. You need one faucet hole to install a single hole bidet faucet. If you want a faucet mount type that works with either one or three faucet holes on your bidet, go for a centerset faucet. This mount type either has a faucet and handle set configured into one unit (meant for a single hole installation) or a faucet paired with two separate handles for three-hole installation.

Spray Pattern: Choose between vertical or horizontal faucet spray patterns for your bidet. Bidets with vertical spray patterns usually come in handheld or toilet seat configurations, but can also come in freestanding units. The bidet faucet rests below the rim of the toilet and sprays upwards to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas and prevent bacteria build-up. Bidets with horizontal spray patterns have a sink-faucet appearance, with a water spout located on the back of the bidet. When you turn the water on, the bidet faucet releases water downwards for a quick rinse off so you can feel clean and fresh.

Common Bidet Questions

Do you wipe before using a bidet?
To prevent excess feces in freestanding bidets, most users wipe lightly with toilet paper first. This is ultimately up to the user and what they are comfortable with. Follow any manufacturer's instructions for best usage.

Are bidets sanitary?
Yes. A common misconception is that the water is coming from the toilet bowl, but the water is actually coming from the tap. Additionally, it is important to keep your bidet clean! Make sure you are cleaning your bidet consistently. Be sure to read the instructions to see what is recommended for your model and style.

What is the point of a bidet?
Bidets are used to clean yourself after using the toilet. A bidet sprays a stream of concentrated water, allowing you to target specific areas. They are used in addition to toilet paper for hygienic purposes.

Do you sit on a bidet?
It depends on the style that you choose and what you are most comfortable with. If you are using a toilet seat bidet, the bidet is installed in the seat and is activated while you are sitting down. If you are using a sprayer, the bidet can either be activated while you sit on the seat or hover over the bowl. For a freestanding bidet, depending on the style you can either sit or hover over the bidet.