You might have come across one on vacation or heard a friend talking about installing one in their bathroom. But what is a bidet? Our guide goes over the basics – including the benefits of a bidet that might have you adding one to your list of to-dos.

What Is a Bidet?

Bidets are bathroom fixtures designed to help you clean up after using the toilet by spraying a stream of water to a specific area for a thorough, hygienic cleanse. They come in a variety of freestanding and add-on options so that you can find a bidet that works for your bathroom layout. Some bidets include features like a heated seat or a built-in dryer extra comfort.

Freestanding bidets have a stand-alone design that resembles toilets, but feature a faucet for cleaning your posterior. Toilet-seat bidets can replace any existing toilet seat and come with an integrated faucet and control panel for all-in-one convenience. Handheld bidets are attached to the toilet or the bathroom wall and function like a kitchen sink sprayer, allowing you to spray the desired area.

Tip!

To learn more about bidet types and features, read our guide Types of Bidets: Find the Best Bidet for You.

Benefits of a Bidet

Though bidets have been a common fixture in many bathrooms across the world, they've continued to gain popularity. Here are some of the key reasons why a bidet could be an excellent bathroom upgrade:

1. Increases Hygiene

Bidets can provide a more sanitary experience than toilet paper alone. Plus, using a bidet can leave you feeling more clean and refreshed.

2. Boosts Comfort

Features like a heated seat, built-in dryer, remote control, or customizable water temperature can make your bathroom-going experience even more comfortable. Some bidets even feature custom presets to suit your preferences.

3. Cuts Down on Toilet Paper

Many people find that using bidets leads to less toilet paper. Though some people still use toilet paper to dry off (especially if their bidet isn't equipped with a built-in dryer), they still use less toilet paper overall.

4. Lessens Clogs

Because bidets often reduce the amount of toilet paper used, you'll likely experience less clogs. This saves you from plunging the toilet or experiencing more severe plumbing issues.

5. Improves Accessibility

Bidets can make going to the bathroom easier for people with mobility issues because it can cut out the need to wipe with toilet paper, and the bidet’s control panel is very easy to maneuver.

Tip!

Find step-by-step instructions for installing a bidet with our guide How to Install a Bidet.

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