sassenach Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 The toilet thread made me think of this burning question. I have never used a bidet, but I’ve seen them, and my first thought is, isn’t there back splash onto the sprayer? Then does the next person get sprayed with micro remnants of the last person’s backsplash? Help me understand how a bidet can be sanitary. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Can I also ask, is there a dedicated post-use towel? Toilet paper is not good for drying off, right? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Eww. Backspray...🤮 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIN MOUSA Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 No answers, just a big ol' "Thank you!" for asking the important questions :lol: 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 I've wondered this, too! Drying off? and how do you sit on it? It's a great idea but I'm confused. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 (edited) I've never been instructed in how to use one, but we once rented a house that had one. I don't understand the backsplash question. No water stays in the bowl. It drains away like a sink. You can leave the spray running a bit to rinse it off. Our one was in an en suite bathroom, so the usual soap and towels were at hand. I didn't find it very comfy, so only used it once or twice. Edited December 27, 2017 by Laura Corin 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Some Japanese toilets come with both the sprayer and a dryer. (....and music and light shows) 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted December 27, 2017 Author Share Posted December 27, 2017 I've never been instructed in how to use one, but we once rented a house that had one. I don't understand the backsplash question. No water stays in the bowl. It drains away like a sink. You can leave the spray running a bit to rinse it off. Our one was in an en suite bathroom, so the usual soap and towels were at hand. I didn't find it very comfy, so only used it once or twice. The ones I’ve seen have a little nozzle that sticks out. My concern is the backsplash onto that nozzle. Let me see if I can find a picture... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted December 27, 2017 Author Share Posted December 27, 2017 Can I also ask, is there a dedicated post-use towel? Toilet paper is not good for drying off, right? Another excellent question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 All the bidets I've seen had dryers. No toilet paper or towels necessary. As far as backsplash goes, most people actually use toilet paper before then using the bidet. Or so I have been instructed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted December 27, 2017 Author Share Posted December 27, 2017 (edited) https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/product/smartbidet-electric-bidet-seat-for-elongated-toilets-in-white/1047302495?skuId=47302495&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_bath_online&product_id=47302495&adtype=pla&product_channel=online&adpos=1o4&creative=224060487099&device=m&matchtype=&network=s&mrkgadid=3140839786&mrkgcl=609&rkg_id=h-bf5d39a5f3e69ddeb1fdc4743d727125_t-1514397645&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9N_K6OKq2AIVTlp-Ch0S4gssEAQYBCABEgJBWfD_BwE Here’s a picture with the sprayer clearly sticking out into the fallout zone. Edited December 27, 2017 by Sassenach Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmseB Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 (edited) I don't know exactly how they work, but dang I wish these existed in America (I mean, as something other than a specialty item). We're not supposed to use those flushable wipes, right? Because they aren't really flushable and they cause all kinds of sewer problems, or so I hear. We're renting a house with septic so I don't use them because of that. But look, if I got poop on my hands, I'd never just wipe it off with dry toilet paper and claim it was clean. NO ONE WOULD! But yet everyone does that with their bums. Dry toilet paper alone does not clean anything and no one can sway me otherwise. But I don't know what I'm supposed to do about it other than mostly try not to think about it. Edited December 27, 2017 by EmseB 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gstharr Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Today's Woot has an affordable attachment for the curious. many favorable reviews. https://www.woot.com/category/tools?ref=w_gh_tg_6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaKim Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 I don't know exactly how they work, but dang I wish these existed in America (I mean, as something other than a specialty item). We're not supposed to use those flushable wipes, right? Because they aren't really flushable and they cause all kinds of sewer problems, or so I hear. We're renting a house with septic so I don't use them because of that. But look, if I got poop on my hands, I'd never just wipe it off with dry toilet paper and claim it was clean. NO ONE WOULD! But yet everyone does that with their bums. Dry toilet paper alone does not clean anything and no one can sway me otherwise. But I don't know what I'm supposed to do about it other than mostly try not to think about it. I am with you on not thinking dry toilet paper does the job. We use regular baby wipes and keep a lidded trash can with a bag next to the toilet for putting them in (along with pads, etc. that cannot be flushed). I know it still contributes to trash produced, but then, so does toilet paper, and I am not giving that up, for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 I’ve used lots of bidets, although never a fancy bidet, just the bidet sprayer type. Backsplash isn’t a problem in my experience. And experienced bidet users don’t require much toilet paper to dry off since you don’t get very wet. I feel much cleaner with a bidet. Also, bidet sprayers are the best for cleaning the bathroom, especially if you have a drain in the floor. You can just power wash the whole bathroom and squeegee all the water into the drain. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myra Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 So has anyone had experience with the add-on type attachments for existing toilets - recommendations, etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Ok so I've read how this thing works and I have to say I don't really get it. How do you not get water all over your legs and do you have to take your pants completely off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 I always picture spraying things into your body. Not appealing. Also the ones with the dryers seem even more likely to spread germs around. Like it turns out that hand dryers do, only worse. DH has them at work. He tries to tell me about how great they are and I shut. him. down. La la la I can't hear you. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 In many Asian countries, there is a sprayer with a flexible hose that is attached to the wall beside the toilet, or to the side of the toilet; it's similar to the kind of sprayer many have by the kitchen sink. It works well. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 In many Asian countries, there is a sprayer with a flexible hose that is attached to the wall beside the toilet, or to the side of the toilet; it's similar to the kind of sprayer many have by the kitchen sink. It works well. ;) Like a diaper sprayer? https://www.amazon.com/Bumkins-Cloth-Diaper-Sprayer-Chrome/dp/B00A65YN8E SaveSave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 (edited) https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/product/smartbidet-electric-bidet-seat-for-elongated-toilets-in-white/1047302495?skuId=47302495&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_bath_online&product_id=47302495&adtype=pla&product_channel=online&adpos=1o4&creative=224060487099&device=m&matchtype=&network=s&mrkgadid=3140839786&mrkgcl=609&rkg_id=h-bf5d39a5f3e69ddeb1fdc4743d727125_t-1514397645&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9N_K6OKq2AIVTlp-Ch0S4gssEAQYBCABEgJBWfD_BwE Here’s a picture with the sprayer clearly sticking out into the fallout zone. I guess I'm not so worried. It would be easy to leave the spray running a bit after you finish, then wipe over with bathroom cleaner. The bidet I used was a separate item, not just an addition to the toilet. https://www.betterbathrooms.com/bathroom-suites/bidets?s=12328&gclid=CjwKCAiApo3SBRA4EiwAty8i-m6j-CT0PGH7OssqhiIhrUUEUrSushF0YvQb8XszDQ9FSSzwzIm_kRoCs4QQAvD_BwE Edited December 27, 2017 by Laura Corin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Ok the built in ones make sense to me. I don't get the free standing ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Ok the built in ones make sense to me. I don't get the free standing ones. Yeah, I need a step by step explanation. Does one waddle over like a penguin, or is this a bottomless production? 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Like a diaper sprayer? https://www.amazon.com/Bumkins-Cloth-Diaper-Sprayer-Chrome/dp/B00A65YN8E SaveSave Yes. We also lived in another country that had bidets. I found the sprayers convenient and more practical than a bidet, and miss having one. Maybe we should get diaper sprayers... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barnwife Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 But look, if I got poop on my hands, I'd never just wipe it off with dry toilet paper and claim it was clean. NO ONE WOULD! But yet everyone does that with their bums. Dry toilet paper alone does not clean anything and no one can sway me otherwise. But I don't know what I'm supposed to do about it other than mostly try not to think about it. Right, but you aren't going around touching things with your rear end, are you? (If the answer is yes, please just pretend you never saw this question.) Who cares if a few extra poop molecules get into your undies. They are rubbing off there all the time. I once heard that the average person has about a teaspoon of poop molecules hanging out in their undies. I have no idea if that's accurate or not, but just due to the nature of shedding skin, everyone has some, you know? As for bidets, I once rented a place (it was in Europe) that had one in the main bathroom. Yes, I tried it out. There really wasn't any splashback once I got the hang of it. You use the toilet, stand, step to the side, use the bidet, wait a second to drip dry, and done. I never used TP or a dryer afterwards. FTR, I, being from the US, have no idea if that's the correct way or not. But it worked for me! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted December 27, 2017 Author Share Posted December 27, 2017 I always picture spraying things into your body. Not appealing. Also the ones with the dryers seem even more likely to spread germs around. Like it turns out that hand dryers do, only worse. DH has them at work. He tries to tell me about how great they are and I shut. him. down. La la la I can't hear you. I can’t think of anything less appealing than using a bidet at work. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMS83 Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Best. thread. ever. :D :D :D 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 So has anyone had experience with the add-on type attachments for existing toilets - recommendations, etc My mom has one and she LOVES it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Ok I've always totally wondered this. According to some recent article in our local trashy newspaper they are much healthier. Apparently they prevent overly aggressive wipers from hurting themselves. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmseB Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Right, but you aren't going around touching things with your rear end, are you? (If the answer is yes, please just pretend you never saw this question.) Who cares if a few extra poop molecules get into your undies. They are rubbing off there all the time. I once heard that the average person has about a teaspoon of poop molecules hanging out in their undies. I have no idea if that's accurate or not, but just due to the nature of shedding skin, everyone has some, you know? Well I guess I'd rather have as little "poop molecules" as possible floating around in my undies. A wet wipe or bidet gets the germs off people, especially if (not to be too TMI in a thread about bidets) there's any...hair in the nearby vicinity? And while I don't go around touching my bum and/or touching things with my bum, I have a lot of little kids and I don't think my kids are the only ones randomly putting their hands in their pants. Basically, I just don't think dry wiping gets us clean enough and I don't know why people are ok with it, generally speaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 I remember when I was a child having a bidet in France. Dedicated towel by the bidet. Shared bathroom. Did not use bidet or towel. Also when I was a child, I remember a hotel in Scotland that still had chamber pots. 'What's this for?' I asked my mother. Did not use. Not to be too graphics, but a handy bottle of water to dampen a bit of toilet paper does the job, imo. Please do not quote as I may delete. LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 FYI, this discussion is why I scrub my hands after sorting and loading laundry! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 FYI, this discussion is why I scrub my hands after sorting and loading laundry! But don't bacteria die on very dry surfaces, or do I have that wrong? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 But don't bacteria die on very dry surfaces, or do I have that wrong? My mind doesn’t care , lol. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosika Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 We stayed at a vacation rental that had a bidet. We loved it so much that we asked the owners where we could buy one for our home. And then we did just that. Then the kids kept migrating to our bathroom, so we bought a less awesome but still nice one for them (it sat atop our regular toilet.) The brand is Toto. Run, don't walk. Freaking awesome. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rose Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Every time I'm menstruating or post birth I long for a bidet. They just seem like they would solve soooo many problems in life. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xixstar Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 So how about very cold water in the bidet? This is one of the thing that stops me from installing the handheld one I already own (bought it to be a diaper sprayer and never used it for that). Well that, and I wonder about the practicality of getting a good rinse because it's basically aiming a sink sprayer at important bits while not accidentally spraying out of the toilet? I'll just say that my bottom takes up majority of the seat, maybe that design is for skinnier people to have better access?But back to the cold - right now, the water in our house is quite cold - our well water bladder tank holds it at "room temp" which is probably around 45-50 degrees and maybe even colder since it's along an outside wall in a unheated room.I suppose I could try to add it to the hot water line too -but that invites new complications. To get the perfect hot/cold ratio for warm water in our house because that depends on how hot the water wants to be at that moment (hello oil-fired hot water heater with attitude). It's always changing and our water can be *extremely* hot which I think worries me more than an icy blast. I've wanted one forever, technically I own an option that would probably suffice, but have let fear of the unknown stop me from using it -- though I almost installed it before my last two births and still wish I had. Cold water would have been welcomed then.I've since fallen in love with the Japanese models and want a heated one with electronic controls -- that and one of those electronically controlled tubs too, and a center floor drain in my bathroom. And well, maybe the entire Japanese bath room -- but that's another tangent. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 they prevent overly aggressive wipers from hurting themselves. Ya'll are killin' me... :lol: :lol: :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 Ok I've always totally wondered this. According to some recent article in our local trashy newspaper they are much healthier. Apparently they prevent overly aggressive wipers from hurting themselves. Isn’t this self correcting? You would KNOW if you’re hurting yourself and dial it down a notch. Is there an epidemic of overly aggressive wipers down under???? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleEJ Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 I have a Toto Washlet seat on my toilet. It is everything. The seat is heated, and the heat level is adjustable (it can even be set to only heat during hours in which you are most likely to use it.) Upon sitting down, the seat pre-sprays the bowl to help with "stickage." The bidet feature has a bum setting and a front setting for ladies. The pressure, heat and angle are all adjustable. It then as a dryer, which is also adjustable. And to top it all off, it has a feature that remembers two separate users settings so all you have to do is press 1 or 2. I have Crohn's disease which leads to all sorts of bathroom issues and this thing is a total lifesaver. When I told DH I wanted it when we were building our house, he thought I was crazy but he LOVES it also. I highly, highly recommend!! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 So how about very cold water in the bidet? This is one of the thing that stops me from installing the handheld one I already own (bought it to be a diaper sprayer and never used it for that). Well that, and I wonder about the practicality of getting a good rinse because it's basically aiming a sink sprayer at important bits while not accidentally spraying out of the toilet? I'll just say that my bottom takes up majority of the seat, maybe that design is for skinnier people to have better access? But back to the cold - right now, the water in our house is quite cold - our well water bladder tank holds it at "room temp" which is probably around 45-50 degrees and maybe even colder since it's along an outside wall in a unheated room. I suppose I could try to add it to the hot water line too -but that invites new complications. To get the perfect hot/cold ratio for warm water in our house because that depends on how hot the water wants to be at that moment (hello oil-fired hot water heater with attitude). It's always changing and our water can be *extremely* hot which I think worries me more than an icy blast. I've wanted one forever, technically I own an option that would probably suffice, but have let fear of the unknown stop me from using it -- though I almost installed it before my last two births and still wish I had. Cold water would have been welcomed then. I've since fallen in love with the Japanese models and want a heated one with electronic controls -- that and one of those electronically controlled tubs too, and a center floor drain in my bathroom. And well, maybe the entire Japanese bath room -- but that's another tangent. I have a Japanese style soaking tub (Koehler Greek tub) that fits into a 3/4 bath. I love that thing. The water comes up to my shoulders. I’d love to add a warm booty shower to my toileting experience. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted December 28, 2017 Author Share Posted December 28, 2017 Another question! I knew I was forgetting something. Why don’t some bidets have seats? Are you supposed to squat? Just sit on the thin rim? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 Another question! I knew I was forgetting something. Why don’t some bidets have seats? Are you supposed to squat? Just sit on the thin rim? I never worked that out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 Isn’t this self correcting? You would KNOW if you’re hurting yourself and dial it down a notch. Is there an epidemic of overly aggressive wipers down under???? Apparently... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hRFZmdIEXEY There was this commercial Maybe it's to blame... Can't listen to the sound right now and it's awhile since I saw it so apologies if there's anything inappropriate... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 Well I guess I'd rather have as little "poop molecules" as possible floating around in my undies. A wet wipe or bidet gets the germs off people, especially if (not to be too TMI in a thread about bidets) there's any...hair in the nearby vicinity? And while I don't go around touching my bum and/or touching things with my bum, I have a lot of little kids and I don't think my kids are the only ones randomly putting their hands in their pants. Basically, I just don't think dry wiping gets us clean enough and I don't know why people are ok with it, generally speaking. Clean enough for what? Our bodies can cope with a certain amount of bacteria, and there is interesting research on the effect of too much hygiene. When I saw my children with their hands in their pants, I made sure they washed their hands.A bottom is never going to be sterile. If others want to do more, that's fine too. My family rarely gets stomach upsets. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 So how about very cold water in the bidet? But back to the cold - right now, the water in our house is quite cold - our well water bladder tank holds it at "room temp" which is probably around 45-50 degrees and maybe even colder since it's along an outside wall in a unheated room. I suppose I could try to add it to the hot water line too -but that invites new complications. To get the perfect hot/cold ratio for warm water in our house because that depends on how hot the water wants to be at that moment (hello oil-fired hot water heater with attitude). It's always changing and our water can be *extremely* hot which I think worries me more than an icy blast. Oh, I never even thought of that! I just ran downstairs to measure my cold faucet temp. 44.2*. That'll wake you in the morning! :scared: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandwalker Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 Another question! I knew I was forgetting something. Why don’t some bidets have seats? Are you supposed to squat? Just sit on the thin rim?Supposed to squat, which is actually the better way to poop also, biologically. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawthorne44 Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 (edited) I'm now wondering if bidets are considered necessities at nudist colonies.........y'all and your thought provoking questions! I read an article about a nudist colony in the Dallas Observer once. At least in this one, you were required to carry around a little towel to sit on. Which makes sense, no matter how clean and disease-free someone is, I don't want my parts touching where someone else's parts had just been. Of course, I'm not a nudist. Edited December 28, 2017 by shawthorne44 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmseB Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 Clean enough for what? Our bodies can cope with a certain amount of bacteria, and there is interesting research on the effect of too much hygiene. When I saw my children with their hands in their pants, I made sure they washed their hands.A bottom is never going to be sterile. If others want to do more, that's fine too. My family rarely gets stomach upsets. Okay, my first post was kind of tongue-in-cheek ranting with a bit of truth behind it, but to answer your question: I just don't like the feeling of only dry-wiping the bum and the reason is that it does not feel clean or fresh. It feels like I rubbed most of the stuff off with soft paper. The same way I would not wipe dirt off of my hands with only a dry paper towel because it wouldn't feel clean enough. It isn't even mostly about spreading germs (which as people have pointed out is more of a concerns with hands than bums), it's mostly about how I clean and fresh I happen to feel. Or, I should say that I far prefer the cleanliness of a wet wipe or bidet, and I'm well aware that is not sterilizing anything. (I'm not sure if I mentioned sterilization or how that came up, because obviously that's not going to happen). (and in general, maybe my kids are grosser than others, but I assume the hands-in-pants, nose-picking, fingers-in-mouth, toy-touching goes on even when I'm not there to see them and tell them to wash their hands) I'm far from a germaphobe and don't use flushable wipes or a bidet currently because it's not practical. But I have in the past, and the difference in general cleanliness and, uh, freshness is amazing. Not to mention, like PPs have said, when things are messier than usual down there they are quite useful. For example, post birth, every time, I've been sent home with a peri-bottle to clean the area. It's fine if it doesn't bother you. I don't think most people even think about it because it's really not common in the US to do anything but use dry toilet paper. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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