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Bidet

technology Maturity 7-9 Next article →

A bidet is a special tool used for washing the body. It is designed to help people stay clean after using the toilet.

Bidet weiss
Bidet weiss

People use it to wash their private areas, such as the genitals and the anus. Some people also use a bidet to wash their feet. You might even see people using them to bathe babies or pets. It is a very helpful way to maintain personal hygiene.

Boilly La Toilette intime ou la Rose effeuilléeFXD
Boilly La Toilette intime ou la Rose effeuilléeFXD

There are several different ways a bidet can work. A traditional bidet looks like a small washbasin. You sit on it and use warm water and soap to wash.

Bidet side
Bidet side

Another type is a bidet shower, which is a hand-held nozzle. It works much like a sprayer in a kitchen sink. You hold it in your hands to spray water where it is needed.

Bidee shower
Bidee shower

Some modern versions are built right into the toilet seat. These electronic bidets can even use warm air to dry you off.

The history of the bidet is quite interesting. It was likely invented by French furniture makers in the late 1600s. No one knows the exact name of the person who made it. The word "bidet" is a French word that means a small pony. This name came from the way a person sits on it. It looks like they are straddling a little horse.

Bidet de selle
Bidet de selle

In the past, people even used them for things like birth control.

Bidets are used in many different parts of the world today. In Italy, the law has required bidets in bathrooms since 1975. Portugal also requires them by law. They are very common in places like Spain, France, and Turkey. In many Middle Eastern countries, people use a hand-held bidet shower. In Japan, electronic toilets are very popular. In fact, about 76% of Japanese households use them.

Washlet in a public toilet in urban Tokyo 2012-12-23
Washlet in a public toilet in urban Tokyo 2012-12-23

Using a bidet can actually be better for our planet. Using a bidet uses only about 0.5 liters of water. This is much less water than it takes to make toilet paper. One article said that using bidets could save 15 million trees every year in the US.

SB-BidetIntegrated
SB-BidetIntegrated

Some people use wet wipes instead of paper. However, these wipes can clog sewer systems and create huge messes called fatbergs. Choosing a bidet is a way to stay clean while helping the Earth.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Bidet weiss.jpg
Bidet weiss.jpg
File:Boilly La Toilette intime ou la Rose effeuilléeFXD.jpg
Boilly La Toilette intime ou la Rose...
File:Bidet de selle.jpg
Bidet de selle.jpg
File:Bidee shower.jpg
Bidee shower.jpg
File:Bidet side.jpg
Bidet side.jpg
File:SB-BidetIntegrated.jpg
SB-BidetIntegrated.jpg
File:Bidet 1960 P4580468.JPG
Bidet 1960 P4580468.JPG
File:Washlet in a public toilet in urban Tokyo 2012-12-23.jpg
Washlet in a public toilet in urban Tokyo...
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