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Bidet

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A bidet is a specialized plumbing fixture designed for personal hygiene. Its primary purpose is to wash the genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks, and anus.

Bidet weiss
Bidet weiss

People use bidets to maintain cleanliness after defecation or urination. They are also used before and after sexual intercourse. Beyond these primary uses, a bidet can serve many other functions. Some people use them to wash their feet. Others may use a bidet to bathe babies or even pets. Because they promote cleanliness, they are considered essential tools in many cultures.

The way a bidet works depends on its specific design. A traditional standalone bidet functions like a small washbasin. A user straddles the basin and uses running warm water and soap to clean themselves.

Bidet side
Bidet side

Some of these models include a vertical jet. This jet provides a stream of water to help rinse the anal and perineal areas. Other designs, known as bidet showers, use a hand-held nozzle. This nozzle is similar to a sprayer found in a kitchen sink. The user must hold the sprayer and direct the water manually. This requires a certain level of physical mobility and flexibility to use effectively.

There are several distinct types of bidet installations. The first is the conventional standalone bidet. This is a separate unit installed in the bathroom near the toilet, sink, or shower.

Bidet 1960 P4580468
Bidet 1960 P4580468

The second type is the bidet shower, often called a health faucet. These are common in regions where water is considered essential for cleansing. The third type includes integrated bidets. These are built directly into the toilet structure. They often feature nozzles located at the back of the toilet rim. Finally, there are add-on bidet attachments. These can replace a toilet seat or attach to the rim. They allow a user to add bidet functions without replacing the entire toilet.

Electronic bidets represent the most advanced version of this technology. These units are often controlled by waterproof electrical switches rather than manual valves.

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

Many electronic models include several sophisticated features. They can use a heating element to blow warm air for drying. Some offer heated seats, built-in night lights, or even deodorizers with activated carbon filters. Users can often adjust the water pressure, temperature, and the direction of the spray. In Japan, these integrated electronic toilets are very common. They are found in approximately 76% of Japanese households.

The history of the bidet begins in France. It was likely invented by French furniture makers in the late 17th century. While the exact inventor is unknown, the first written references appeared in 1710 in France and 1726 in Italy.

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

The name "bidet" is a French word meaning "pony." This name comes from the straddling position used during washing, which resembles riding a small horse.

Bidet de selle
Bidet de selle

Historically, bidets were often located in the bedroom near the bed and chamber pots. In the 18th century, Queen Maria Carolina of Austria even requested a bidet for her private bathroom. Early versions were also used for contraception, though this practice was abandoned as modern medicine advanced.

Bidets have significant environmental and health implications. From an environmental perspective, they can reduce the demand for toilet paper. An average person uses only about 0.5 liters of water for cleansing with a bidet. This is much less water than is required to manufacture paper products. Scientific American reported that if the United States switched to bidets, 15 million trees could be saved annually.

SB-BidetIntegrated
SB-BidetIntegrated

While some use wet wipes as an alternative, these can be problematic. Many wipes contain non-biodegradable plastic fibers. They can also clump with waste fats to create "fatbergs" that clog sewer systems. Regarding health, bidets may help manage conditions like hemorrhoids or urogenital infections. However, standalone basins must be disinfected thoroughly to prevent microbial contamination between users.

Globally, the use of bidets is shaped by culture and law. In some European countries, they are a legal requirement. For example, Italy has required bidets in bathrooms since 1975. Portugal also made their installation mandatory in 1975. They are very common in many Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant nations. In Islam, anal washing with water is a requirement due to strict rules regarding excretion. Because of this, bidet showers are common in the Middle East. They are also widely used in South American countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. In contrast, they are rarely used in North America or Australia.

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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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