Talk:Bidet

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Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment[edit]

This article was the subject of a Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment, between 4 October 2021 and 9 December 2021. Further details are available on the course page. Student editor(s): TFMonk19970531.

Above undated message substituted from Template:Dashboard.wikiedu.org assignment by PrimeBOT (talk) 15:41, 16 January 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Greek[edit]

From the article:

"In Greece they are called "μπιντές" - bides."

That doesn't read anything like "bides" to me: is this meant to be a joke? -- Karada 16:11, 8 Aug 2004 (UTC)

Nope. Greek doesn't have any letters for 'b' or 'd', so they are represented as 'mp' and 'nt'. Morwen - Talk 16:12, 8 Aug 2004 (UTC)

I don't understand -- what about "beta" and "delta"? -- Karada 16:15, 8 Aug 2004 (UTC)

Um, those correspond to 'v' and 'dh'. See Greek language. They don't speak ancient Greek in Greece anymore Morwen - Talk 16:16, 8 Aug 2004 (UTC)

Ah. Thanks! I learn something every day. -- Karada 16:19, 8 Aug 2004 (UTC)

This article is really interesting; you should nominate it on WP:FAC. [[User:Meelar|Meelar (talk)]] 16:20, 2004 Aug 8 (UTC)
I would agree. This is an excellent article and deserves to be FA! --59.93.246.167 21:01, 18 January 2007 (UTC) Bodhi[reply]
It doesn't even have a single citation at the moment. A lot of work needs to be done before this would even be eligible for Good Article status.--h i s s p a c e r e s e a r c h 16:35, 15 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
This discussion page should get some award of its own :-) The only thing lacking is "how does one use a bidet if one is really fat?" 90.130.168.79 (talk) 00:18, 16 January 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Usage[edit]

I deleted vagina and replaced it with vulva...mainly because there is no external vagina unless someone has a prolapse, and they really wouldn't want to go washing it in a bidet if they did.

Though to be honest the usage section feels like it should be re-written.

Photo[edit]

— Preceding unsigned comment added by 108.72.1.156 (talk) 03:20, 22 July 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Common usage in Latin Americas besides Argentina and Uruguay????[edit]

I have been in many countries of L. America, and the only countries where the bidet is used in almost every house, is in Argentina and URuguay, I was told it was bring with the Italian, Spanish and French immigrants (most of theirs population ancestries) in the 19th century.

That text about other L. AMerican countries having extremely common usage should be changed.

I don't know where have you been, but at least in Bolivia it is found in a large amount of houses. --169.232.243.221 09:09, 2 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Bolivia is not a latin country is an american one maybe, but not latin anyway.... I'm talking about COMMON USAGE. I have been in your coutnry and I haven't see any bidet (and I wanted one). Maybe it's common in SOME HOUSES but in Argentina and Uruguay is almost unthinkable a bathroom in a house without a bidet! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 186.137.93.206 (talk) 09:57, 27 January 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Bolivia is a Latin American country, "Latinoamerica" and the bidet is all over Venezuela y Colombia, where I have lived. The person saying that Latin is not Bolivian does not know the term. The fact the majority of people in Uruguay and Argentina are of European descent does not change anything. You may not find a bidet in a public bathroom or in a house belonging to somehow poor people, it is not that expensive. In Brazil I have seen bidets in a marina restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, like ten of them, I was surprised. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.173.67.180 (talk) 06:52, 20 November 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Paperless toilets[edit]

The article says that "In 1999 the first "paperless toilet" was launched in Japan, a combination toilet and bidet which also dries you after washing." However, the externally-linked page at [1] describes the Washlet, a toilet seat with bidet and dryer dating from 1980. Where did the reference to 1999 as the year of this invention come from? --Arteitle 06:40, Sep 1, 2004 (UTC)

The new add-on bidet, the KO BIDET, succeeds in cancelling the t. paper use. It relies on its thin vertical water jet, that targets the restricted anus area needing cleaning. So there is 100% effectiveness with minimal water amount needed. So wiping for drying up is not necessary.

French Folksong[edit]

«Apparently, cavaliers would sing a famous folksong which begins: À dada sur mon bidet... while using the bidoaille.» In this song bidet only refer to a pony ... the source of the previous assertion seems to be the humourous (and no more existing) web site Virtual baguette. It's more a «comptine» (~ nursery rhyme) than a real folksong. It is sang sung by parents when playing with their children. FoeNyx 10:33, 30 Sep 2004 (UTC)

The history section isn't serious at all IMO ! Bidoaille, Bidache and Karl Marx hmm ? Ericd 03:38, 3 Oct 2004 (UTC)

You are probably right ! bidache is just the name of a french city. But usage of bidache, bidoaille related to bidet give only link to wikipedia or some mirrors. FoeNyx 22:50, 4 Oct 2004 (UTC)

is sung lysdexia 13:52, 13 Oct 2004 (UTC)
thank you FoeNyx 13:20, 14 Oct 2004 (UTC)

Question[edit]

I found this line in the last paragraph in popularity. it it just link spamming? An alternative would be buying a bidet attachment for regular American toilets for approximately $150 from companies such as USAbidet.com. Rdoger6424 00:46, 30 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In the popularity section I read: Bidets are common bathroom fixtures in some European countries (especially France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal). but there is an error because today in France the bidet is not a common bathroom fixture.

Possibly the disappearance of the bidet has something to do with an improvements in modern plumbing, including the installation of showers in many homes, and a consequent increase in daily showering over the late 20th century? The point could be made in the entry that bidets arose at a time when most people didn't bathe regularly but were probably recognizing the health and other advantages of at least regularly washing the genital/anal area. When daily showering is common, perhaps there is less need for bidets?68.72.88.66 20:38, 26 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It seems that the article "bidet: types" is needing the picture addition of the third add-on bidet type, in which the flash nozzle is under the side rim. Whow could i do it? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.140.90.110 (talk) 06:11, 23 June 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Drying[edit]

The article doesn't mention what you're supposed to do with a soggy crotch after using the bidet. If you try to dry yourself with toilet paper, it shreds into mush. 32.97.110.142 04:28, 18 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What do you use when stepping out of the shower or after washing your hands? Either a hand towel or paper towel will work. Luciuskwok 17:04, 29 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How to ensure there won't be brown spots on the hand towel or paper towel, and how to dispense of it afterwards? A paper towel shouldn't be thrown in the toilet, and in countries where one normally would dispense the toilet paper in the toilet, it's a serious faux pas to throw brown-spotted paper in the regular trashcan. 80.202.165.112 (talk) 21:41, 17 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

It's very simple, if you have properly cleaned yourself, there won't be any spot on the towel you use afterwards. Do you leave brown spots on the towel you use after taking a shower? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 95.232.50.38 (talk) 15:08, 8 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

This is another reason "electronic bidets" are becoming more popular; they use a gentle flow of warm air, similar to an electric hand dryer. Reify-tech (talk) 15:20, 8 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The new add-on bidet, the KO BIDET, succeeds in making drying up not necessary. It relies on its thin vertical water jet, that targets the restricted anus area needing cleaning. So there is 100% effectiveness with minimal water amount needed. So wiping for drying up is not necessary. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.140.90.110 (talk) 06:17, 23 June 2017 (UTC)[reply]

more on usage[edit]

could somebody fill out the usage section? i'm actually unclear about how bidets are commonly used. do you use any soap? do you use a cloth or rag-- either for the washing or drying? do you simply use a nozzle to spray? and then dry yourself? I don't know.

-They are used, especially in Italy, with soap and after the use of toilet paper, then you dry with a dedicated towel. Is a common misconception that it's a substitute of the toilet paper, the real purpose is to completely wash yourself without have to take a shower.93.41.179.211 (talk) 19:07, 6 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

TP: Before or after?[edit]

24.205.54.66 said in an edit comment: (→toilet paper is used to dry off with AFTER using a bidet, not before as the article stated.) I've never used a bidet, but isn't toilet paper a poor choice of material to dry off a dripping bum? PrometheusX303 13:27, 25 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

mmm not, I've just used it! haha. A 60cm toilet paper works ok, the first half get wet but the half nearest your hand doesn't. You can used a small towel too.

Well, towel is the most common item of choice for this, but i guess some can use TP successfully..

With the new add-on bidet, the KO BIDET, not before or after. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.140.90.110 (talk) 06:22, 23 June 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Bathroom sink isn't a valid alternative[edit]

"In contrast, residents of countries where the bidet is to be found in every private house, find it difficult to change their habits. The only alternatives to a bidet in such cases is to use the bathroom sink or shower." Who wrote this thing? I come from Southern europe and I can assure you nobody would ever think about doing such an unsanitary thing like washing anus and genitalia in a bathroom sink. Don't give us a bad name, wikipedians! Lullalulla 2:39, 4 October (UTC)

I for one have used a sink when a bidet wasn't available. Several times... I sound ruthless Spugna 17:42, 18 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Nobody uses the sink as a bidet, this sound like sombody giving bad name to people that uses bidet, who are quite civilized, please erase this crazy thing. (----)

It seems somewhat inconvenient. To use the sink you would need to climb up on top of it and sit down, and what if it's a pedestal sink? The snare (talk) 00:37, 14 February 2012 (UTC)[reply]

No photos?[edit]

no photos? i recall there were photos. Xah Lee 03:07, 14 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You should have more photos at "bidet types" article. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.140.90.110 (talk) 06:36, 23 June 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Moved sentence[edit]

I moved the sentence "Foreign tourists to countries where a bidet is common can sometimes mistake it for a toilet. This mistaken identity can lead to an accident defecating in the bidet!" in the Usage section because it didn't belong where it was. Oddity- 21:05, 14 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Contraception[edit]

In France (possibly Europe) Bidets were used for contraception as well, there should be a paragraph on this... Sfacets 08:42, 3 March 2007 (UTC)

Some Simple Questions[edit]

I just recently returned from France and a wonderful vacation. However, I was puzzled by the bidets. I have seen them many times and agained wondered about their use. After reading this article several questions need to be addressed and I am really looking for the answers. First, I am a male and one has to consider two bodily functions - urinating and defacating. I also have a feeling that clothing has a lot to do with the use of the bidet. In modern western society, men's slacks open with a "fly" and typically, urinating is very easy and a self terminating process. There is no soiling of the entire penis or the clothing or the hands. Men usually wash their hands after urinating due to the slight perspiration (ordor) that occurs in the groin area, and health codes require handwashing by food employees to prevent the spread of various contagious medical conditions. As for daily hygiene, the typical shower in the morning or in the evening washes the entire body. I don't have to go into further details. Does the bidget substitute for the daily shower? Now as for women, today in western society women wear either slacks or skirts and of course - some wear underwear. For women use of the western toilet implies dropping the trousers and underwear and/or lifting the skirt. The style of western toilet fits into this type of clothing design. But the bidet has some real logistical issues involved. A man or a woman with lowered clothing cannot easily sit on a bidet and face the water controls. Does this imply that the clothing has to be removed - a rather involved process. Most items are designed for ease of use, so there has to some analysis of the use of the bidet in context with clothing. I have also travelled extensively in Japan, where there seems to be an incorporation of the two units into one for ease of use. So I would appreciate anyone who could shed some light on this subject. Reaction August 30, 2008. In my appartment in France I have a small toilet cabinet with no room for a bidet, and a small bathroom with a bidet and no room for a toilet. For general hygiene I shower every day. When I take a poo, I use the toilet and wipe with paper, then go to the bathroom, use the bidet and dry with a tiny towel that I take from a stack and deposit in the washing basket. Habits vary from family to family. The bidet certainly is no substitute for the daily shower. Wearing pants or skirt makes no difference, it's a simple thing you quickly learn. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 93.0.0.192 (talk) 17:26, 30 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Also, doesn't it feel too cold to sit on a glazed-pottery bidet without some analog of a toilet seat? Why there is always a padding seat on the toilet, but never on a bidet? Perhaps, because the "session" duration is supposed to be shorter? If you ask me, I think the combined toilet+bidet unit a more convenient (and cheaper!) solution rather than the classic bidet.

This makes me smile a huge lot[edit]

Just wanted to express how funny is for a European to read how puzzled you are about the use of this - imho - fundamental fixture in personal hygiene. And it's incredible how you thought you could dry using toilt paper itself!! :) c'mon

How to use it? How to wash? How to dry? First... you take a "number 2" (or even a "number 1" for femals) sitting on the toilet (at least you have this in your countries? ;-) ) Second... you use toilet paper for a first cleansing of the interested zone... Third... stand up and take one or two step (don't worry, it won't take too much effort!) towards the so-called bidet, and sit on it, just as you seated on the toiled (so: the pooper facing the water coming out) ... take your hand and rub on the part you want to clean... water and liquid soap should help a lot. Don't be afraid: you'll have to face "worse" things when your baby kids will need changing their diapers...) Fourth... take one of the (usually two) little towels that hang near the bidet. This are special towels: not because they are some sort of magic fabric.. but just because they are half in size of usual towels. And don't worry: these are usually kept distinct from hands/face towels.

Hope this helped. 90.132.52.148 13:25, 23 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, and it's surely better than standing the whole day with pieces of crap in the back of your panties: toilet paper won't be able to clean everything... Question: how come this article is French-related? The bidet is wide spread in Souther Europe and South America? 90.132.52.190 09:01, 30 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I agree. In Italy any bathroom has a bidet (I'm Italian). I have a little apartment over my parents' one and in my small bathroom I didn't plan to install a bidet in order to gain some space. I remember my father who was very upset because of it: "How would you clean yourself after you take a dump?", he asked. Well if I were american I would use just toilet paper. Unfortunately I'm Italian and so I take a shower, anytime. I have to admit that using no bidet has its good points: you save time and you always wear your underwear in the right sense, because after some usage they are yellow on the front, brown on the back. :D —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.140.6.112 (talk) 20:31, 15 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah but does everyone use the same towel or what? The article says 'changed daily'. I certainly don't want to use someone else's turd towel, what's the deal? 132.228.195.206 17:20, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Presumably, it shouldn't matter. After all, it is for drying yourself after you have washed, rather than for the cleaning itself. But if anybody has any further inforamtion on how it works it would be useful to know. The Baroness of Morden (talk) 15:57, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Depends on personal tastes. In my family we use a towel each, but other families could go with a towel for males and another for females, or one towel, and this can vary if some female is menstruating.

Uncommon in the United Kingdom?[edit]

The article makes reference to their popularity in some countries in East Asia and Southern Europe, but in the UK they do not appear to be a common fixture. Can anyone tell/verify whether this is the case or not?--h i s s p a c e r e s e a r c h 16:33, 15 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I'm British and in the last 30 years I've only come across two bidets. And one of those was owned (and fitted) by an Italian. Amniarix (talk) 17:59, 28 July 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Diaper Wipes?[edit]

I guess they would be nice except they don't rinse down the drain very well —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.7.155.193 (talk) 17:01, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Do these things really work?[edit]

I'm kind of surprised such a thing as a bidet exists. On the rare occasions when I've gotten poop on my hand, like after a diaper change, simply holding it in a stream of water doesn't get it off. It has to be rubbed off. So what does a bidet do except for wetting the soiled areas? -Rolypolyman (talk) 17:29, 24 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What a strange conviction! a VERTICAL WATER JET is 100% effective. I can bet on it, after tens of trials. 23-6-2017. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.140.90.110 (talk) 06:53, 23 June 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Dude, if you think your anus and buttocks are clean after rubbing them with toilet paper, you are seriously misled. And filthy. The paper just moves the stuff around, it doesn't clean it. 85.18.227.219 (talk) 13:40, 10 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Do you have any evidence to back up your claim that use of bidets is any more hygienic than using toilet paper? Because I see no sources in the article to back up that claim, and it'd be just great if we can get an expert like yourself to enlighten the rest of us "dirties" who are still partial to the paper. Mikhajlovich (talk) 06:16, 11 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It is more hygienic, but you have to use soap! --93.67.127.168 (talk) 14:27, 3 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
Thing about it liek this:Do you think you will be as clean wiping your whole body with paper or by taking a shower? Water and hands clean more then just paper clearly...212.76.241.182 (talk) 23:50, 13 April 2009 (UTC)Hicham Vanborm[reply]

Indonesian bottle bidet[edit]

When the Dutch ruled the "Netherlands Indies" (now Indonesia), squat toilets were in general use there, and people cleaned themselves with water. The Dutch colonialists all followed these habits. When they returned to Holland, they kept using water to clean themselves after toilet use. In their Dutch homes, the Indian repatriates had bottles of water for this purpose, one for each member of the family. Many of the people in Holland thought this unhygienic (touching genitals and anus), but the repatriates thought the Dutch custom of wiping with paper unhygienic (not washing themselves, and walking all day with a dirty anus). —Preceding unsigned comment added by 93.0.0.192 (talk) 17:47, 30 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe because the Europeans generally find it more important to have clean hands than clean anus. I tried to wash with water and hands (and without soap and toilet paper) once, and it was horrible - no matter how much soap I used when washing my hands afterwards, the smell wouldn't go away (I suppose it would have been better if I had applied soap to the hands before rubbing) 80.202.165.112 (talk) 21:51, 17 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hairier people[edit]

Is there any mention of how these are less a choice than a necessity for hairier people? As a somewhat hairy man, I can say that washing is the only way to clean yourself, toilet paper is not even half good at doing the job sometimes. 90.193.39.105 (talk) 02:50, 13 September 2008 (UTC)[reply]

A bidet producing VERTICAL WATER JET, as KO BIDET, is equally 100% effective , even in hairy people. Remember strict anus area has not got hair. 23 of June 2017. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.140.90.110 (talk) 06:59, 23 June 2017 (UTC)[reply]

I can relate to that ... half a roll of dry toilet paper, and still one haven't really managed to do much else than distributing the brown stuff around a bit ... and before long, the underwear will have brown spots, the trousers are slightly stinky ... horrible. Even though I've grown up in a toilet-paper-only culture, I've never really understood how to properly use the thing. (some here seem to think that "it doesn't really matter, because nowadays everyone showers daily anyway" - well, I don't really agree with that) 80.202.165.112 (talk) 22:00, 17 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

More on Usage[edit]

I have never used or even seen a bidet and after reading this article still have no blasted clue how the thing is used. It isn't very obvious from just looking at it-where does the water come out? Is there some sort of heretofore unseen buttscrubbing instrument involved, or does the jet of water that blasts the nether regions from below do the job by itself? How do you use one without the water jet? Why is there no seat? Why are there three handles? Is it really safe to bathe a baby in the same fixture that was just used to wash poo from a posterior (As per paragraph 1 of "Usage")? Are bidets common in European public restrooms? The usage section of this article has a lot of information on where they're used, and what they're used for, but no real description of how one would be used in the wild. There is no doubt that cleaning with water is altogether more sanitary (and I personally prefer to use a paper towel saturated with water from the sink), but the condescending remarks from Europeans on this discussion page are unnecessary and do little to explain the proper technique. Anonymous, 12/9/2008 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.84.42.247 (talkcontribs) 9 December 2008

Easy stuff: you sit on it, open the tap, wet everything (butt, genitals and inner tighs), put soap in your hands, wash everuthing with soap, rinse with water. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 93.107.220.44 (talk) 12:53, 20 August 2009 (UTC)[reply]
I second the question on the three taps. What do they do? Hot, cold and drying maybe? 90.130.168.79 (talk) 00:22, 16 January 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, what about drying? You don't want to put your wet behind back into your pants, and I wouldn't want to use a cloth/paper towel either, or a bidet in a public place other people have previously used. The snare (talk) 19:20, 18 April 2012 (UTC)[reply]

"So, for an individual to use a bidet properly, he must "shatif" according to traditional Islamic law."[edit]

I do not know what it means to "shatif," and it is my guess that neither does the average Western reader. This sentence should have some explanation, and also its current location, right under the section on the increasing popularity of the bidet in the aging community, is a bit confusing: does the "so" refer to the whole article, the usage section, or what? Cerebellum (talk) 19:58, 29 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

After some cursory research, I've removed this sentence. A google search for "shatif Islamic law" (no quotes) returned 25 matches, none of them shed any light on the subject. --Cerebellum (talk) 20:02, 29 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

How Hygienic / Sanitary; Controversy[edit]

I was surprised to see that there was no section on how hygienic / sanitary the bidet is (as compared to toilet paper); have any scientific studies been done that can be referenced?

Also, it seems that there is a strong feeling by users of one cleaning method that the other is insufficient to do the job / unhygienic / etc. Is this due to cultural unfamiliarity? Is this a widespread phenomenon? If so, perhaps this should be mentioned in the article as well. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 150.203.10.155 (talk) 03:31, 23 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm also wondering a bit about the hygienic aspect, especially when several people are using the same bidet. I somehow thing that bacterial colonies may form on the showerhead, particularly for bidets that are built into the toilet, I can imagine that it may not be such a good idea to spread bacterias from one persons anus to another persons anus ... and I've heard it may be a pretty bad idea to spread bacterias from the anus to the vagina.

Anyway, I suppose it's a quite cultural thing ... but maybe it also reflects that there are no perfect, hygienic, cheap and universally culturally accepted way to clean oneself after the toilet visit.

It seems to me that in arab culture one uses water and wipe with a hand. Most Europeans (including me) would find it pretty disgusting ... the ass probably gets pretty clean from it ... but here in Europe it's generally considered more important to have clean hands anyway. I tried using water and my hands once, I'll never do that again ... no matter how much soap I used when washing my fingers afterwards my hand was still stinking. (Applying soap to the fingers before wiping would maybe solve that problem). 80.202.165.112 (talk) 21:29, 17 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

As an average North American, I have always wondered what the general advantages of this system are. Other than fitting into cultural norms, the concept of the bidet seems forced and amusingly archaic. Is this system efficent or in any means practical? If I had no other choice I would use a garden hose but without wiping with toilet paper I would not seem clean. However, if I had only toilet paper and no water I would still feel clean enough until my next shower/bath. Is this system just a cultural peculiarity or necessary in these countries?74.33.19.132 (talk) 11:16, 31 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Toilet spray/hose[edit]

Why isn't there a section on a toilet spray or hose? It's common in homes in Singapore and some public toilets to have a hose or a spray for you to clean yourself after doing your business. This is what a typical toilet spray would look like.

It's much easier to install and cheap as well, as compared to a bidet. Plus, you can maneuver the head to whichever angle you like. Works for both "normal" toilet bowls and the squat ones (yes, we still have them here too). 219.75.47.126 (talk) 05:19, 10 August 2010 (UTC)singapotter[reply]

Usage[edit]

I'm Argentinian, Italian descendent, and I've been using the bidet all my life.

I've never used this one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bidet_Ego_Kolo.jpg the bidet shown in the first photo of the article, but I know it is used in Spain. I think it serves to wash just the genitalia, you sit watching the wall and open the tap... I'm just guessing.

As you can see, the usage changes according to the culture. Here we use this one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bidet_top.jpg The strange one with the three taps.

The water comes like in this photo: http://thelobbyconspiracy.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/iace_1970_bidet.jpg

From the basin with the pourpose to clean it and from the nozzle in the middle

You sit backwards to wash the anus and like in the Spanish one to clean the genitalia. One tap is for hot water, the other one is for cold and the third one, in the middle, is to regulate the amount and the stregth of the water that pours up from the nozzle.

You can wash with soap, dry with a towel or toilet paper. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 201.252.34.85 (talk) 10:48, 1 September 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What's the difference between a Bidet and Enema?[edit]

Should the two pages be combined? It seems a Bidet is just an Enema that's connected to a toilet? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 134.159.111.98 (talk) 11:22, 2 November 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Lol. As the article explains the bidet is for washing your wedding tackle and poop shoot. An enema involves squirting water right up your bottom. This only happens with a bidet if the tap nozzle is unfortunately shaped and there is a slippery floor. --89.241.55.22 (talk) 07:47, 5 November 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Comercial[edit]

First hyperlink in the third paragraph under "Integration of Toilet and Bidet" Come on now that's a commercial. Can it. Ulao (talk) 01:56, 18 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

  • Correct. But you can remove such things yourself, if you explain in an edit summary what you're doing and why. Drmies (talk) 01:57, 18 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Can I add my link to this page?[edit]

Hi all

I have just made a new account on wikipedia. I wanted to add a page on bidets, but then I found this one.

Can I add my website as a reference for some data in this page?

The url is : http://www.plstrade.ca

Thank you Zarzor 2010 (talk) 18:54, 9 May 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Shower bidet[edit]

The bidet that I'm most familiar with looks like a small shower head available immediately by the toilet (but not integrated in the toilet) -they seem to be quite common in Finland. Hm, I see it's referred to as a "shower spray" further up in the discussions. It should probably be commented and illustrated on the bidet page anyway. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.202.165.112 (talk) 21:06, 17 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

It is not only in Finland. The Scandinavian or Nordic version is a bidet-shower by the toilet seat. Is the most practical one as well if you ask me. At least here in Finland it is found in every home pretty much and in most of the public ones. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.50.80.200 (talk) 12:40, 20 September 2011 (UTC)[reply]

File:Bidet 1000 Supreme.jpg Nominated for speedy Deletion[edit]

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Under "Trends in acceptance" - sentence needs fixing[edit]

"Two American companies produce have taken the trend and manufacture The Biffy and USABIDET toilet mounted bidets in recognition of this domestic growth." How does the word "produce" make any sense in this sentence. If used as a verb, there is a double verb because of "have taken". From the description given in the Summary "adding the fact that there are two US companies producing the product domestically" the word should be product(s) if meant to be a noun. Almost sounds as though the author started to say one thing and changed it, but it is very awkward. Could someone who edits this page and can figure out the intent of author clean this up so it reads better. Thanks. 68.225.205.146 (talk) 03:30, 5 May 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Integration of toilet and bidet ?? Not really a bidet?[edit]

That part about "integration of toilet and bidet" is interesting but I would not expect this in an article about bidets. To me, a bidet is always a separate fixture. What is being described here is more like those Japanese high tech toilets? See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilets_in_Japan . So I am wondering if this part should be moved, perhaps into a new article (but I don't know enough about such things to do it myself). EvM-Susana (talk) 11:36, 1 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I have just done a complete copyedit sweep of this article, cleaning up a lot of minor problems and adding Wikilinks. I am thinking about restructuring the articles related to this one, but don't have a clear plan yet. The "electronic bidet" content here could be consolidated with the Washlet article (possibly renaming that article), leaving the "traditional bidet" content here. I need to survey all the related articles, and probably will expand the Template:Toilets somewhat, to help organize them. I agree with your sentiments, but the changes need to be done carefully, to avoid making an even more confusing mess. Reify-tech (talk) 15:39, 1 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]
That would be great to re-organize this; when I looked at it this morning, I realised it was a mess, with bits and pieces spread over several articles. I think it would make sense to have an article on the "traditional bidet" (this one) and then to have another article about toilets with bidet functions (not yet sure how it should be called), basically like the one that is currently named "toilets in Japan". Is it really true that these "toilets with integrated bidets" are getting more common in the US or is it more of a sales pitch (like someone remarked higher up on this talk page)? EvM-Susana (talk) 16:01, 1 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]
The confused coverage in Wikipedia was irksome when I was trying to learn more about the subject some years ago, and now that I know more about the topic, I am trying to clean up some of the confusion. I have also been trying to get rid of the annoying and ineffective sales pitches complained about earlier.
Integrated toilet/bidets are starting to catch on in the US, and can be seen in some plumbing and bathroom showrooms for consumers. They still have a long ways to go; when they start to appear in public toilets, this will mark their widespread acceptance. One big hurdle is that average consumers have no way of trying one out, and they are reluctant to spend money on something they may not like. The only publicly-accessible one I know of in Boston is at the Institute for Human Centered Design (http://www.humancentereddesign.org/), and they don't publicize the fact that they have one installed there. The low-cost add-on versions (the best of which are quite convenient, practical, and comfortable) have lowered the total cost barrier considerably, but the biggest obstacle remains unfamiliarity.
I think when some critical point of inflection is reached, consumer takeup will progress rapidly. If a few influential celebrities like Oprah Winfrey or Martha Stewart were to comment positively in public, the average person would start to pay attention. Alternatively, a well-publicized overheard comment from an overseas visitor about "smelly Americans", or concerns about resource wastage might shame consumers into looking at changes in an aspect of private life which is rarely broached in public.
I don't think that the automated French Sanisette incorporates this function. Could you comment on whether/where you've seen integrated toilet/bidets in your travels? Presence in private residences compared to public/semipublic facilities is also of interest. Reify-tech (talk) 17:27, 1 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for all this information. I think we need to think carefully about the correct generic name of these kinds of toilets and then create a new page for it, and moving the scattered content from the other pages to the new page. The page on "bidet" could then remain as a description of the classical bidet only. I have to say that here in Germany and neighbouring countries, these kinds of toilets are not at all common (I have never seen one!). I was under the impression that they are only popular in Japan... I also wonder if they are just a gimmick, a way of making more money (and wasting more water?). Although using them in hospitals or for people with disabilities might make a lot of sense if people cannot wipe their bum and this "bum shower" helps them. If we want to collect more information from around the world, we/you could also ask the question on the SuSanA discussion forum which has 5000 members. From what you wrote above it sounds like you'd like to see them become more widespread in the US? In either case, whether we think they are good or not, it would be good to have a nice objective article about them.EvM-Susana (talk) 06:30, 2 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Information about geographical occurrence: mandatory in Italy??[edit]

The article says about taly: Bidets are common bathroom fixtures in many southern European countries, especially Italy, where they are found in 97% of households (the installation of a bidet in a bathroom is mandatory from 1975) Is that really true about Italy?? I haven't travelled there extensively but on my few trips, I havn't noticed a bidet in every bathroom. Why should it be mandatory anyhow? Can any readers from Italy enlighten us? EvM-Susana (talk)

It's true. They can be found in every bathroom, with the exception of public lavatories. I think they are mandatory in hotel rooms of all categories. In private residences it is mandatory in at least one of the bathrooms. (DECRETO MINISTERIALE D.M. 05-07-1975) --Twilight 23:39, 22 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The stub article has not been expanded since its creation in 2013, and most of its content already exists in the Bidet article here. I suggest we import any useful material and delete the duplication. Reify-tech (talk) 20:32, 16 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, I would support such a merger. EvM-Susana (talk) 19:31, 23 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Support for reasons cited. Rklawton (talk) 22:34, 23 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
what else do we need to do before we can either go ahead with the merger or discuss it further? EvMsmile (talk) 01:41, 3 December 2015 (UTC)[reply]

You should probably go ahead. The discussion has been going on for 3 months and there seems to be no opposition. Dimadick (talk) 10:44, 9 December 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Article merged: See old talk-page here --Mll mitch (talk) 11:21, 11 December 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Similar Product[edit]

You can find a Similar Product to be attached to the current toilet! www.Facebook.com/SmartBidet — Preceding unsigned comment added by Amir.Morkos (talkcontribs) 17:59, 17 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The editor above is an employee. His intention is to request that the Facebook link above be added to the article. Rklawton (talk) 18:14, 17 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Finland[edit]

Article has an old source (1975) where it lists Finland as commonly having bidets. Bidet showers have replaced them. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.112.69.223 (talk) 23:51, 13 February 2016 (UTC)[reply]

could you please provide more information on this? Do you have a reference and what do these bidet showers look like? I have made some edits to the sentences where Finland was mentioned. EvMsmile (talk) 02:58, 26 February 2016 (UTC)[reply]

External links modified[edit]

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Bidets in Czech Republic[edit]

According to this article, bidets are often found in Czech Republic. I just wonder, what is the source for this. I live in CZ my entire life and I dont recall ever encountering one, or even knowing anyone who has one. They might be installed in hotels for tourists and I suppose some people might have them installed in new houses, but we usually dont have enough space for them (or, as a matter of fact, desire to have one), especially considered that toilets are usually in special room (ie. not in the batroom, but in separate closet). Unless someone provide source for this claim, I shall delete it. Sorrowofstpetersburg (talk) 19:30, 31 May 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Madam/sir, it impessed me that your information about bidets does not cover the fact that there were new advances on the area of adds-on bidets, that you entirely ignore. There are new bidets much cheaper or bidets that produce VERTICAL water jet, without being expensive — Preceding unsigned comment added by 178.59.242.74 (talk) 14:55, 27 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Grammar[edit]

Can someone, with the energy and time, please edit this paragraph so it resembles english? No idea how long it's been there and I'm not sure what the editor was trying to say...

"The more effective ones, those with vertical jet, replace entirely the use of toilet paper, as with them the high effectiveness permits the use of separate towel[citation needed]. They are not necessarily meant to replace the use of toilet paper. Often they are used after some paper to achieve full cleanliness without immediately having to take a shower."

I get the idea that the author is trying to say that using a bidet removes the need for toilet paper, as the jet stream removes all feces making it possible to just use a towel. This might be relevant info, though I can't decide whether it's just crude or useful. Anyone? --Torsrthidesen (talk) 17:03, 26 August 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Done, have improved it. Do you agree with how I have worded it? EvMsmile (talk) 12:44, 27 August 2016 (UTC)[reply]

I wonder why the article about bidets is so mixed up in describing different types. I would be much informative and concise, if it descrribed each type separately. It is not difficult. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 176.92.148.184 (talk) 17:21, 29 September 2016 (UTC)[reply]

ADD-ON BIDETS[edit]

Up to now this subject was included as a secondary theme of other bidets,as standalone and hand held bidets. But as its growth was comparably far more intense than the rest bidets, i think is necessary to dedicate a separate page to it.

There are three basic types of bidets.1. The newer ones, called ADD ON type or combined,or attachable bidets, with many sub types. 2. The WASHLET HAND HELD TYPE. 3. THE STANDALONE TYPE. 1. The ADD ON types, have lately shown a great gowth in type numpers and sales and are divided in numeral subtypes with interesting different characteristics. They don’t need any space, as they are fixed on the already existent toilets. The water jet is produced inside the regular toilet bowl. They are divided mainly to:

         a. Those producing oblique water jet , fixed at the middle of back toilet rim or  the bowl lid They can  be mechanically or electronically controlled. The flash tube is usually fixed and stable.
         b. Those, usually electronically controlled,with less oblique jet, empbodied on the toilet lid, at again the middle of back rim, their flash tube moving forwards and backwards, in and out. The jet is less or more oblique. The electronic types  work with electric current, or by batteries. They can warm the  cold water stream passing through them and supply warm air for drying up. Some of them are remotely controlled.
        c. Those producing exactly vertical water jet : cold or hot, depending on their connection with cold or warm water supply. The apparatus is attached at the side rim, or the side of cover lids.  The water flash tube, at no use position, lies along and under the side, right or left, toilet rim. Up to now only mechanically controlled.  

All above bidet types can have thin or wide water jet. So the thin jet is targeting at the narrow anus area. That, in combination with its exact vertical direction, leads to a very restricted body area being watered

                        Functuality characterics

a. Oblique jets: Wide body area watered. Not very effective specially in hemorrhoids.Danger of cloth wetting. Danger of filthy staff being pushed in women's genitalia. Could not be used in toilet risers and wheelchars with a pot.

b. Less oblique jets: Reduced all above mentioned disadvantages. Still could not be used in toilet risers and wheelchairs. Expensive,vulnerable because of their complexity, difficult to use. Difficulties in cleaning the lid with water. Luxurious and offering more extras, as warm drying up air, topically warmed water, which could be as well thought as a serious sanitary disadvantage( J UOEH. 2014 Jun 1;36(2):135-9. A survey on bacterial contamination of lavage water in electric warm-water lavage toilet seats and of the gluteal cleft after lavage.Katano H1, Yokoyama K)

c. Thin and exact vertical water jet:It targets a very restricted body area, the necessary needed.100% effective. So there are two important main concequencies. 1. There is no need for use of any toilet paper, or at most to use of a small piece of it for drying up. That means (combined with the easines in disinfecting it by each user) ths bidet type could be used in public or hospital toilets) A second importan consequence is cold water sensation is negligible, so no real need for wa Nozzle tube under side rim at no use position, so never could get spoiled by feces. It might be cheap or expensive, easily disinfected. Not around splash water, no cloth wetting, no danger for women genitalia infection, especially after child birth. Possibility , in some types, to be able to get applied to raised toilets and even in cases of persons using wheelchair with a pot, appropriate for blind people, as they, for obvious reasons, need to be sure about the cleaning result. Durable, more hygienic, as they don’t need warm water to be used. Could be cheap. 08:38, 20 April 2017 (UTC)91.140.90.154 (talk)

Sources and Citations[edit]

  • . ( J UOEH. 2014 Jun 1;36(2):135-9. A survey on bacterial contamination of lavage water in electric warm-water lavage toilet seats and of the gluteal cleft after lavage.Katano H1, Yokoyama K)

El bidet: la historia de un invento francés[edit]

Fue creado en Francia para higienizarse las partes íntimas después del sexo, resistido por el catolicismo y adoptado por los argentinos, que reinventamos la forma de utilizarlo. ¿Cómo concebir un baño sin bidet? Los viajeros tuvieron que acostumbrarse, porque este artefacto fue cayendo en desuso en la mayoría de los países del mundo. Y la Argentina podría ser el próximo en el que desaparezca para siempre: el Código de Edificación que ya recibió aprobación inicial elimina la obligatoriedad de incluirlo en los baños. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.35.124.162 (talk) 09:14, 29 February 2020 (UTC)[reply]