6 Reasons to Own a Bidet
Bidets were quite fashionable during the ‘70s and ‘80s, but these days it’s rare to see them in the UK. Despite this, they are still very popular overseas, not just in Europe but around the globe. In fact, a staggering 97% of homes in Italy are fitted with at least one bidet. Indeed, there are several very good reasons for their popularity, and why they are worth considering for your own bathroom suite.
1. Hygiene
The top reason for investing in a bidet is that they are more hygienic than paper. If your hands get dirty, you wash them with soap and water and wouldn’t dream of rubbing them with some soft paper to get the dirt off. So why do we behave any differently when using the bathroom? Using toilet paper can cause all sorts of issues like skin irritation, UTIs and bacteria build-up.
Bidets also make it easier to maintain good personal hygiene when you have a limited range of movement. This can be helpful for elderly people and people with mobility issues such as Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and arthritis.
2. Saves money
In a 2021 survey of 5400 UK households, it was found that the average British household spends 90p a week on toilet paper. Using a bidet after going to the toilet allows you to greatly reduce the amount of paper you are using. This not only lessens your carbon footprint but saves you money, too.
Given that a basic bidet can be bought for around £100, a new bidet could easily pay for itself in just a couple of years.
3. Eco-friendly
According to the Independent, the UK fells around 7 million trees each year to use as toilet paper, with the average Briton using 127 rolls of toilet paper per year. That’s not including the carbon footprint of manufacturing and transporting it. It takes 37 gallons of water to make a single roll of toilet paper as well as 1.5 pounds of wood. By contrast, a bidet requires only one pint of water per use. As such, using a bidet can help you do your bit for the planet.
4. Kinder to your skin
Even luxurious, super soft toilet paper can irritate your skin, especially if it’s scented, bleached or dyed. It’s also possible to be allergic to chemicals in the paper. This can cause a range of issues, especially with regards to feminine healthcare.
After giving birth or having surgery, using toilet roll can be extremely uncomfortable. Washing with tepid water instead can be soothing and will not irritate the skin further. Some people with haemorrhoids have reported finding bidets useful, too.
5. The “posh” factor
Although they are common in other parts of the world, here in the UK we think of bidets as being a bit “posh”. Some people like the idea of having a bidet to impress their friends and family, not just for practicality. Bidets are not terribly expensive to buy and are relatively easy to install, so they are a quick and inexpensive way of updating your bathroom and giving it a luxurious touch.
6. Weird and wonderful uses
A 2014 BBC News survey into UK attitudes to bidets revealed some very unusual uses for these bathroom fixtures. Respondents reported using their bidets for storing fish whilst changing water in the aquarium, washing hamsters, washing laundry while on holiday, and keeping plants watered while on holiday. Some even use it as a makeshift baby bath.
If you found this useful, you may also be interested in: Rimless Toilet Buying Guide - What are the Types of Toilet? Toilet Buying Guide.
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