What Is a Bidet Used For?

A bidet refers to a bowl, basin, or receptacle that’s used to clean one’s nether regions, especially after using the bathroom. There are various types of bidets, which is partly why they're getting more popular and increased demand.

Bidets are common in Asia, Europe, and South America. They include handheld bidets, freestanding bidets, built-in bidets, and warm water bidets. Depending on the model, most bidets look like a toilet; however, they have jets that spray warm water that one can use to wash themselves.

They are generally placed near toilets and are especially useful to individuals recovering from surgery, people with physical disabilities, or people with mental conditions that limit their capabilities.

They could also be used by people with dexterity problems (or limited motion), various medical conditions including rectal or genital, individuals who want better hygiene before or after performing sexual activities, or women who want to practice better hygiene during their monthly menstrual periods.

Your first encounter, when using a bidet, could be a little daunting; however, they are pretty simple to use. This article will provide you with some simple steps on how to use a bidet but first, let's look at various bidet models and what they have to offer.

VARIOUS BIDET MODELS

FREESTANDING BIDET

Freestanding bidets are the most traditional types of bidets. They are usually located close to the toilet and mostly look like large, low sinks. Some bidets can be filled with water that rises to the bowl's surface, or they could be equipped with jets that expel warm water.

HANDHELD BIDETS

A handheld bidet is also known as a bidet sprayer or bidet shower. This type of bidet is a nozzle that's attached to the toilet and is manually placed near your nether regions when washing up after using the bathroom, after sex, or when freshening up. Its design is meant to help you control and position the stream of water.

BUILT-IN BIDET

Built-in bidets are toilets that are equipped with the bidet feature. After flushing the bathroom, they could automatically expel a vertical stream of water to cleanse you. However, keep in mind that, depending on the model, this action could be triggered automatically or manually.

WARM WATER BIDET

Warm water bidets could be either freestanding, built-in, or have a nozzle attachment. Warm water bidets could be hooked to a hot water pipe system or have an inbuilt water warming system that spritzes your behind with warm water when using it.

HOW TO USE A BIDET

Since bidets aren't standard toilet facilitates, you could have some trouble using them for the first time. This section provides you with practical steps to guide and help you have a better and more effective experience. So, how do you go about it?

CLEAN UP AS BEST AS YOU CAN

Please clean up as best as you can before using the bidet. Doing this helps prevent clogging the drain or leaving the bidet dirty if another person has to use it. If you want to clean up after a number two, it would be good to ensure that you wipe at least once after using the toilet and get rid of the tissue by flushing it in the bathroom.

CONFIGURE THE JET SPRAYS AND FIND AN EXCELLENT STRADDLING POSITION

STRADDLING

Depending on your preference, you could face the controls or face away. However, if you have on some pants, you could be forced to face away from the controls or take off your pants for easier straddling. In other cases, the bidet model, part of your body you wish to wash, or the jets' configuration could dictate to which direction you'll have to face.

JET SPRAY SET UP

If you live in a cold environment, you'll need to begin by turning on the hot-water valve allowing the water to spray about seven to eight inches high. If the water feels too hot to your hand, go ahead and turn on the cold-water valve.

Ensure to keep checking the water till you get a temperature that you’re comfortable with. Be careful not to let the column of water reach a foot in height.

If you live in hot climates, the best approach would be to start with turning on the cold water before regulating the stream of water with some warm water. You'll also need to be careful when turning the valve to avoid letting out more water than you intended.

CLEANING YOURSELF

You'll need to straddle the bidet, placing one leg on either side, sit on the rim, and align your nether regions with the column of water. Open the spray valve gradually until you achieve the correct water pressure to clean yourself adequately.

If your bidet doesn’t produce jets of water but instead fills with water, then you’ll have to clean yourself with water and soap using your hand like you would in a shower.

DRYING

Once you've cleaned your nether regions, you'll need to dry yourself. Some bidets have an air drier, paper towels, or toilet paper that you could use to dry yourself. If you use toilet paper or paper towels, it would be good to ensure that you don't dispose of it in the bidet or risk clogging it.

TIPS FOR USE

• Inspect your bidet before using it to determine where and how strong the water jets will be.
• Remember that you don’t need to use soap when using a bidet.
• Ensure that your clothing is out of the way before using a bidet.
• If you notice a towel near arm's reach, understand that it's meant to dry your hands and not your rear.• Remember to turn off the T-valve after each use.

CONCLUSION

While bidets are an excellent solution for improving hygiene and individuals with medical and physical conditions, they carry a few risks. There is a chance that they could increase the risks of bacterial vaginitis and bacterial contamination. Thus, it would be good to ensure that your immune system is robust and invest in personal bidets. Otherwise, they are the best way to stay clean! Have fun.