Although generally not regarded as a topic of conversation, for anyone who takes a moment to really consider it the answer is clear: is it better to wipe or wash after using the bathroom? If you have been out gardening in the dirt or working on your car or doing any task really where you are likely to get your hands dirty, you are going to wash your hands afterwards. You don’t tell the kids to wipe their hands off with some dry paper towels before dinner. After a trip to the gym, you aren’t going to skip the shower and just wipe yourself off with a towel. Clearly washing with water is one of the most common and important things we do to keep ourselves clean. So why is it that some people think it is “weird” or maybe “not for them” to use a bidet seat to clean themselves instead of wiping with a wad of dry toilet paper? The most common answer we’ve found is that it’s because those people haven’t yet tried a bidet toilet seat. Because just about everyone who has tried one will immediately tell you that washing with water is the only way to go when it comes to going to the bathroom.

Water is known as the universal solvent and is synonymous with life, so it isn’t hard for people to understand that cleaning with water is healthier and more hygienic than wiping with dry toilet paper. But personal routines can be hard for some people to break, especially when it comes to private matters of their bathroom habits. Luckily modern electronic bidets are designed with a good deal of adjustability and personalization built into them, so users can find their comfort level with regard to the water pressure, position of the spray, water temperature and more. Many models also include warm air dryers which can be especially helpful for those with limited mobility, though you can use a small amount of toilet paper for drying as well. And once winter arrives, the heated seat is a nice bonus feature besides the cleaning function you’ll enjoy. Being able to personalize the settings makes the transition to washing a lot easier for new users.

Besides the fresher and cleaner feeling users get from a bidet, there are specific ways washing is healthier for you compared to using toilet paper. One obvious issue with wiping that people don’t always like to think about is the fact that wiping can actually just spread the problem around rather than clean it off. Another problem with toilet paper is excessive wiping, which likely happens from not feeling clean. Wiping too much or too harshly can cause soreness, irritation, anal fissures and even hemorrhoids. For women, wiping can contribute to urinary tract infections. With all of the unpleasantness that comes with wiping, the decision to switch to washing with water makes sense not just for the improved cleanliness but for the improved comfort and freshness it provides.

As mentioned, many people still use a little bit of toilet paper for drying purposes after washing with a bidet, but the amount used goes down drastically for most users which saves a good deal of money over the life of the unit. Whether you are looking to upgrade your bathroom for health reasons, or for a cleaner and fresher feeling, or if you simply are looking for greater comfort, installing a bidet toilet seat will give you a vastly improved bathroom experience. To learn more about the various features available on all our different models, you can check out our handy bidet toilet seat comparison chart. Say good-bye to wiping and hello to washing today!

If you’re reading this, you are likely among the growing number of people who have heard about the health and hygiene benefits offered by a bidet toilet seat. Modern bidets are packed with features which provide a healthier and more comfortable experience when using the bathroom. Washing with water is common sense in other aspects of our lives, so it makes sense we should absolutely be washing ourselves with water after going to the bathroom. So it is easy to see why more Americans are adding bidet toilet seats to their homes. While deciding to add a bidet to your bathroom is an easy choice to make, deciding which specific model is right for you means knowing what to look for, so here are some basic guidelines on what to look for when you are choosing a bidet.

The first thing to know is that modern bidet toilet seats are not separate plumbing fixtures like the old fashioned version, but rather are designed to install directly on your existing toilet. They offer greater economy of space for your bathroom as well as easier use since you do not move from the toilet to the bidet. They are also much easier to install – the do-it-yourself installation means most people can install it on their own within about 30 minutes. Most modern bidet seats are also electric, so you will need to plug it into a standard outlet. There are some non-electric attachments as well however they are much more limited in their functionality compared to the electric models. Next we’ll explain some of the wash functions of the electric models.

Any good electric bidet will have some basic wash features such as adjustable water pressure, adjustable water temperature and adjustable nozzle position. Everybody is built a little differently, so being able to make these adjustments to best suit your needs is essential. Being able to wash with warm water is a huge plus for most people, so it’s important to note the water heating system of the different units. Some models use a reservoir tank water heating system which holds a reserve of heated water which provides about 45 seconds of warm water per wash. Other units use a tankless water heating system which uses an instant heating coil that heats the water continuously. The benefit of reservoir tank heating is that these units tend to be more affordable. But the benefit with the tankless design is that you can wash for as long as you want without running out of warm water.

There are some additional wash functions to be aware of, such as oscillating wash. This feature moves the wash nozzle during the cleaning cycle to provide a larger coverage area and a more thorough cleaning. Another wash feature available on some seats is a massage wash, which pulses the water stream like a strobe light for a massaging effect. A few units like the BB 2000 include an enema wash (or turbo wash) which can help induce movements for users who have difficulty going to the bathroom. All of the various wash features can add up to create a better cleaning experience.

Besides the wash functions, there are also a variety of non-wash functions available. A heated seat with adjustable temperature is very popular, especially during the winter months. Some models have warm air dryers which dry residual moisture after washing and can help eliminate toilet paper consumption, although some people will use a small amount of toilet paper to speed up the drying process. Air deodorizers can help remove unpleasant odors from the bowl area, while night lights can make it easier to see at night without needing to turn on bright bathroom lights. Most units have slow closing seat and lid so they won’t slam closed, and a couple have an automatic opening and closing lid. Another important feature to note is whether the unit is operated by remote control or an attached control panel. Most people find the remote controls a lot easier to use compared with the attached panels. The remote control includes a wall mounting kit so you can place it wherever is most convenient. Like with other home appliances, there is also the warranty to consider. Most warranties are between one to three years with either full or partial coverage, although a couple of brands do offer extended warranty options.

As more and more people trend toward installing bidet seats as a regular part of their bathroom, it’s important to have a resource to know the differences and similarities of all the various brands and models available. If you are planning on upgrading your bathroom with a bidet, we hope our website offers a great resource for you to familiarize yourself with your options, and you can always give us a call or send us an e-mail and get advice from the bidet seat pros here at bidetsPLUS!