The Origins of the Bidet

But First, What is a Bidet?

A bidet is a plumbing fixture that sprays water for the purpose of cleansing your private areas of the body after using the toilet. Traditionally, the bidet is a standalone unit that is in your bathroom next the toilet, but there are also much cheaper models you can buy to modify your existing toilet into a bidet. Many people around the world swear by them and can't even imagine not using them daily.

History of the Bidet

The exact origins of the bidet are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in France during the early 1700s. At that time, the French aristocracy used a simple bowl that was placed next to the toilet so that users could wash themselves with water after using the toilet. Eventually, someone got the idea to put a small bowl under the seat so that water could be splashed up to clean themselves.

This new invention quickly became popular among the French aristocracy and soon spread to other parts of Europe. In 1750, an Italian countess wrote about how much she loved her "little bidet" in a letter to her daughter. By 1800, most European households had at least one bidet.

The word “bidet” was first used in France in the early 1800s. It is thought to have come from the French word for “pony,” because of the way you straddle the device which looked similar to straddled a horse.

There are many rumors and myths about the origin of the bidet. Some say that it was originally created by Louis XIV of France, while others believe that it originated in Italy. Still others claim that the bidet was actually first invented in Spain in the 17th century. King Philip IV of Spain ordered a royal washroom to be installed in his palace, which included a special basin for cleaning himself after using the toilet. This basin soon became known as a bidet, and people began using it to clean themselves instead of using dirty water or paper towels.

The modern bidet was invented in 1750 by a French doctor named Jean-Jacques Perret. Perret's invention was designed to allow people to clean themselves more effectively after using the toilet

Today, the Bidet is considered to be a must-have in many countries around the world such as Japan, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In France, the bidet is seen as a symbol of luxury, and many people believe that it is an essential part of any bathroom. However, in most other countries, the bidet is seen as a practical tool that can help to keep you clean and refreshed after using the toilet. Although not super common in the United States, the bidet is slowly gaining popularity as more people learn about the many benefits it has to offer.

While the bidet may have originated in France or Spain, it is now used all over the world and seen as a necessity in many bathrooms. It is a simple tool that can help you stay clean, refreshed, and comfortable after using the toilet.

The Benefits of Using a Bidet

Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in the health benefits of bidet use. While bidets have traditionally been associated with luxury bathrooms, an increasing number of people are beginning to see them as an essential hygiene tool. Here are just a few of the ways that using a bidet can help improve your health: There are many reasons to consider using a bidet, especially if you are looking for a way to improve your hygiene or health. For one thing, bidets can help you to avoid the need for toilet paper, which can actually be quite harmful to your skin. Toilet paper can contain chemicals and bleach, which can cause irritation, rashes, and other problems.

If you have health conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, you might find that switching to a bidet will be a huge improvement and a real help with your discomfort. Even the softest toilet paper can be irritating to tender, inflamed skin. The last thing anyone with swelling or pain wants to do is wipe with dry paper and find the soothing waters of the bidet to be such a relief. Toilet paper can actually be quite harmful to your skin. It can contain chemicals and bleach, which can cause irritation, rashes, and other problems.

Using a bidet can help you to avoid the spread of bacteria and other germs. Toilet paper can actually transfer bacteria from your hands to your genitals or anus, which can lead to serious health problems. Bidets can also help prevent urinary tract infections. UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and travel to the bladder. If you wipe front to back after using the toilet, you can help reduce the chances of these bacteria making their way into your urethra. However, many people don't always remember to do this, or they may not do it correctly. Using a bidet can help ensure that you're always cleansing yourself properly and reducing your risk of UTI.

Finally, using a bidet is also more environmentally friendly than using toilet paper. Toilet paper requires energy and water to produce, and it also creates pollution when it is flushed down the toilet. Bidets use very little water in comparison, making them a much more eco-friendly option.

The average person uses around 80 gallons of water per day just from flushing the toilet. This number can double or even triple if you include other activities like showering and doing laundry. A study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that the typical family can save up to 13,000 gallons of water each year by using a low-flow toilet and a bidet. That’s enough water to fill an entire swimming pool!

Bidets can also help reduce your carbon footprint. The manufacturing, transportation, and packaging of toilet paper all require energy and generate pollution. According to the National Resources Defense Council, it takes 37 gallons of water and 1.5 pounds of softwood to make just one roll of toilet paper. If every household in the United States replaced just one roll of toilet paper with a bidet, we could save an estimated 100 million trees each year!

Different Types of Bidets

There are many different types of bidets. Each has its own unique features and benefits.

Here's a look at some of the most popular types of bidets:

• Traditional bidets: These are usually standalone bidets and are typically made out of porcelain. They have their own plumbing so they can be plumbed into the water supply but would require the use of a plumber. These fixtures are usually installed in the bathroom next to the toilet.

Standalone bidets are more expensive than attachment bidets, but they offer a number of benefits. Standalone bidets can offer a more luxurious experience. They typically have more features than attachment bidets, such as adjustable water pressure and temperature, heated seats, remote controls, and drying features.

Hand-held bidets: These devices are quite inexpensive to purchase and can be installed directly onto your existing toilet without the use of a plumber. Once installed, the sprayer is held in your hand and you can control the water pressure and direction. They're ideal for those that really want the benefits of a bidet but do not have the money or space for the standalone variety.

• Toilet seat bidets: A toilet seat bidet replaces your existing toilet seat. It features a built-in water sprayer that can be used for cleansing after using the toilet. Toilet seat bidets typically have a control panel that allows you to adjust the water pressure and temperature. Some models even have a drying function.

No matter which type of bidet you choose, you're sure to enjoy a cleaner, more refreshing bathroom experience.

Bidet Myths Busted

When it comes to bidets, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings floating around. For example, many people believe that bidets are only for people with certain health conditions. Others think that bidets are unhygienic, or that they are too expensive to install in a home. However, none of these claims are true! Bidets are actually very hygienic, and they can be used by anyone. In fact, many experts believe that bidets are actually more effective at cleansing than toilet paper. As for cost, there are now many affordable and easy-to-install options available on the market. So there's no need to let myths and misconceptions hold you back from enjoying the benefits of a bidet!

In Conclusion

Bidets have been around for centuries and their popularity is only increasing. They offer a variety of benefits over toilet paper, which we’ve outlined in this post. Different countries have their own unique takes on the bidet, and there are a variety of different bidet styles to choose from. So if you’re looking for a more refreshing, cleansing, and eco-friendly bathroom experience, then consider making the switch to a bidet today!

FAQs

Q1. Who invented the bidet and why?

Arnold Cohen (a.k.a. “Mr. Bidet”) invented the first bidet toilet seat and founded the American Bidet Company in the 1960s. Motivated by his father's medical condition, Mr. Bidet's new device placed a spraying nozzle into a toilet seat to help his father clean himself.

Q2. Why is America against bidets?

The answer to why Americans don't own bidets can be summed up in two reasons: history and unfamiliarity. Most Americans who have had the opportunity to use bidets or washlets abroad enjoy the experience of being freshly clean after each trip to the bathroom.

Q3. Is a bidet French or Japanese?

A bidet is a low-mounted version of a sink or a plumbing fixture low-mounted that was invented in 17th century France, and ever since then used across the world as a sanitation tool for washing legs, genitalia, inner buttocks, and anus.

Q4. Do bidets spray poop everywhere?

No, bidets don't spray poop everywhere when you use them. Bidets use a concentrated stream of water specifically directed to cleanse your backside and genitals. The waste does not get sprayed all over. Think of it as a safe, spotless wash for your butt.