Bidets are the new way of cleaning down under! They are increasingly gaining popularity and for good reasons. Nowadays, people are more health-conscious than they ever were before. On top of that, people tend to choose comfort over expenses in a lot of aspects. The same goes for elegance and aesthetics. Recent trends have shown that people, even on strict budgets, choose the most convenient option on every product or service. Bidets, amazingly, tick all the boxes.

Due to bidets being relatively new among Australians, there are various misconceptions associated with them. However, as more and more people start adopting this new norm, we believe the misinformation is about to stop. Using a bidet personally can clear up any confusion. We know that not everyone will purchase a bidet before ensuring its utility, so we have tried to answer some of the most common questions and concerns regarding bidets from an Australian perspective, which are below.

Are bidets sanitary?

Yes, bidets are sanitary, especially in comparison to traditional methods involving toilet paper. There are six different types of bidets available, and each has its own way of ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene.

To dig a little deeper into this issue, let us take toilet paper as an example. When you wipe your anal region after passing fecal matter, there is direct contact between your fingers and the feces. Although toilet paper lies in between, we know how ineffective that is when it comes to preventing the germs from transferring onto your hand. These harmful bacteria can then be passed on to other parts of your body without you realizing it. These matters are indeed concerning.

Furthermore, the simple act of dry wiping is really not enough. Using soap and water is absolutely essential to rid your anal region of feces and germs, which is one of the key reasons why bidet usage is on the rise.

Using a bidet would mean you would not have to touch the buttock region to clean yourself every time you go to the bathroom. All six types of bidets come with their own standards of sanitation. Portable travel bidets and handheld sprayer bidets are usually operated by hand, ensuring total control for the person using them. Standalone bidets are different but maintain sanitation standards as high as other bidet variants like add-on bidet attachments and add-on bidet toilet seats. The same goes for smart toilet suites. Use any of the aforementioned bidet variants and stop worrying about bathroom sanitation for good.

Are bidets illegal in Australia?

Bidets are legal in Australia. However, there are certain criteria and guidelines in their installation procedure that, if not followed, make it illegal. Knowing the proper way to install them will save you from all legal matters in general.

Many residents believe bidets are illegal in Australia. This is partly because their usage is still quite rare among Australians. In reality, bidets are very much legal in the country, and their usage is highly encouraged during these trying times of COVID-19, where toilet paper is a scarce resource.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has strict guidelines regarding the installation and maintenance of plumbing equipment. According to the rules, you would need the right appliance, based on your plumbing system’s specifications. You would also need a licensed plumber to do the installation and repair work. If you follow these guidelines, getting a bidet should not be a big deal.

The pandemic brought upon a staggering increase in household DIY attempts at bidet installations in Australia, something which is not legal. Keep in mind that the laws in the country are strict in such matters.

Are bidets for men or women?

Bidets can be used by both males and females alike. Scientifically speaking, men and women do not excrete in different ways. Thus, there is no structural difference in bidet builds that are gender-specific.

A bidet is a basic bathroom appliance that has a lot of utility. However, its design is never gender-centric. For instance, you would never find a bidet (standalone bidet in this example) that is built to solely accommodate the male buttocks. You would also not find one that is sold only to women.

Do bidets spray poop everywhere?

The answer to this question is no. Bidets are designed to systematically direct the flow of water into the anal region. You can even control the water pressure if you fear poop getting sprayed all over — although that is never required.

The concentrated stream is usually targeted to the exact location where the feces remains. If the feces is solid, there is next to no chance of splashes occurring. In case the feces is runny, little bits and pieces may indeed splash out, but never on your body. You would see them accumulating within the toilet bowl or the standalone bidet, whichever is being used. Certain bidet variants, like the smart toilet suite, are completely splash-proof if set up properly.

Do I wipe before using a bidet?

There is no straight answer to this, but there is more reason to not wipe instead of wiping. Bidets are literally a better alternative to wiping as a whole.

The very reason bidet was first introduced to the masses was to eliminate — or at least reduce — the use of toilet paper. Wiping your backside right after pooping but before using the bidet beats the purpose of using the bidet in the first place. A bidet, if used properly, will eliminate all the existing feces from the anal region using water pressure. You would not have to touch your buttocks, let alone wipe.

However, certain circumstances do make wiping meaningful. If the stool is not consistent, or if you are suffering from digestive disorders, you may want to wipe your backside before turning the bidet spray on. People suffering from mobility issues also benefit from this. However, these are temporary situations. In general, wiping is simply not necessary before using a bidet.

Do I need to dry my bum after using a bidet?

This is a very general question among new bidet users, and the answer is perceptional. Some people do not dry their bums as the stream of water coming from bidets is usually concentrated in a particular spot, and the amount of water is usually low. Thus, the remaining droplets are easily soaked in undergarments. However, if you want to avoid this feeling, try using a paper towel or toilet paper. You can also use an air dryer, making sure to keep the heat down.

Some bidets come with a built-in air dryer, like the smart toilet suite. If you own one of these, chances are, you will never have to buy toilet paper ever again.

Do bidet toilets need electricity?

Not all bidet toilets need electricity, while some come in both electric and non-electric variants. It totally depends on the user’s choice.

Certain types of bidets require power to operate. Examples include portable travel bidets, add-on bidet toilet seats, and smart toilet suites with built-in bidets. Travel bidets also come in non-electric forms, but the electric variants are usually preferred due to their feasible costs.

Add-on bidet toilet seats are arguably the most widely used electric bidets. Again, the costs are relatively cheap, and the utilities are manifold. These appliances are not operational without power, but you can also go for the non-electric variants. The choice is yours. All you need is proper knowledge about them.

Are bidets worth it?

Yes, bidets are indeed worth it, mainly in two different aspects: cost and utility. They are largely affordable and can serve the same purpose as toilet paper way more efficiently.

Veteran bidet users generally claim that over time, the bidet pays for itself. This includes the cost of purchase and installation, which is an expensive ordeal in Australia as per the laws regarding plumbing maintenance. Make no mistake: the amount of money saved on toilet paper is a hefty amount. After, say, a year of using bidets, you will surely feel the difference.

As for their utility, the list is profound. Ranging from ensuring better hygiene to ease of use, bidets provide us with all. On top of that, they bring elegance to your bathroom environment and make it look classier than it actually is. Australians are heavily concerned about their health and fitness. This is the very reason behind more and more Australians shifting to bidets with each passing day.

How to use a bidet?

There are tons of customized bidet variants that might confuse newbies. However, the basic methods of use remain similar among all.

The primary task of a bidet is to clean the buttock region after passing fecal matter. Thus, all variants would essentially be doing the same job. Let us take a step-by-step look into how bidets should really be used.

• Respond to the call of nature: First thing’s first: you need to finish your job before starting to worry about cleaning up your bum. Do not make the mistake of letting the faeces drop into a standalone bidet as many people tend to do. Use a toilet.
• Adjust the nozzle (or adjust your body): This part is crucial. You need to aim the stream of water perfectly into the region in order to clean it properly. If you are using an electric bidet, this part is fairly easy. However, you would need to set the angle manually if using a non-electric version. You can simply angle your buttocks in a way that the water hits the right spot. The water pressure can also be controlled based on convenience. With experience, these adjustments will become a reflex.
• Set an ideal temperature: If your bidet comes with a temperature control mechanism, like the electric bidet toilet seat, you have the luxury of adjusting the water temperature according to your comfort.
• Dry yourself (if you feel the need): Once you have finished using the bidet, you can either get up and walk away, or you can do that after drying yourself off. As discussed earlier, some people prefer staying as it is and letting their underwear soak up the remaining droplets of water. Others may choose to wipe the area with a paper towel or use the bidet’s built-in air dryer (if available). It is completely down to personal preference.

Do bidets feel good?

Most bidet users have claimed that it does feel good to use a bidet. Ranging from scientific reasons to psychological factors, bidets are indeed a pleasure to use.

Scientifically speaking, the stream of water ejected by bidets helps in stimulating the anal and frontal regions of your lower body. The nerves located deep inside the anus are mostly interconnected. The ones in charge of the anal sphincter are also attached to the genitalia. Thus, any sensation in one region is relayed to the other, giving the person a mild euphoric feeling.

In addition to that, simply wiping the anus after a poop session may not entirely clean the region at times. A feeling of strange discomfort persists in such cases. Bidets ensure that never happens.

The world of bathroom sanitation

Due to bidets being a relatively new addition to the world of bathroom sanitation, a lot of people are still unaware of its wonders. Long-term users are so engrossed in the use of bidets that they claim to see no alternatives. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding bidets in this article. We believe this will entice you to finally place an order for the bidet you have had an eye on for quite some time now.