Bidets are not toilets, nor are they for washing your feet. They are intended to ensure total cleanliness after using the toilet. A traditional element of bathroom design, they slipped out of popularity for a while before slowly returning as a mainstay within the bathroom. This guide will help in deciding whether a bidet will be the perfect extra addition to your bathroom.
Bidet Basics - What Are They For? Where Do They Go? What Are The Benefits?
Designed to aid personal hygiene, bidets are popular across the world and in certain countries, every house must have at least one. It has long been argued that cleaning with water is more sanitary than with paper alone. Fitted adjacent to the toilet, they use a bidet tap with an adjustable nozzle delivering a spray of water where required for hygienic cleaning.
Bidets have many benefits both for the user and the environment as they thoroughly clean whilst reducing the use of toilet paper. This is a plus for eco-conscious people who want to reduce their overall wastage. While they do use water, this is less than the amount that is required to make up a roll of toilet paper. Another benefit is the reduced chance of germs being spread by the hands and irritation due to excess use of harsh toilet paper.
Styles of Bidet
The style of bidets has been updated so that they effortlessly fit into modern bathrooms. Designed to mirror the shape and look of the matching toilet, which helps in creating a cohesive bathroom décor. The modernisation of bidets has led to the evolution of wall-hung and back-to-wall versions. Bidet covers and white bidet waste are available from some manufacturers, to give that true minimalistic matching finish. For those still wanting an overall traditional look to their bathroom, bidets from Heritage have more traditional lines and still keep in line with the matching toilet design.
Bidet Taps
Selecting a bidet tap is similar to selecting any other bathroom tap. You must consider which tap will suit you best, both in terms of design and the water pressure of your home. Most bidets have a singular tap hole on the back ledge for the bidet mixer to be mounted. Mimic the design of your basin mixer, as bidet mixers are available in the same style; the only difference is the nozzle on the end of the spout. Having an adjustable nozzle is the best option, to provide flexibility and control of the cleaning process. Wall-mounted shattaf’s or douche sets, look similar to hand showers and provide a more close and personal cleaning experience.
Shower Toilets
Shower toilets are the Japanese’s answer to a bidet. Removing the need for another porcelain piece in the bathroom is great when space is limited or when a minimalistic design is required for the modern bathroom. Shower toilets are a specifically designed style of toilet combining the bidet action with the toilet. A retractable nozzle is placed within the toilet seat, which moves out when the cleaning function is required. This provides a more thorough cleaning experience as the spray is delivered from underneath the user. The majority of shower toilets will have remote controls which can be pre-set for individual users and various functions are available including rear wash and lady wash. The water temperature can also be adjusted for a more comfortable experience.
Bidets aren’t an essential item within the bathroom, but they add extra luxury and hygiene to the overall bathroom design.