The bidet is widespread in many parts of the world, but not in Anglo-Saxon countries. Even in China, the Middle East, Latin America or the Far East it is not uncommon to find one in the bathroom. It is a tool that guarantees your personal hygiene and that uses the flow of water to do the same job as toilet paper. Basically it is a basin that you can use to wash the genitals and the anal area after using the bathroom. People who were born in countries where the bidet is not used may look at it with suspicion and believe that it is difficult to use, but this is not the case, it is a very simple and hygienic accessory.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Sit on the Bidet
Step 1. Go to the toilet first
The purpose of the bidet is to wash you after using the toilet. You can use this toilet even if you have cleaned yourself with toilet paper or wash yourself with water alone. Some people find the bidet to be a hygienic substitute for paper, but many others prefer to use both.
Step 2. Locate the bidet
It is often mounted near the toilet, fixed to the wall. Look for a fixture that looks like a low sink or toilet bowl with a faucet. In some cases, modern bidets are built into the toilet, so you don't have to straddle another toilet.
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There are three main types of bidets: separate toilets that work autonomously, which are generally found in Europe, manual ones and those integrated into the toilet bowl, more common in Asia.
- European bidet: this is an individual element, which is mounted near the toilet. Sometimes it is on the other side of the bathroom and in some cases you have to move from the toilet-only room to the "bathroom" room. In any case, you will have to get up from the toilet and sit on the bidet. This is the original model that was created in Europe in the eighteenth century.
- Asian bidet: In many bathrooms in Asia and America there is not enough space to insert another sanitary element, so many bidets are integrated into the toilet or can be inserted into it. This way you don't have to get up to wash.
- Manual Bidet: This is hung on the wall and must be used manually to move it to the desired position.
Use a Bidet Step 3 Step 3. Sit astride a European bidet
In most cases, when you have to use this model, it is best to sit astride it, with your face facing the tap; alternatively you can also sit in the other direction, as if it were a toilet. It is generally easier to control the temperature and water flow if you are facing the tap. By doing this you can see the water flowing and it will be easier for you to wash yourself.
- If you are wearing pants, you will need to take them off to be able to sit astride. If you don't want to take them off completely, take off at least one leg, so you can "ride" the sanitary.
- Finally, know that the way you sit is also determined by the position of the nozzles and which part of your body you want to wash. This means that if you have to wash your genitals then it is better to sit in front of the tap but if you want to wash your anal area you should sit in reverse.
Use a Bidet Step 4 Step 4. Operate the integrated bidet in the toilet
Look for a button on the remote control with the words "Lavaggio" or "Wash"; the controls are usually mounted on the wall near the toilet. In some cases the button is located on the toilet itself. A spray will appear that will rinse your intimate areas with a stream of water.
- When you're done, just hit the "Stop" button. The spray nozzle will fit into the toilet bowl structure.
- In mechanically controlled bidets, all you need to do is turn a lever or pull a thread and open the main valve.
Part 2 of 3: Wash yourself
Use a Bidet Step 5 Step 1. Adjust the temperature and strength of the water jet so that they are comfortable
If the bidet has both hot and cold water, start opening the hot one. When it reaches maximum temperature, start opening the cold water knob until you are satisfied with the temperature. Proceed carefully when turning the knobs, because some bidets have a very powerful jet of water, a minimal rotation will suffice. Sometimes you have to hold down a button to have a steady flow of water.
- In countries with a very hot climate, such as the Middle East, you should start with cold water because there is no need to wait for it to heat up and, by opening the hot one first, you risk burning your private parts.
- Check where the sprayer is, otherwise you may be surprised and take an "unexpected shower". If the bidet you are using has the sprayer integrated into the bowl (unlikely in England due to building regulations), then you should cover it with one hand and press or squeeze the directional lever located between or just behind the taps.
Use a Bidet Step 6 Step 2. Sit on the bidet
You can sit or squat so that the stream of water hits the areas you need to wash. At this point you can decide whether to remain suspended or sit down. Remember that most of these bathroom fixtures do not have a seat, but are designed to allow the user to lean on the edge. Some models do not have a water jet, but a simple tap to fill the basin; in this case you have to use your hands to wash yourself.
When you use a manual bidet once you are done with your toilet, all you do is use the external mechanism to orient the faucet in the center of the bowl and open the water valve, which is within easy reach under the toilet. On that type of bidet, since the jet is very thin, you don't usually feel the temperature of the water
Use a Bidet Step 7 Step 3. Wash your genital or anal area
If you are using a bidet with a water jet, then you can let the force of the flow do its job. However, if the model only has one tap, you will need to use your hands. In both cases, however, you should "scrub" yourself to clean yourself more quickly and effectively. In the end you always have to wash your hands!
Consider using both toilet paper and a bidet. You can decide to use the paper at the end to get the job done, or you can moisten it with water and scrub your intimate areas
Part 3 of 3: Final Phase
Use a Bidet Step 8 Step 1. Dry off
Some bidets have an air jet that allows you to dry yourself. Look for the "Air" or "Dry" button on the integrated bidet remote control, it should be near the ones that say "Wash" and "Stop". In other cases there is a towel fixed on a ring near the sanitary. This is typically used to dry the genitals and hands, but someone uses it to wipe the splashes on the edge of the bidet.
Use a Bidet Step 9 Step 2. Rinse the toilet
When you are done, open the tap or the jet of water at very low pressure for a few seconds, so as to rinse the bidet and keep it clean. It is a matter of discretion and courtesy towards the next user.
Before leaving the bathroom, check that you have turned off the tap and the jets, otherwise you will waste a lot of water
Use a Bidet Step 10 Step 3. Wash your hands
Use soap and water, as you usually do when you go to the bathroom. If you don't have soap available, use whatever detergent you find.
Advice
- The instructions for using modern bidets, those built into the toilet, are essentially the same as for traditional models, except that you can remain seated on the toilet bowl without moving to the other toilet. These bidets are sometimes electronically operated and have controls positioned close to the user. They are usually equipped with two sprinklers, one short for the anus and the other longer for the female genitals; in other cases only one nozzle with two settings is available.
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Here are some of the benefits of using the bidet:
- People with reduced motility, such as the elderly, the disabled and the infirm, can maintain good personal hygiene when using the shower or bath becomes dangerous or impractical.
- The bidet is very useful for people who suffer from hemorrhoids, because it reduces the need to clean themselves a lot with toilet paper and therefore the risk of further irritating the area.
- Women with menstruation can better take care of their intimate hygiene thanks to the bidet, in order to reduce or prevent yeast infections or vaginitis, bad smell and at the same time relieve some pain.
- You can also use the bidet to quickly wash your feet.
- These are the countries where the bidet is widespread and used: South Korea, Japan, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Lebanon, India and Pakistan.
- You can buy this sanitary and install it. Some models need an electrical connection, but not all.
Warnings
- Clean yourself with toilet paper at least once after each toilet and before using the bidet. An excess of fecal debris can clog the drain with very unpleasant results for the person who will use the sanitary after you.
- It is not recommended to drink water from the bidet. The stream of water can bounce off dirty surfaces and become contaminated.
- Some use the bidet to bathe their baby. However, you should avoid this practice, unless the sanitary ware is used exclusively for this purpose; remember to ask the person who takes care of the baby, since the bidets used to bathe him are similar to traditional ones.
- Do not tighten the tap too hard, otherwise you could damage the rubber seal.
- If you are in a place where water hygiene is not guaranteed, avoid using the bidet when you have skin irritation or wounds. Skin is an effective barrier against infection only when it is intact.
- Carefully adjust both the pressure and the temperature of the water; It is not at all advisable to burn the sensitive skin of the private parts, in addition to the fact that excessive pressure could also create some irritation.
