A bidet is a basin that is found close to the toilet in the bathroom. It looks just like a toilet seat. But has warm or cold water jets that are used for cleaning yourself after you use the toilet.
It is also used by people who need to freshen up after toilet use. It only uses it to clean their anal and gentile areas. But how to use a bidet?
Don’t worry, I will get there pretty soon (with a video tutorial). But for now, watch the video on people’s reaction on bidet for their first-time use.
They are also helpful to people who have physical disabilities that may limit their range of motion. People who have different medical conditions that involve the genital or rectal areas find them helpful.
They are also very helpful to people who have developmental disabilities and men and women who might want to maintain better hygiene after or before sexual activities of during menstrual periods.
Bidets are common in different areas of the world, especially in Middle East countries.
Other countries that you will find them included in; Japan, South Korea, Spain, France, Argentina, Turkey, some parts of United States among many other countries. It’s just the modern version of your cool flushing toilet.
Here is How To Use A Bidet
I guess you have already installed your bidet. If so and if it is your first time in using a bidet you might find it a little intimidating on how to use a bidet, but not to worry they are actually very simple and hygienic to use.
Before using the bidet, its always good to use any odor eliminator like poo pouri to have a great experience. Here are a few steps to help you use them effectively:
- The first step is to always use the toilet first as the bidet is used to clean and wash up after the use of the toilet. Ensure you wipe yourself with a toilet paper after the toilet uses to prevent any feces from being washed inside the bidet. Excess fecal matter can clog the drain of the bidet which can be an unsightly sight for someone coming after you to use the bidet. Please note that the bidet is not a toilet so always use it after using the toilet.
- After the toilet uses its time to use the bidet, you will probably have to remove your pants if you have them on. You will have to straddle or sit in the bidet. Check the model of the bidet so as to know the best sitting or straddling position. Some have stand-alone fixtures, for such, you can choose to face towards or away from the water controls. Most people prefer to face the water controls as they can turn the water jets on or off or easily adjust the water flow and temperature.Some bidets have a hand held sprayer. The shut-off valve is connected to the water line which connects to the toilet. The bidet and toilet, in this case, share a water line and there is a hose that comes from the toilet to the sprayer and the sprayer has a trigger to operate it. This kind of bidet is gaining popularity although it is common in Muslim households. In fact, it is also known as the Muslim shower. For this kind of bidet, you only need to grab the bidet sprayer from the holder or hook before you use it as you sit on the toilet seat.Make sure you make adjustments to the temperature of the water and the water jet strengthens so as to be comfortable with the temperature and jet of the water. Some bidets have both hot and cold water. Turn on the hot water control first and then turn on the cold water until you have a comfortable water temperature. So, before buying, make sure you buy the best rated bidet that has every feature.
- The next step requires you to move to the right position so that the water jet hits areas that you want to clean. In some models, you can sit and squat as well. Most of the bidets do not have seats on them so you might have to squat over it or sit on the rim of the bidet. In some models, there are no water jets but taps that fill up a basin that looks like a sink.For bidets that have sprayers, you will have to open the valve that allows water to flow to the water sprayer. The water will probably take some time before the sprayer shoots so you won’t be caught by surprise. Point the sprayer through the front or the back of the seat whichever method you find more comfortable and flexible. If you want to clean both the genital and anal area at the same time you can point the sprayer through the front side of the seat.Using the water jets or the basin filled with water, clean the anal or genital area. You can use your hands to clean the areas better especially with the basin filled water bidet just like you would while in a bath or shower.For the hand held sprayer squeeze the trigger gently and start spraying. Aim it at an angle to clean effectively and also to avoid any splashing from the toilet. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the right angle and pressure for the first few times with time you will get used to it.
- The last step is to dry off after using the bidet. Use the provided toilet paper to do this. Better still use the air dryer provided near most bidets or paper towels. Remember not to throw any toilet paper in the bidet as this can lead to the clogging of the bidet. Some bathrooms have hand towels near the bidet, do not use these to dry your genital areas. They are meant for drying your hands. It is always good to rinse the bidet after using it and ensuring you leave it clean for the next user.
Some other points On How To Use A Bidet
Some bidets will need you to hold the water control lever continually for the jets to continue shooting. But be careful when turning on the water controls. Because some bidets give out a high jet even when you slightly touch them.
It is good to always familiarize yourself with the bidet model to know where and when the water will come from. That is necessary so that you are not taken by surprise when you turn on the controls
Spray nozzle bidets can be a bit tricky to use. You can use your hand so that when you turn on the sprayer, the water hits your hand first.
Also, You can then use the diverter that can be found behind the taps or between them. You should press it or pull it to direct the water to the right angle.
Some bidets are meant for females only. They are used to clean the genital area after intercourse or during the monthly menstrual period.
There are others bidets that are meant for washing babies. Please don’t use these. If you are not sure which one to use ask the housekeeper or the home owner which one is for adults.
There are modern bidets that are inbuilt to the toilet. The usage is the same but instead of sitting on a bidet you sit on the toilet seat. And then use the nozzle or sprayer from there.
They may be electronically controlled but others have controls just near the toilet. They might have a long nozzle to clean the genitals and a shorter one to clean the anal area. Others might have only one nozzle but this might have two settings.
Do not drink the water that shoots from the bidet. Though it might look clean, it is not meant for drinking. And it might be dirty more so if it bounces off the bidet area that might have fecal matter or urine.
If you have a broken area near the gentile or anal area do not use the water from the bidet. Especially if you are unsure of its source. The water can get the area infected. Try to set the bathroom vanity near your bidet for quick cleaning your hands and face.
As promised earlier, here is the video tutorial on how to use a bidet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCAiJO-83-E