March 20, 2023

Power Wash: Why Using a Bidet Is Sanitary and Safe

The benefits of a bidet may convince you to say goodbye to toilet paper

A person holds up a bidet in their left hand and a roll of toilet paper in their right hand.

It’s safe to say that pooping can be … well, a bit messy at times. Wiping with dry toilet paper in an attempt to clean unseen areas can be an exercise in frustration. There has to be a better way, right?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Allow us to introduce you to the bidet, a power washer for your bottom. Gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD, explains how this bathroom apparatus can get the job done.

What is a bidet?

A bidet (pronounced “bih-DAY”) is a plumbing fixture designed to clean your rear. It goes to work washing your lower region after you urinate or have a bowel movement, eliminating the need for toilet paper.

Some bidets attach to your toilet, either affixed to the side of the bowl or with a detachable hose. Other bidets are standalone fixtures that resemble a low sink.

Bidets are commonplace in many areas of the world — including nations in Asia, Europe and South America, as well as northern Africa — and appear to be gaining popularity in the United States.

Are bidets sanitary?

Bidets can arguably be considered more sanitary than traditional bottom-cleaning methods.

Quite simply, a bidet can provide a better hygiene experience compared to toilet paper. It starts with the basic fact that water can top a few squares of dry TP in removing trace amounts of fecal matter after you poop.

Wiping with toilet paper also poses a potential risk of getting fecal matter on your hands or nails: “Proper handwashing hygiene is necessary to avoid the spread of germs — and that’s especially true after wiping,” says Dr. Lee.

Advertisement

(On a side note, scrub your hands with soap and water for 30 seconds even if you use a bidet. It’s just proper hygiene when using the restroom.)

Can bidets cause infections?

Correct usage of a bidet is important to avoid vaginal or urinary tract infections from bacteria such as E. coli. (A UTI from a bidet is less of a concern for people who have a penis. But if you have a vagina, your urethra — where pee exits your body — is closer to your anus.)

Using a bidet safely in that case comes down to one main issue: How the water flows.

“The water from your bidet should flow front to back, just like wiping from front to back,” notes Dr. Lee.

It’s also important to have the proper water pressure and angle of the water stream to avoid forcing water into the vagina. “A bidet is meant to clean the outside of your body, not the inside,” he adds.

5 benefits of bidets

A “cleaner” cleaning process is the main benefit of a bidet, but it offers other advantages, too. The wide-ranging list includes:

  1. Being gentler on your skin. Wiping can cause chafing and tiny cuts — a concern that’s washed away with a bidet, says Dr. Lee. (On that note, bidets can also be more comfortable to use if you have hemorrhoids and fissures.)
  2. A more user-friendly experience. The setup of a bidet can make cleaning your backside easier if you have mobility issues, arthritis or difficulties reaching to wipe.
  3. Being eco-conscious. Toilet paper manufacturing requires trees, as well as chemicals and lots of water and energy. Using a bidet eliminates the expenditure of those resources for TP.
  4. Saving money. The average household spends hundreds of dollars on TP each year, so a bidet could improve your bottom line over the long term even after the upfront investment. (Plus, you’ll dodge future panics over the availability of toilet paper.)
  5. Fewer plunger incidents. If you’re not using wads of toilet paper, you won’t have to worry about TP clogging your toilet.

Tips to safely use a bidet

Read your bidet manual and follow the directions on proper cleaning and maintaining it.

Advertisement

“Proper operation is important,” states Dr. Lee. “If the water heater malfunctions, the water could deliver scalding hot or shockingly cold water.”

And don’t assume that it’s OK for the bidet to get dirty because it’s only cleaning your butt. If your bidet gets contaminated, those germs can find a way into the urinary tract, vagina or cracks in your skin.

“If bacteria or virus particles get into the water tank or on the nozzle, everyone who uses it can be exposed,” warns Dr. Lee. “Don’t touch the tip of the nozzle to your body and follow the manufacturer’s manual. Keeping the bidet clean and properly maintained is key.”

Based on the limited research regarding bidets, it’s generally considered safe and effective as a hygiene aid. It’s important to follow usage instructions, though, particularly with jet stream pressure and water temperature.

“But if it’s working properly and you clean and sanitize it regularly, a bidet is a good alternative option for many people,” says Dr. Lee.

Related Articles

Female swimmer in the water at edge of a pool
December 1, 2023
Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Physical activity and weight management can minimize your chances of getting the disease

Two people standing in the cold.
November 29, 2023
10 Colds Not To Catch This Winter

The flu, RSV, COVID-19, pneumonia and more typically circulate during cold weather months

Parent breastfeeding baby on bed, against the headboard.
November 27, 2023
Looking for Foods To Increase Your Milk Supply? Think Big Picture

No single food will increase your milk, but an overall healthy diet will help

Parent uses manual baby aspirator to open up nasal passages of baby.
November 22, 2023
Prevent Phlegm in Your Baby’s Throat With a Nasal Aspirator

Keeping your baby’s airways clear of mucus helps with breathing and feeding

Two different vaccines and needles displayed in foreground.
November 22, 2023
Which Vaccines Can You Get at the Same Time?

Getting routine vaccinations together can save you time and may be more effective

Muffins and sweetbreads with frosting on trays at bakery.
November 22, 2023
13 Foods That You Didn’t Know Contain Dairy

Be sure to check the labels of common foods like canned tuna, bread, hot dogs and chocolate

Toddler drinking from a cup while at the table during dinner.
November 21, 2023
Toddler Drinks — What Does the Research Say About These Products?

They aren’t unhealthy, but they’re probably a waste of money

person drinking coffee at computer at night
November 15, 2023
Is It Bad To Drink Coffee Late at Night?

Depending on your sensitivity to caffeine, a late-night cup may be just fine

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad