How to use a bidet

If you have never used a bidet before, save yourself the confusion in the future, and take a moment to find out how to properly use a bidet.
how not to use a bidet

  1. To use the type of washbasin bidets you find next to a toilet, you begin by straddling the bidet.
    • If you want to use the bidet to clean yourself up after bowel movement, it is a good idea to wipe some of the waste with toilet paper before using the bidet.
    • The failure to wipe yourself prior to using the bidet may result in visible lumps of fecal matter inside washbasin.
  2. Many people choose to straddle or sit on the bidet facing towards the handles to maintain proper control of the pressure and the temperature of the water.
    • Facing away from the handles is also an acceptable position if the removal of your pants is inconvenient. It is recommended that the former position is used if you want to avoid possibly getting your pants wet with contaminated fecal matter from your posterior.

  3. Adjust the water to a comfortable level. Starting out cooler, and gradually increasing the temperature is advised. Don't immediately blast up hot water and hurt sensitive areas on your body. The application of soap is optional but recommended if you desire the kind of freshness out of a shower.
  4. Pat yourself dry with toilet paper or a clean towel.
    • If you are a visiting guest, it is not okay to pat yourself dry with the towel that the host has provided for the use of drying hands.
  5. Wash your hands with soap and water.

{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }

moris August 15, 2010 at 4:47 pm

I’m surprised at how many people still don’t know how to use a bidet, let alone even know what it is. While I don’t think that it’s essential to own a bidet, as it is not critical to everyday life, which can I suppose be said of anything, really — I think that it’s a great idea to invest in one.

monique August 5, 2010 at 6:11 pm

I love my bidet!

Rachel M. August 5, 2010 at 2:19 pm

i first encountered a bidet during my trip to japan… i have a bidet toilet in all of my bathrooms now

MiDoRi August 4, 2010 at 9:23 pm

i love step #5… lol

juanmartinez August 3, 2010 at 3:14 pm

thanks for the tips… my gf insists that we get one now

Glatezel July 29, 2010 at 9:39 am

how about i just hop into the tub and wash myself instead

Marlin July 28, 2010 at 10:39 pm

very nice instructions… saved me the confusion during my business trip… thanks!

Carlos Montana July 28, 2010 at 10:34 pm

I was so confused when I first saw a bidet inside a European hotel.

ooncaria July 28, 2010 at 12:33 pm

i love my bidet! don’t think that i can live without one now

TacoSam July 27, 2010 at 9:38 am

When I lived in japan to teach, I learned about the wonders of the bidet. Now, modern bidet toilet models are much more automated than the classic type, and it’s truly a wonder why more people aren’t using them in this age of computers and fancy gadgets!

teadrinker July 27, 2010 at 6:32 am

my bf introduced me to the bidet during college, and i have been using it since… highly recommend it to everyone especially women!

samwise July 26, 2010 at 8:21 pm

three words: install bidet now

amyliu July 21, 2010 at 7:16 pm

i grew up in the states, but my family is from taiwan. when i went back to visit my aunt, she had bidet in all her bathrooms. guess what? now i have one in all the toilets in my house. my husband loves them too.

julian June 26, 2010 at 7:08 pm

I’ve encountered these types of bidets in European hotels, although I much prefer the more modern bidet models that attach to the toilet. A lot of Americans still have yet to learn how to use one properly.

John Murphy May 22, 2010 at 11:50 pm

i actually had a similar embarrassing experience with a bidet like the guy pictured above…

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