Why are bidets just now getting popular in America?

Plumbing, Power, and Hardware Constraints

• Many US toilets lack nearby electrical outlets; modern washlet-style seats need GFCI power for heaters, dryers, etc.
• Hot-water plumbing is often far from toilets; hot water can take 20–30 seconds to arrive, making inline hot-water bidets impractical without recirculation or mini-heaters.
• Japanese-style seats typically heat water internally from a cold line, avoiding separate hot-water plumbing.

Cold vs Hot Water and Comfort

• Several users report cold-water-only attachments are “fine” or even pleasant, especially in warm weather, with adjustment period of about a week.
• Others insist cold water is uncomfortable in winter or very cold climates and prefer heated seats and warm water.
• Some in very cold regions argue buried lines keep water from being painfully cold; others say winter tap water can be harsh even on hands.

Cost, Access, and Class

• Basic cold-water attachments are described as cheap (≈$20–$50) and renter-friendly; they mount under existing seats.
• High-end integrated washlets can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars; still “accessible” for some, but clearly a luxury tier.
• There’s disagreement on whether bidets are mainly for rich homeowners in the US; multiple renters say they’ve installed their own.

Hygiene, Health, and Gender Considerations

• Strong sentiment that washing with water is far more hygienic than “smearing” with toilet paper alone. Hand/arm analogies are common.
• Some describe combining toilet paper first, then water, then soap and hands, then drying with TP or a towel as “next-level” cleanliness.
• Women mention bidets as especially helpful during menstruation; others use wipes as a workaround where bidets are absent.
• Fiber intake and stool consistency are cited as factors in how effective water alone is.

Cultural Attitudes and Resistance

• Claims that in parts of Europe, East Asia, South America, and the Middle East, bidets or washlets are standard; in Italy they are said to be legally required in homes.
• Several comments describe the US as culturally “backwards” or prideful about changing bathroom habits, including reluctance to adopt foreign (French/Japanese) norms.
• Some report people calling bidets “gay” or associating them with sexuality; others find this absurd but note it genuinely occurs.
• A historical explanation is cited: US soldiers saw bidets in WWII brothels and later stigmatized them, though this is presented as anecdotal.

Public vs Home Bathrooms

• Public US bathrooms are widely criticized: stall gaps, minimal privacy, one-ply paper, and generally hostile design.
• Many argue public bidets would be problematic in filthy restrooms; others note that privacy norms, not technology, are the core issue.

Environment and Resource Use

• One commenter cites sources claiming bidets use far less water overall than producing toilet paper (roughly fractions of a gallon per use vs multiple gallons per roll).
• Others emphasize that even when paper is still used for drying or checking, total TP consumption drops significantly.

Enthusiasm vs Skepticism

• Enthusiasts describe bidets as life-changing, “barbaric” to go back to TP-only, and easy to retrofit; some remove TP holders entirely.
• Skeptics report trying washlets (e.g., in Japan), finding them messy, painful, or not cleaning well, especially when unsure of correct technique.
• A minority feel showers after defecation make bidets redundant, especially where water and heat are cheap.