Why are bidets just now getting popular in America?
Bidets and Japanese-style washlet toilet seats are slowly gaining traction in the United States, prompting debate over why such devices remain rare compared with Europe and parts of Asia. Commenters point to practical barriers like lack of electrical outlets near toilets, retrofitting costs, and cold-water plumbing, but emphasize that low-cost add-on bidets mitigate many of these issues. Much of the exchange centers on cultural attitudes toward hygiene, comfort, and modesty, with many arguing that water-based cleaning is more sanitary and environmentally friendly than toilet paper alone, yet still faces resistance rooted in habit, misconceptions, and social stigma.
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.