In the realm of bathroom innovations, bidets have been making a quiet yet substantial impact on our daily hygiene routines.

These once-novel fixtures are steadily gaining popularity in Singaporean households, prompting the question: Is a bidet a worthwhile addition to your bathroom?

In this blogpost, we delve into the subject, discussing the pros and cons of bidets as well as the different types of bidets out there.

Types Of Bidets

Bidets aren’t just a one-size-fits-all deal – there’s a whole menu of options to pick from.

These include:

• Standalone bidet fixtures
• Bidet attachments
• Integrated bidet toilet seats

Firstly, there are standalone bidet fixtures.

These are standalone fixtures designed specifically for cleansing after using the toilet – so they’re NOT a replacement for your existing toilet bowl.

They look somewhat like a low sink and are usually positioned next to the toilet.

After you use the toilet, you’ll then move on to use the bidet.

In Singapore, standalone bidet fixtures aren’t popular, perhaps because our bathrooms are simply too small to accommodate a toilet bowl AND standalone bidet.

Most folks opt to go for bidet attachments or integrated bidet toilet seats instead.

Of the two, bidet attachments are the lower-cost options.

These are clever add-ons that can transform your regular toilet bowl into a bidet.

The attachments are installed under your existing toilet seat, connecting to the water supply.

They provide a simple yet effective cleansing experience by directing a stream of water for cleaning purposes, but they tend to be pretty no-frills.

While they may offer adjustable water pressure and sometimes limited temperature controls, that’s about it.

Installing a bidet attachment usually requires minimal plumbing work, making it a convenient option for those looking to upgrade their toilet without major renovations.

Last but not least, integrated bidet toilet seats combine the functionalities of a regular toilet seat and a bidet.

They often include features like adjustable water pressure, customizable water temperature, heated seats, and even air dryers and self-cleaning nozzles.

While they come with a higher price tag than bidet attachments, their all-in-one design and advanced features make them a popular choice for those seeking the best of both worlds.

Why Get A Bidet?

There are several advantages to using bidets over traditional toilet bowls. These include:

• Health and hygiene benefits
• Environmental consciousness

Health and hygiene benefits

Firstly, when it comes to hygiene, bidets provide a level of cleanliness that surpasses traditional toilet paper.

The gentle stream of water effectively removes residue, leaving you feeling fresher and cleaner after each use.

Bidets have also been associated with a lower risk of certain infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), due to the thorough cleansing they provide.

Environmental consciousness

When it comes to environmental consciousness, it’s easy to see that bidets are environmentally friendly choices.

By significantly reducing your reliance on toilet paper, you’re contributing to less deforestation and a smaller carbon footprint.

What To Keep In Mind When Getting A Bidet

Now that you know the advantages of getting a bidet, let’s discuss the potential disadvantages. These include:

• Initial cost
• Maintenance and cleaning
• Increased water usage

Initial cost

Firstly, one of the primary drawbacks of bidets is the initial cost.

Whether you’re considering a standalone bidet fixture, a bidet attachment, or an integrated bidet seat, they all come with an upfront price tag.

This includes the cost of purchasing the bidet unit itself, any necessary plumbing or electrical work, and installation charges if you opt for professional assistance.

If you’re getting an integrated bidet seat (which is the most common option in Singapore), a basic model would set you back by about $600, with an advanced model costing $1,000++.

Maintenance and cleaning

Next, also keep in mind that bidets require consistent cleaning and maintenance to ensure proper hygiene.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues like clogging or reduced functionality, which can be both inconvenient and unsanitary.

How do you keep your bidet clean?

Every week or so, wipe down the bidet seat and control panel with a soft, damp cloth. This helps remove any residual water droplets or soap scum, keeping the unit looking clean.

If more thorough cleaning is required, use a mild, non-abrasive, and non-acidic cleaner. Avoid abrasive or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface of the bidet.

If your bidet has a retractable nozzle, you can usually clean it by activating the self-cleaning function, which rinses the nozzle with water.

If this function is not available, you can manually clean the nozzle by gently wiping it with a soft cloth or using a toothbrush to remove any buildup.

Finally, when it comes to maintaining bidets, particularly the electric models, there’s one golden rule: avoid direct water contact with the bidet controls and electrical components.

Ensuring water doesn’t seep into these sensitive parts is essential to prevent potential damage.

Instead of spraying water directly, follow a gentler approach: dampen a cloth or sponge with your preferred cleaning solution and use it to gently wipe the bidet’s surface.

It’s worth noting that this specific maintenance requirement can deter some people from getting a bidet.

Some folks view bidets as high-maintenance, due to the fact that you can’t splash them with water and scrub them down like a regular toilet bowl.

Increased water usage

Does installing a bidet result in increased water usage?

Yes, but the amount of water that bidets use is relatively small when compared to many other household water-consuming appliances and activities.

If you’re concerned about water usage, look for integrated bidet seats which are water efficient.

Here’s an example – TOTO toilets and bidets (pictured below) are renowned for their water-efficient design and can significantly reduce water consumption.

On top of that, consider the fact that most integrated bidet seats allow users to adjust the water pressure and spray duration.

This means you have the option to customise each setting to your preference, and control the amount of water used during each use.

Features To Look Out For When Buying A Bidet

If you’ve decided to get an integrated bidet seat, what features should you look out for?

Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Adjustable water pressure and temperature
• Front and rear cleansing
• Adjustable nozzle position
• Oscillating and pulsating functions
• Heated seat
• Air dryer
• Deodorizer
• Nightlight
• Seat sensor
• Remote control
• Energy-saving features
• Quick release
• Self cleaning nozzle

Adjustable water pressure and temperature

Firstly, a good bidet seat should allow you to customise the water pressure and temperature to your comfort.

When it comes to water pressure, look for bidet seats that offer multiple water pressure levels. These levels can range from gentle to strong, allowing you to select the intensity that feels most comfortable and effective for your cleansing needs.

Lower water pressure settings can be especially helpful for cleaning sensitive areas, while higher pressure settings may be preferred for a more powerful and efficient cleansing experience.

On top of water pressure, some bidet seats also let you customise the water temperature.

With these seats, you can adjust the water temperature to your liking.

Front and rear cleansing

Front and rear cleansing are two fundamental functions of a bidet seat, and they play a crucial role in achieving comprehensive personal hygiene.

Front cleansing, also known as feminine cleansing, is designed primarily for women.

It directs a gentle stream of water toward the front of the perineal area, specifically targeting the genital region.

This can help women feel clean and refreshed, especially during menstruation or for general hygiene purposes.

Then there’s rear cleansing, which is also known as posterior cleansing.

This is a feature suitable for both men and women; it directs a stream of water toward the anus and the surrounding areas, offering thorough cleaning after bowel movements.

Adjustable nozzle position

Adjustable nozzle position is a feature in many modern bidet seats that allows you to precisely control the position and angle of the cleansing nozzle.

The adjustable nozzle position feature allows you to customize the cleansing experience to your specific needs.

By adjusting the nozzle’s position, you can direct the water stream to target the areas you want to cleanse, whether it’s the front or rear perineal area.

This allows you to remove debris and residue effectively, promoting better personal hygiene and reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort.

Oscillating and pulsating functions

Yes, these are bidet seats we’re talking about, not massage chairs! 😉

Some bidet seats offer oscillating and pulsating spray patterns for a more thorough and soothing cleansing experience.

These functions enhance the cleansing experience by providing different spray patterns that can be more thorough, comfortable, and soothing.

Firstly, an oscillating spray refers to a back-and-forth or side-to-side movement of the cleansing nozzle while emitting water.

This motion helps cover a wider area and ensures a more comprehensive cleansing.

Then there’s pulsating sprays.

As the name suggests, this involves the nozzle emitting water in a pulsating or rhythmic pattern. This pattern can mimic the sensation of a gentle massage.

These advanced spray patterns are typically controlled via the bidet seat’s remote control or control panel.

Users can easily switch between different spray patterns to find the one that suits their needs and provides the most comfort.

Heated seat

A heated seat option is a common feature in many bidet seats, and it provides added comfort in colder climates.

However, in Singapore’s typically warm climate, it may not be considered a necessity.

Nevertheless, individual preferences vary, and some users still appreciate the luxury and comfort that a heated seat can offer.

Air dryer

An integrated air dryer is a feature found in many advanced bidet seats, and it serves as an alternative to using toilet paper for drying after cleansing.

If you’re wondering how it works, bidet seats with integrated air dryers have a built-in airflow system that emits a gentle stream of warm air.

This warm air is directed towards the perineal area to help dry it after cleansing.

Most bidet seats allow users to adjust the air dryer’s temperature and airflow intensity, ensuring a personalized and comfortable drying experience.

Over time, using an air dryer can lead to cost savings since you won’t need to purchase toilet paper as frequently, if at all.

Deodorizer

Some bidet seats come with a deodorizing function that helps reduce odors in the bathroom.

Bidet seats with deodorizers typically use activated carbon filters.

These filters are effective at absorbing and neutralizing odors by trapping odor-causing molecules in the activated carbon’s porous structure.

The deodorizer function is often automatic.

When you sit on the bidet seat or activate any functions, the deodorizer may turn on automatically to ensure that any unpleasant odors are addressed immediately.

In some models, the deodorizer may run continuously while you’re seated on the bidet seat or during the entire duration of your bathroom visit, ensuring a consistently fresh atmosphere.

Keep in mind that the activated carbon filters used in deodorizers have a finite lifespan.

The duration between filter replacements can vary depending on usage and the specific bidet seat model.

Manufacturers typically provide guidance on when to replace the filter.

Nightlight

A built-in nightlight is a convenient feature in many modern bidet seats and toilets.

Nightlights in bidet seats typically emit a gentle, diffused light.

The purpose is to provide enough illumination to navigate the bathroom without causing discomfort or disturbing your sleep.

Also, many bidet seats with nightlights have built-in motion sensors.

These sensors detect when someone enters the bathroom and automatically activate the nightlight. This hands-free operation ensures that you don’t need to fumble for a light switch in the dark.

Seat sensors

Bidet seats with seat sensors can automatically activate when you sit down and turn off when you stand up.

These sensors don’t just look cool – they also play a key role in enhancing user convenience and hygiene.

Firstly, when it comes to functionality, seat sensors make the bidet seat easy to use.

There is no need to manually press buttons or controls to initiate the desired functions – you simply sit down, and the bidet seat recognizes your presence and activates the appropriate features.

Since seat sensors eliminate the need to touch any buttons or controls, they also make the process of using a bidet more hygienic.

Finally, some bidet seats with seat sensors offer the ability to save user profiles.

This means that each user can have their own preferred settings, such as water temperature, pressure, and nozzle position, automatically applied when they sit down.

Talk about living in the future!

Remote control

A remote control is a user-friendly feature that significantly enhances the functionality and customization of bidet seats.

Much like seat sensors, a remote control empowers users to effortlessly fine-tune various settings and functions, all without the necessity of physically reaching for manual controls located on the bidet seat itself.

Remote controls are typically wireless, affording you the convenience of operating the bidet seat from a comfortable distance within the bathroom.

Since seat sensors and remote controls serve similar purposes, you have the flexibility to choose between these two features, opting for the one that best suits your preferences. There’s no need to incorporate both!

Energy-saving features

Energy-saving features are designed to minimize power consumption in bidet seats when they are not actively in use.

These features contribute to both energy efficiency and cost savings.

How does this work?

Bidet seats with energy-saving modes automatically enter standby or sleep modes when they detect inactivity. This means that when you’re not sitting on the seat or actively using its functions, it conserves energy by reducing power consumption.

When you approach the bidet seat or sit down, it quickly returns to its normal operating mode, ensuring that it’s ready for use without delay.

If you prefer not to have your bidet automatically activate, you can also opt for customisable timers, where you set specific times for the bidet to enter energy-saving mode.

For example, you can programme the bidet to reduce power consumption during certain hours of the day or night when it’s less likely to be in use.

Quick release

The quick-release feature is an essential aspect of bidet seats that promote cleanliness and ease of maintenance.

This feature allows you to easily detach the bidet seat from the toilet bowl with a simple press or lever mechanism.

This is typically done without the need for tools or complicated disassembly.

Removing the bidet seat provides access to hard-to-reach areas, both on the seat and around the toilet bowl.

This allows for thorough cleaning of the entire area, including the mounting points and hinges, where dirt and grime can accumulate over time.

Self cleaning nozzle

Bidet seats with a self-cleaning nozzle function have a built-in mechanism that automatically rinses the nozzle before and after each use.

The self-cleaning feature prevents residue, such as soap, mineral deposits, or waste, from accumulating on the nozzle over time, and helps maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the nozzle.

Because the nozzle is regularly cleaned automatically, there is less need for manual cleaning, which can be a time-consuming and less pleasant task.

A Final Word On Buying A Bidet For Your Bathroom

In conclusion, the decision to add a bidet to your bathroom is a personal one, but it’s a choice that can significantly enhance your overall bathroom experience.

Bidets offer numerous benefits, from improved personal hygiene and comfort to eco-friendly features that conserve water and reduce paper waste.

Ultimately, a bidet can transform your bathroom routine, making it more efficient, comfortable, and environmentally responsible.

So, should you get a bidet for your bathroom?

It’s a decision that can truly elevate your daily comfort and well-being while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

The choice is yours, and it’s one well worth considering for your home.

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