The fancy toilet that sprays water is called a spray bidet, washlet, or bidet toilet seats. While most people will think of these terms as one and the same, there is actually a slight difference to their meaning which we will not go into here. What is important is that the idea is the same which is to clean and shower your bum with water. So, there are benefits of a spray bidet attachment that you won’t be able to get from a traditional toilet although it may be more expensive upfront. We will lay down both the pros and cons of a bidet toilet below for you to make your decision.
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Benefits Of A Spray Bidet
The most obvious benefit is, of course, improved cleanliness. You can wipe with toilet paper after defecating but it will never feel as fresh and clean as using water. You could just be smearing residue around by wiping rather than actually cleaning up which is not a comfortable feeling.
In terms of hygiene, using water will also reduce hand contamination of defecation-related bacteria. Hence, it is not just about feeling fresh and comfortable but also about hygiene. This is especially useful for older folks and people with mobility issues. By using a bidet toilet, they will be able to maintain their hygiene level and cleanliness even if they can’t reach to wipe their private areas as needed.
With the use of water, it will also mean reduced consumption of toilet paper. This will be great for those who support a greener environment. Hence, a bidet spray toilet is useful in cost-saving as there is much less toilet paper to buy in the long run. With little to no toilet paper being disposed into the bowl, there will also be less clogging issues to take care of.
Another benefit of a spray bidet is the added comfort it provides. The use of water can be a more gentle and soothing option compared to rough toilet paper which can cause chafing. Additionally, many bidet toilets come with adjustable water temperature and pressure, allowing for a customized and comfortable cleaning experience.
The Cons Of Bidet Toilets
Firstly, bidet toilets are more expensive than traditional ones especially if you opt for a model that comes with more than a few features. These features could range from a soft close toilet seat to prevent slamming to blow dry comfort which will add to the overall costs. Even without these fancy features, it still requires a higher upfront investment which may not seem justifiable for some.
Secondly, spray bidets require water to operate. Depending on how excessive is your household usage, it could potentially lead to higher water bills. So, while you are saving on toilet paper, you could also end up using more water.
Thirdly, bidet toilets can be complicated to use for first-timers. There is a learning curve involved especially if you buy one with lots of buttons and features. For instance, you need to know how to adjust the water pressure so that you can have a gentle wash. This can be a turn-off for some people especially senior citizens who prefer the simplicity of traditional toilets.
Lastly, while spray bidets are supposedly more hygienic, they could also be the perfect place for a buildup of bacteria. You need to clean the nozzle and keep it sanitized. Otherwise, there is a risk of cross-infection if the toilet is a shared one.
Is It Worth It To Install A Spray Bidet?
If you value comfort and cleanliness, then it is definitely worth it to install a bidet toilet seat or washlet. The increasing popularity is a testament to the practicality and comfort of this type of toilets. Moreover, some research have shown that there are health benefits of a spray bidet for those who are suffering from constipation and hemorrhoids. However, whether that will really make a difference from a health standpoint is really debatable on an individual level.
Whether you choose to install one or otherwise, just bear in mind that there are also downsides to a bidet toilet as mentioned above. The most important is to keep it clean so that it remains hygienic to use over the long term.
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