How to Use a Bidet: A Beginner's Guide

Bidets can be found in many parts of the world. If you’ve ever been outside the USA, you might have seen one. A bidet is a basin located near the bathroom’s toilet. It is used to clean your body after you use the toilet, or to wash your genitals. Although you might feel uncomfortable at first, these fixtures are extremely hygienic.

Step 1: Prioritize using the toilet before utilizing the bidet. While the bidet serves as a cleansing tool post-toilet use, it's essential to distinguish that it is not a replacement for the toilet itself. Usage habits vary; some individuals opt for the bidet independently, while others combine its use with toilet paper. Additionally, certain users employ the bidet for drying purposes before resorting to toweling off. Step 2: Position yourself either by straddling or sitting on the bidet. When faced with standalone bidets, the choice of facing the controls or turning away from them is at your discretion. This resembles the seating arrangement on a traditional toilet. Opting to face the controls facilitates easier adjustments to water temperature or jet flow, although it may require removing pants for optimal positioning. To determine the most suitable straddling or sitting position, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the various models and configurations available. Step 3: Fine-tune the water temperature and jet strength to ensure your comfort. If your bidet features both hot and cold water options, initiate by activating the hot control. Once hot water is available, gradually adjust the cold water control until reaching a temperature that suits you. Conversely, individuals residing in warmer climates might need to reverse this sequence, as tap water can potentially be excessively hot.

Here are some recommendations for effectively using a bidet:

• Familiarize yourself with the control mechanism of your bidet, as some models require continuous pressure on the lever to maintain water jet activation. Conversely, certain models are highly sensitive and can activate the jets with minimal control lever contact.
• Before initiating bidet use, conduct a thorough inspection of the device. This preemptive examination helps prevent any unexpected surprises, such as sudden water jet activation. Anticipating the direction of water flow allows you to prepare for its onset upon adjusting the controls.
• Bidets equipped with spray nozzles may initially pose a challenge in operation. Ensure your hands are clear of the nozzle's path to prevent inadvertent contact with water. Locate the diverter lever, typically positioned adjacent to or between the taps, and maneuver it accordingly while facing the taps for optimal control.

Step 4: Position yourself to allow the water jets to reach the desired cleansing areas. Depending on the bidet model, you may choose to sit, hover, or squat. Although bidets lack seats, you can comfortably perch on the rim without squatting directly over it. Alternatively, some bidet designs forgo water jets, featuring taps that fill the basin akin to a sink. Step 5: Employ the water-filled basin or jets to cleanse the genital or anal areas. Utilize your hands to direct the water flow, maintaining hygiene similar to bathing or showering practices. Step 6: After cleansing, dry the skin using either a towel or toilet paper. Typically, these items are conveniently placed near the bidet for immediate access. You can utilize them to dry both your hands and nether regions or to wipe away any residual water from the fixture post-rinsing.

If you're interested in learning more about DIY bathroom maintenance, you might find this comprehensive guide on How to Fix a Dripping Tap in Your Gold Bathroom UK helpful. It provides useful tips and step-by-step instructions for addressing common issues in bathroom fixtures.