Why Don’t Americans Use Bidets?

TL;DR

Americans do not use bidets due to historical prejudices, unfamiliar habits, and comfort-level, despite the numerous benefits that bidets offer.

Transcript

Why Don’t Americans Use Bidets? A mini-shower for your nether region, bidets are a popular way worldwide to keep said regions tidy, and there are plenty of extremely inexpensive options for easily outfitting any standard toilet with one. So why has this popular bathroom fixture not caught on in the United States? Old prejudices, (surprisingly new) ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🇧🇶 Bidets originated in France and have been popular worldwide for keeping nether regions tidy.
• 🖤 Historical disdain for the French, associations with immorality, and conservative traditions contribute to the lack of bidet usage in the US.
• 🧻 Bidet use greatly reduces the need for toilet paper and offers superior cleaning and comfort.
• 🧻 Bidets prevent clogged toilets and sewer systems caused by excessive toilet paper usage.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Older people and those with mobility issues benefit from bidets as they reduce the need for hand wiping.
• 💨 Women with frequent urinary tract infections can benefit from bidets to wash away specific microbes.
• ❓ Bidets provide significant cleaning benefits during menstruation.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why don't Americans use bidets?

Americans have several reasons for not using bidets, including historical prejudices against the French, associations with immorality, conservative traditions, and a reluctance to discuss bathroom hygiene openly.

Q: What are the benefits of using bidets?

Bidets offer numerous benefits, including superior cleaning compared to toilet paper, comfort, reduced need for toilet paper, prevention of clogged toilets and sewer systems, ease for older people or those with mobility issues, and improved hygiene for women with frequent urinary tract infections or during menstruation.

Q: How much do bidets cost?

Basic bidet models start at around $25 for easy installation on a standard toilet seat. The initial cost is quickly offset by the savings on toilet paper.

Q: Do bidets improve hygiene?

Yes, bidets offer greater hygiene compared to toilet paper alone. The jets of water ensure thorough cleaning, reducing the chances of dingleberries and skid marks. Bidets are also beneficial for women during menstruation and for preventing urinary tract infections.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Bidets originated in France and were initially a bowl of water for splashing and cleaning after using the toilet.

• The modern bidet, resembling a toilet, was developed in the 19th century, with bidet seats becoming popular in the 1960s and washlets in the 1980s.

• Americans do not use bidets due to historical disdain for the French, associations with immorality, conservative traditions, and a reluctance to discuss bathroom hygiene openly.