BTBY | Health | Environment
Thai Bidet – the Ultimate Hygiene Hack
I used to be skeptical of bidets as unnecessary gadgets. Who needs one when toilet paper seems to work fine, right? But after installing a simple Thai-style bidet (bum gun/bum spray) in my bathroom, I’ve become a total convert. The cleanliness difference is unbelievable, and it’s better for my wallet and the planet. If you’re on the bidet fence, let me sprinkle some reasons to take the plunge!
Discover the Bliss of a Post-Poo Power Wash
Forget wiping and smearing; the bidet cleanses with a gentle yet thorough stream of water targeting the source. Beyond hygienic, it feels refreshing, almost spa-like. Using wads of dry paper suddenly seems barbaric!
But don’t just take my word for it. According to a study in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, washing with water reduced fecal bacteria by 100 times more than toilet paper. The bidet’s superior sanitation is backed by science.
Quick and Simple Installation
Despite my lack of plumbing prowess, I had my bidet up and running in about 30 minutes thanks to clear setup instructions. All it required was attaching the bidet’s hose to my toilet’s water supply valve below the tank, then connecting the hose to the bidet fixture.
Most bidet models include all the parts needed, either T-valve hooks ups with the spray heads or simpler seat attachments requiring no plumbing at all. Maintenance is minimal - just occasional cleaning. Definitely a DIY project for apartment dwellers and homeowners alike!
Go Green: Reduce Your TP Waste
Beyond personal hygiene, bidets benefit the planet by slashing toilet paper usage. Since installing mine, I’ve noticed I use maybe one-quarter of the toilet paper I used to.
Americans consume 50 lbs of TP per person annually according to Scientific American. But TP manufacturing consumes vast amounts of trees and water. Using less TP preserves forests while lowering personal costs. The bidet’s a win-win for my wallet and the environment.
When TP Just Doesn’t Cut It Anymore
Here’s a telling sign you need a bidet - that unpleasant itchy feeling after wiping. I used to think it was normal, but the bidet revealed it meant I wasn't fully clean down there. Without the power wash, microscopic waste lingers behind.
The bidet leaves you with a fresh, residue-free finish toilet paper can’t match. Once you upgrade, it’s hard to go back to subpar wiping again. Consider yourself warned!
Overcoming the Mental Block in the US
While bidets are common in Europe and East Asia, Americans have been surprisingly resistant to adopting them despite the benefits. Likely it stems from cultural unfamiliarity and ingrained TP habits.
But the tide is turning as millennials value sustainability and optimal hygiene. Once myths are dispelled and bidets experienced firsthand, skepticism usually transforms into enthusiasm. I’m now a bona fide bidet bandit eager to spread the good word far and wide!
Bottom Line: Don’t Knock It ‘Til You’ve Tried It
Sometimes the best hacks are the simplest innovations right under our noses. The Thai bidet offers a refreshing cleansing experience that’s kinder to your body, bank account and the Earth. And installation is a breeze.
For under $50 and 30 minutes, you can see for yourself what the bidet buzz is about. Just give it a shot with an open mind. Your bum will thank you later, I promise!
Have you already embraced the bidet revolution?
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