-
Electric Bidets
Featured product
£1023.40 £928.79Maro D'Italia DI600 Premium Italian Design toilet bidet seat
View detailsAbout Electric Bidets
Requires cold water supply and a 220-240V 50-60hz power outlet to heat the water and to enable other functions, such as, heated seat, air dryer etc. Read more.
- Non-Electric Bidets
Featured product
£137.60 £106.12Maro D'Italia FP104 - Non-electric bidet toilet seat - The original high pressure model
View detailsAbout Non-electric Bidets
Only cold water supply is required. Easily connected to the corner valve nearby or the flush tank / cistern via a T-adapter, which is supplied with all Non-electric bidets. Read more.
- All in one
Featured product
£4,970.76 £2,999.00Roca In-Wash INSIGNIA In Tank floorstanding - Premium Roca smart toilet
View detailsAbout All In One
These are toilets that are a combination of a Toilet bidet seat and the toilet itself. ROCA models and some combinations we offer also have integrated flushing. Read more.
- Hand Held Bidets
Featured product
£172.00 £101.70Maro D'Italia LuxSTA23 - HYDROBRUSH hand held bidet - Made in Italy
View detailsAbout Hand Held Bidets
Simple shower head used to either clean youself or the toilet. Connected to the water tank supply or the corner valve. It is a cost effective bidet solution. Read more.
- Accessories
About Accessories
Filters, Matching toilets, Flushing systems, Screws and installation sets. Read more.
- Spare Parts
About Spare parts
Electric and Non-electric bidet seat spare parts. Read more.
- Sale Hot!
Featured product
£790.00 £419.25Maro D'Italia DI800 Piave Aqualet - Duroplast Italian Design toilet bidet seat (OPEN BOX)
View detailsAbout Sale
Products on Sale. These are all the products that have a limited time promotion and have an additional discount. Read more.
- Home
- History of Bidets
Product was successfully added to your shopping cart.Bidet History
Bidet History
The History and Evolution of Bidets: From French Origins to High-Tech Washlets
The bidet has a fascinating history that intertwines with cultural attitudes toward hygiene and innovation. From its modest beginnings in 18th-century France to its current high-tech incarnations, the bidet has evolved significantly over the centuries.
Origins of the Bidet (1710)
The earliest written reference to the bidet dates to 1710, in France, during an era when full-body bathing occurred once a week. The word "bidet" itself comes from the French term for "pony," a nod to the straddling posture required to use the device. Initially, bidets were intended to cleanse intimate areas between baths, filling an important hygienic gap.
By 1750, the bidet à seringue emerged, featuring an upward water spray activated by a hand-pump. These early models were designed as standalone basins and were commonly found in bedrooms alongside chamber pots.
The Transition to Modern Bathrooms
With the advent of indoor plumbing in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the bidet moved from the bedroom to the bathroom. It was now installed alongside toilets and bathtubs, integrated into the concept of a modern, functional bathroom. This transition solidified its role as a tool for personal hygiene, particularly in continental Europe.
Popularity and Geographic Differences
- Europe: The bidet is ubiquitous in countries like France, Italy, and Spain, considered a staple of daily hygiene.
- United States: Despite Americans' focus on cleanliness, bidets have not gained widespread adoption. Many Americans rely on daily showers for hygiene, and the bidet remains a rare sight in most homes.
- Asia: In Japan, the bidet has transformed into a high-tech marvel, incorporated into advanced toilet systems called washlets.
The Rise of Washlets and Bidet Seats
In recent decades, the bidet has undergone a revolutionary transformation with the advent of washlets and bidet seats. Pioneered by Japanese manufacturers, these devices combine toilet and bidet functionalities, featuring:
- Heated seats
- Adjustable water jets
- Air dryers
- Automatic lid openers
- Self-cleaning nozzles
Unlike traditional standalone bidets, washlets attach to standard toilets, making them accessible and easy to install. Their popularity has surged globally, especially among seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those seeking enhanced hygiene.
Bidet Uses and Benefits
The bidet is versatile and beneficial for a variety of users:
- General Hygiene: Offers a hands-free, gentle cleansing alternative to toilet paper.
- Medical Uses: Aids in soothing conditions like hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, and postpartum discomfort.
- Sitz Baths: Useful for targeted therapeutic soaking of the hips and buttocks.
Types of Bidets
Modern bidets come in several styles to suit various needs and preferences:
- Ceramic Bidets: Standard bidet with a faucet where you use your hand to wash yourself.
- Hand Bidets: Popular in the middle east, a simple spray handle next to the toilet is used.
- Bidet Attachments: Installed in between your existing toilet and toilet seat.
- Bidet Seats : Replacing your existing toilet seat.
- Smart Toilets: All-In-One solution, usually with hidden connections.
How to Use a Bidet
Using a bidet is straightforward but can vary depending on the design:
- Positioning: Sit astride or facing the faucets, depending on the model.
- Water Adjustment: Adjust the water temperature and pressure to your comfort.
- Cleansing: Direct the spray or stream to the desired area.
Modern washlets simplify this process with intuitive controls and preset options for a fully automated experience.
Cultural Shifts and the Future of Bidets
The bidet continues to gain traction worldwide, especially in regions where water conservation and sustainability are priorities. As more people recognize the environmental benefits of reducing toilet paper use, bidets and washlets are becoming an essential part of modern hygiene.
The bidet’s journey from a simple French invention to a sophisticated hygiene solution reflects its enduring importance and adaptability. As technology continues to advance, the bidet’s role in daily life will likely grow, promoting both cleanliness and sustainability.
About products
- What is a Bidet seat
- How it works
- How to use it
- Why use it
- Hygiene
- Health
- Comfort
- Ecology
- Cost efficiency
- Economical
- Self-confidence
- Instalation guide - Do it yourself
- On existing toilet
- Installation guide: Renovation
- About Electric Bidets
- About Non-Electric Bidets
- About All In One
- About Hand-held Bidets
- About Accessories
- About Spare-parts
- About Sale
- Product Reviews
- BIDET HISTORY
TooaletaContact Information-
Email:
info@tooaleta.co.uk -
Working Days/Hours:
Mon - Fri / 9:00AM - 4:00PM
This website requires cookies to provide all of its features. For more information on what data is contained in the cookies, please see our Privacy Policy page. To accept cookies from this site, please click the Allow button below.
- Non-Electric Bidets