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Bidet History

Bidet History

‘La Toilette intime ou la Rose effeuillée’, painted by Louis-Léopold Boilly (1761-1845), year and location unknown.

 

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.

bidet history

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:

  1. General Hygiene: Offers a hands-free, gentle cleansing alternative to toilet paper.
  2. Medical Uses: Aids in soothing conditions like hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, and postpartum discomfort.
  3. 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:

  1. Positioning: Sit astride or facing the faucets, depending on the model.
  2. Water Adjustment: Adjust the water temperature and pressure to your comfort.
  3. 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.