Why are there no bidets in France?

One key reason bidet usage in France has decreased, according to Vitrine-Banyo, is a lack of space, especially in city apartments - many families now choose to use their space to add a washing machine or other equipment.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thelocal.fr

Are bidets common in France?

The first plumbed bidets were most common in high society, but their popularity soon spread, both to other social classes in France and to other countries in Western Europe—as well as Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theatlantic.com

Why do Europeans not use bidets?

Europeans think it's unsanitary to use a restroom without a bidet. Conversely, many Americans think of bidets as unsanitary. There's a lack of information and knowledge around bidets and their use — and it's likely to remain that way for many years to come.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on onepointpartitions.com

Why don t Western countries use bidets?

Bidets haven't ever been widely embraced in American culture. A common origin story for this reluctance is that bidets were seen as lascivious because they were used in brothels as a form of emergency contraception.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vox.com

Are there bidets in Paris?

It's common for bathrooms in France to have bidets, something I can't recommend enough to everyone. I was really excited when one of my hotels in Paris had a proper bidet right next to the toilet.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on insider.com

Why So Many Countries Use Bidets But the US Does Not

17 related questions found

Which country uses bidets the most?

In Europe, the country that uses the bidet the most is Italy. There is even a law in Italy that says that every home has to have a bidet in it. There are a few other countries where they have become popular.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on worldpopulationreview.com

Is it illegal to not have a bidet in Italy?

While today the bidet has somewhat fallen out of use in France, it has been adopted as fundamental part of life in Italy. In fact the bidet is now so ingrained into Italian culture that it's a legal obligation to put a bidet in every bathroom that is built on domestic or hotel property.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on romevacationtips.com

Why do Muslims have to use bidets?

Alternatively, bidet spray nozzles and hoses are attached to the sides of the commodes. The lota, according to Islamic rules, is held with the right hand, while the left helps pass water over the anus. The objective behind this practice, Muslims believe, is the emphasis of Islam on keeping the body adequately clean.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on religionunplugged.com

How do Europeans dry after using a bidet?

If you are using the traditional bidet, you can dry using toilet paper or a towel. In most public toilets with bidets, towels are provided on a ring next to it. However, using a paper towel is a more hygienic and safe option.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on newson6.com

Are bidets illegal in the United States?

Backflow contamination is possible with a bidet seat, douche spray, or bidet spray, and if occurring, it is classified as high risk. This is why all of these products, by law, must be: installed by a licensed plumber. have WaterMark certification.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on whywait.com.au

Why do Middle Easterners use bidets?

Bidet showers are used by Muslims in Muslim countries and all parts of the Arab world as well as in Asia in order to cleanse themselves with water after using the toilet. Here, water is commonly used instead of, or together with, toilet paper for cleaning after defecation.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

Why don't Australians use bidets?

They make all the sense in the world - the bidet shooting a stream of water at our private bits to wash them after we relieve ourselves. But, like in the US and UK, bidets aren't commonly used here in Australia. We've never developed a culture of using them, instead opting for multi-ply toilet paper instead.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sbs.com.au

Why does UK not use bidet?

Not all homes in the UK have bidets because these are a fashion item. If one isn't available, we recommend having your own jug or bottle of water to use over the toilet. If you would rather use water than toilet paper you must ensure that you have sufficient equipment to be able to clean yourself over the toilet.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on studylinks.co.uk

Are bidets sanitary?

This is a self-cleaning feature that gives the nozzles on your bidet a sanitary rinse at the touch of a button. That way, you can have confidence that the water in your bidet is completely safe and clean to wash with. Yes, in fact, bidets are sanitary.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on brondell.com

How is French bidet used?

The bidet is designed to promote personal hygiene and is used after defecation, and before and after sexual intercourse. It can also be used to wash feet, with or without filling it up with water. In several European countries, a bidet is now required by law to be present in every bathroom containing a toilet bowl.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

What are the downsides of using a bidet?

Cons of Bidets
  • Standalone bidets take up more bathroom space.
  • May require minor renovations to install.
  • Risk wetting your clothes (if you're not careful!)
  • Can be tricky for first-time users to operate.
  • Uneven nozzles may lead to infections in females.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on shamrockplumbing.net

Do people still wipe after using a bidet?

Again, the only time you should have to use toilet paper with a bidet is to properly dry yourself – not to clean your backside. If you need to use toilet paper to clean yourself after using a bidet, there is a good chance you are not using the bidet properly.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on biobidet.com

Is a bidet more sanitary than wet wipes?

With a bidet toilet seat, you are cleaning yourself with water for a more sanitary and refreshing clean compared to wiping.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bidetsplus.com

Can Christians use bidet?

The bidet is common in predominantly Catholic countries where water is considered essential for anal cleansing, and in some traditionally Orthodox and Lutheran countries such as Greece and Finland respectively, where bidet showers are common.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

Why do Muslims wipe their face?

One of the pillars of Islam is that Muslims pray five times a day. Before those prayers, they are expected to perform a purification ritual called Wudu, requiring that they wash their faces, hands, arms, and feet.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pbs.org

Do Muslims use deodorant?

Self-grooming. Aside from being as clean (purified) as they are for prayer, male Muslims are expected to cut their nails, and trim their hair and beards. They must also not wear any scent, including deodorant.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

Do British use bidet?

Bidets are a type of bathroom fixture used for personal hygiene in many countries worldwide, yet their presence is lacking in both the UK and the US.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sauben.co.uk

Why do toilets in Italy not have seats?

Most Italian public toilets don't have a toilet seat.

This has to do with maintenance. Since public toilets are often less than spotless, people often climb with their shoes on top of them, not to sit on a potentially dirty seat.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mamalovesitaly.com

Where are bidets not common?

Its popularity spread from France to all across Europe and other parts of the world, except for America. Part of the reason is that bidets got a bad reputation. Americans first saw them in World War II in European brothels, so, many associated them with sex work.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on businessinsider.in