Is a Bidet Sanitary?

If you are considering making the switch from wiping to bidets, it is common to wonder, “Is a Bidet Sanitary?” – And you are not alone. As much as bidets have increased their popularity, a fraction of people is uncertain about the accessory’s usefulness and safety.

Luckily, bidets are sanitary for male and female genitalia especially. They are actually safer than toilet paper and other washroom accessories. Since bidets use water to clean your groin area, urine and fecal matter are thoroughly washed away.

Over the past couple of years, American retailers have been singing the bidet’s praises since the toilet paper shortage, which has resulted in many people warming up to the idea. Even if you wipe after using a bidet, the chances of coming into contact with bacteria are very low.

ARE BIDETS SAFE?

The concept of cleaning your groin area with water is intuitively more logical, and even though butts have been doing just fine before bidets, their invention proved to be necessary. Not only are they safe, but also hygienic.
There is no scientific data that backs up the usefulness or harmfulness of a bidet. However, they are more sanitary and prevent the spread of fecal bacteria.

1. BIDET SPRAYS

When using a bidet, the stream of water cleans every part of your anus and groin area. You do not need any technique or criteria to clean up after using the washroom. Furthermore, the water spray reduces the risk of bacterial infection because no fecal matter or pee is left behind.

Bidet toilet seats also ensure that the water is not splashed all over, and no fecal matter gets into the bidet. Standalone bidets and other bidets that require you to squat are more sanitary compared to handheld ones.

2. BIDET WATER SOURCE

One of the biggest bidet myths is that they use dirty water. As a matter of fact, they use the same water as the sinks in your washroom and bathroom do. So, there is no way you will use contaminated water.

Luxurious bidet seats have Nano-silver filters and in-water sterilization features that give you maximum sanitation. If you are using a portable bidet, always fill it with clean water before use.

3. BIDET CLEANING POWER

The ultimate way people determine how sanitary bidets are is by equating them to toilet paper. There is still no scientific evidence on which one is healthier with multiple scientific searches on the internet. Yet, washing makes the average human feel cleaner, unlike wiping.

If you got poop on any other body part, would you use toilet paper or water? Water, of course! For this reason, experts suggest taking the same approach when it comes to your genitalia.

Other reasons why bidets have superior cleaning power include: • Water wands and sprays in a bidet minimize the spread of bacteria • There is no chapping and flaking like in using toilet paper • Bidets do not need toilet paper folding and scrunching techniques • Bidets minimize hand-to-toilet contact

SOAP OR NO SOAP?

Most people debate on whether to use soap or not with bidets. After all, we use soap when showering and taking baths, so why shouldn’t we use it when cleaning our bums?

Soaps, especially harsh ones, will dry out your skin and may even cause itchiness. The pressurized water is more than enough to leave your groin area clean. If you feel the need to use a cleaning agent, go for a hypoallergenic, soap-free cleanser with no fragrance.

BIDETS AND WOMEN’S HEALTH

Bidet seats and attachments are a healthier alternative for vaginal sanitation. One, they are extremely handy during menstruation. Unlike wet wipes that may contain harmful ingredients, water is non-toxic and has zero contaminants. You can also use them to clean menstrual cups.

Next, bidets are convenient after sexual intercourse. Many women know that it is advisable to pee after sex to prevent UTIs. Bidets are better because they help you quickly clean up without the need for a shower.

In addition, they prove to be useful during and post-pregnancy. Pregnancy can pose a lot of health risks like hemorrhoids, which bidets help prevent. They also help women in their third trimester who have difficulty bending and cleaning after using the toilet. Using a bidet after birth is soothing and relieves post-birth pain.

When using bidets, women should ensure the water streams front to back.

HOW TO SAFELY USE AND SANITIZE A BIDET

A lot of bidets are self-cleaning, but those that don’t get dirty. Cleaning a bidet requires less effort compared to regular toilets. Most manufacturers recommend using antibacterial soap, cleanser, or sanitizer and a soft cloth.

You can add vinegar to the antibacterial solution or pour some on the cloth for additional cleaning power. Apart from daily cleaning, remove the seat once a month, and wipe it with a damp cloth and neutral soap.

If your bidet uses a deodorizing filter, also remove it monthly and clean it with a toothbrush. Do the same for all removable components and assemble them once they are dry. For bidets with a nozzle, push the button or gently pull out the nozzle. Then, clean the interior with a toothbrush and wipe with a damp cloth.

It is recommended to have an expert check your bidet annually for any plumbing issues and repairs.

TAKEAWAYS

Hopefully, this post has educated you on how sanitary a bidet is. It goes without saying that bidets are here to stay, so it is important to know the basics. If you already own a bidet, ensure that you use it properly and follow all the cleaning and maintenance procedures. Do not use a public bidet unless you are cocksure about its sanitation.

To get the most out of the accessory, use its drying features after use, or use a soft cloth or toilet paper to pat yourself dry. Since no fecal matter is smeared along your groin are, you can rest easy knowing you have a clean, healthy butt all year long!

So, say goodbye to anal tears and make the swift shift to bidets – they are the future of washroom accessories!