A bidet is a bathroom fixture or attachment designed to cleanse the user with a stream of water after using the toilet, offering a superior level of hygiene compared to dry toilet paper alone. The primary function of the bidet is to remove solid waste entirely, meaning the traditional “wipe for cleaning” is largely eliminated. However, the use of water introduces a new step: moisture removal, which is where the question of “wiping” or “drying” comes into play. The process of using a bidet changes the final step from a vigorous cleansing wipe into a gentle drying action.
Understanding the Washing Cycle
The cleansing process begins while the user remains seated, activating the bidet’s nozzle via a control panel or remote. This nozzle extends to deliver a targeted stream of water, which is adjustable in terms of pressure, temperature, and spray position. Many users find that pre-cleaning with a few squares of toilet paper helps remove the majority of residue, making the water rinse more efficient. The wash cycle typically lasts between 20 and 60 seconds, which is enough time for the water to thoroughly clean the area. For comfort and effectiveness, the water temperature is often set to a warm range, ideally between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius.
The Importance of Moisture Removal
Once the washing cycle concludes, residual moisture remains on the skin and must be removed. Drying is not about cleanliness, which the bidet has already achieved, but about preventing skin irritation and discomfort. Leaving moisture behind can create a warm, damp environment that promotes chafing and potentially leads to skin issues like anal eczema. Gentle moisture removal prevents the integrity of the skin’s barrier from being compromised by prolonged dampness. Therefore, the bidet eliminates the need for abrasive wiping to clean, but introduces the need for a gentle process to make the skin completely dry.
Detailed Post-Wash Drying Options
The final step in the bidet routine involves one of three primary methods for removing residual water.
Blotting with Toilet Paper
The simplest and most common method is blotting with toilet paper, which requires significantly less paper than traditional wiping. Because the area is already clean, only a small amount, typically two to four squares, is needed to gently dab up the excess moisture. This method is quick and convenient but still generates a small amount of paper waste.
Integrated Warm Air Dryer
A more advanced, hands-free option is the integrated warm air dryer, a feature found on many electric bidet seats. This system uses an internal fan and heating coil to blow warm air onto the cleaned area. Drying with the integrated air dryer takes longer, often requiring 1 to 2 minutes or more to achieve full dryness, but eliminates the need for toilet paper entirely.
Reusable Bidet Towels
A third, highly sustainable option is the use of dedicated, reusable bidet washcloths or towels. These small, soft cloths are used to gently pat the area dry after the rinse. For hygiene, these towels must be kept separate from other household linens and placed in a dedicated bin for frequent washing.
Comparing Environmental and Sanitary Benefits
The adoption of a bidet offers significant environmental advantages by reducing toilet paper consumption. A bidet can slash a household’s toilet paper use by up to 90%, conserving substantial resources. Minimizing toilet paper use dramatically lowers the overall water footprint of personal hygiene. Sanitary considerations vary slightly across the drying methods. Warm air dryers offer a touch-less, highly hygienic method beneficial for those with sensitive skin or medical conditions. Blotting with toilet paper is sanitary and disposable, involving minor waste. Reusable towels are sanitary when properly managed and washed frequently. The shift from abrasive wiping to a gentle drying action minimizes friction and reduces the risk of irritation, improving overall hygiene and comfort.