How to Use a Bidet (2024)

Bidets are very common in many areas of the world, and you may have encountered one if you have ever traveled outside of the USA or even in some parts of the United States. The bidet is often a basin that is situated close to the toilet in the bathroom, and it is used to clean yourself after using the toilet or when you need to freshen up or wash your genitals and anal area. At first you may feel a little intimated because you may not be sure how to use a bidet properly, but these fixtures are very hygienic and not difficult to use at all.

Step 1: Always use the toilet before you use the bidet. A bidet is intended to help you wash and clean up after using the toilet, but the fixture is not an actual toilet. Some use a bidet without toilet paper, some use toilet paper and the bidet, and some use the bidet and then dry off with a towel.

Step 2: Straddle or sit on the bidet. With bidets that are standalone fixtures you have a choice of either facing towards the controls for the water or facing away from the controls similar to sitting on a toilet. When you actually face the controls on the bidet it is easier to turn the jets on and off or make adjustments in the water temperature or flow on some models. If you have pants on you may need to remove them before you can straddle the bidet properly. With the various models and bidet configurations you will need to look at the bidet being used in order to determine the proper straddle or sitting position.

Step 3: Make adjustments to the water temperature and the strength of the jets so that you are comfortable with these aspects. Some bidets offer hot water as well as cold water, and if this is the case then you should start by turning on the hot control first. Once you have hot water then slowly turn the cold water control until you have a water temperature that is comfortable for you. If you are in a warmer climate then you may want to reverse this order because even water from the tap may be extremely hot.

Some tips for bidet use include:

• Some bidets require you to continuously hold the control lever in order for the jets to stay on.Use caution when you turn one of the water controls on the bidet. Some models can cause a high water jet with the slightest touch on the controls.
• Examine the bidet before operating it the first time so you are not surprised when jets of water come out. Know ahead of time where the water will erupt so you are prepared when you turn the controls.
• Bidets that have a spray nozzle can be tricky until you learn how to operate them. Put your hand over the spray nozzle so that any water hits your hand, and then look for the diverter lever. This should be either between the taps or right behind them, and you will need to either pull this lever or press it.

Step 4: Move until you are in a position so that the jets of water hit the areas that you are trying to clean. Some models allow you to sit as well as hover or squat. Few bidets have actual seats on them, but you can sit on the rim of the bidet instead of squatting over it. Some bidet models do not offer water jets, instead there are taps that fill up a basin similar to a sink.

Step 5: Use the jets or water filled basin to clean the genital area or anal area, with help from your hands. Clean your genitals or anal area the same way you would in a shower or bath.

Step 6: Dry off. You can use toilet paper or a towel in order to dry off. Often you will find a ring near the bidet with a towel hanging on it, and this may be to dry off your hands or nether region, or even to wipe up any water that has splashed out of the fixture when you rinse the bidet after using it.

That's it! Click here to learn how to use a hand held bidet.