How to use the bidet in Italy (2024)

FAQs

Do you wipe before using a bidet? ›

Tips for use

When you first use a bidet, clean off with toilet paper first before attempting the bidet spray. You don't need to use soap to use a bidet. Some people do use the bidet like a mini-shower after a bowel movement, sexual intercourse, or for freshening up, but it isn't a requirement.

Straddle the bidet, sitting on the rim and align the anus with the column of spray water. Note that most bidets don't have seats, but are still meant to be sat upon; you just sit directly on the rim. Gradually open the spray valve until adequate pressure is achieved to flush the remaining feces from the anus.

What is the main purpose of an Italian bidet? To clean yourself after going to the bathroom. In Italy, they're used in addition to, and not in place of, toilet paper.

Up to 43% of female bidet-users had altered vagin*l microflora, with an increased risk of bacterial vaginitis. It was found that users with genital or anal discomfort prefer to use a bidet and there is a correlation with subjects having urological infections, vulvar pruritus and also hemorrhoids.

Don't pee in a bidet

We're sorry to have to go there with this particular tip—but a bidet is not a toilet. You're not supposed to urinate in it—ever. The toilet is for toileting (pee, poop), while the bidet is for the cleanup job that comes after you've done your business.

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.

The modern bidet seats even have drying options. If you press the 'Dry' button, provided there is one, the air dryer will dry the area. 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.

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.

In fact, using a bidet is more sanitary than using a traditional toilet and toilet paper. Bidets use water to cleanse and wash away any leftover urine or fecal matter – no wiping required. While some users dry themselves with toilet paper after rinsing with a bidet, the fecal matter has already been washed away.

Once you find a setting that's comfortable for you, let the bidet spray somewhere between 30 seconds and a minute to get the job done. The control panels on an electric bidet might look more robust than your TV remote. Don't be afraid to experiment, but make sure you don't scald your butt with hot water.

How do you position yourself in a bidet? ›

Position yourself to use the bidet by straddling the bowl. It's acceptable to sit on the rim of the bowl, but many users will squat or “hover” over the bidet.

Pat dry with toilet paper

Since you're already clean from your bidet, you won't need much toilet paper to do so–just enough to remove any excess water. Use a gentle pat-dry motion instead of a wipe to avoid any irritation. That's all there is to it.

It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.

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.

While households in the U.S favor dry toilet paper to this day, bidets are the dominant cleaning method in places like France, Japan, Italy, and Portugal.

Position yourself onto the bidet by either sitting on the rim or squatting over it. (Unlike toilets, freestanding bidets do not have a seat you sit on.) Depending on which area you need cleaned, select the setting or mode that will get the job done.

Always have your own toilet paper for public bathrooms. Don't be surprised if the toilet doesn't have a seat.

France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean.

If you press the 'Dry' button, provided there is one, the air dryer will dry the area. 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.

There's little evidence that bidets cause UTIs when used correctly. Using a handheld sprayer, spray from front to back to avoid introducing fecal matter near the urethra, just as you would wipe front to back. Bidet seats and attachment sprayers won't pose any issues.

Can you wear flip flops in Italy? ›

Don't Bring Flip-Flops.

And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops. While in Italy it is important to steer away from these types of shoes, especially if you will be in a big city like, Florence or Milan visiting churches or museums all day.

It's important to stay hydrated (and caffeinated) when you're traveling. Rather than spending your hard-earned Euros on bottled water, bring your own and refill it. Whether you go to Rome, Venice or Florence (or all three in this 9-day 7 Wonders of Italy trip) you'll find ample opportunity to keep your bottle full.

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.

Most people use bidets after pooping, but it's totally fine to use one after you pee. Some women enjoy using a bidet while they're menstruating since it can really help clean your genital area.

However, excessive bidet use potentially causes anal pruritus and anal incontinence (AI). Physicians are advised to instruct patients with anal pruritus to avoid excessive cleaning of the anus and those with AI to discontinue bidet use.

A Bidet Is Available for Your Needs

You straddle the classic bidet after using the separate toilet. You must sit facing the opposite way from the way you sit on a standard toilet. You face the wall, using the faucets to direct the spray where you want it.

That's not a second toilet – it's a bidet, a place to clean yourself 'down there. ' Bathtubs aren't common. Showers are usually tiny.

The bidet is used after using the toilet. If you are using a bidet toilet or bidet toilet seat attachment, you can stay seated. If there's a freestanding bidet next to you (standalone bidet separate from the toilet), get up and straddle the bidet so that you are facing the water controls.

If you press the 'Dry' button, provided there is one, the air dryer will dry the area. 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.

Do people dry off after using a bidet? ›

If you are using the bidet properly, and if your bidet is of high quality, you should not have to use toilet paper to wipe yourself clean. A high-quality bidet will clean your backside more thoroughly than any amount of wiping. However, you may want to use a small amount of toilet paper to dry yourself.

Pat dry with toilet paper

Since you're already clean from your bidet, you won't need much toilet paper to do so–just enough to remove any excess water. Use a gentle pat-dry motion instead of a wipe to avoid any irritation. That's all there is to it.

No, bidets don't spray poop everywhere when you use them. Bidets use a concentrated stream of water specifically directed to cleanse your backside and genitals. The waste does not get sprayed all over.