Why don't Americans use a bidet

Honestly, it's a weird question once you start thinking about it. Like, most of the world uses water, right? Europe, Japan, huge parts of South America. But over here? We're still all-in on dry paper. It's not one simple thing. It's this tangled mess of history, the way our houses are built, and just... habit. The kind of habit you don't question until you're out of toilet paper at 2 AM.

Was the bidet seen as un-American or foreign?

Oh, absolutely. That's a huge part of it. The bidet showed up in the US late 1800s, early 1900s. But it showed up right when a lot of European immigrants were coming over. And there was this whole "us vs. them" thing going on. Anything fancy or European got side-eyed. The bidet was French. It was for luxury hotels. Not for regular folks. That stuck. Then World War II happened. American GIs saw bidets in European brothels. And that was it. The thing became taboo. It wasn't just foreign anymore. It was dirty. In a different way. That association? It lasted for decades.

What about American bathroom design and plumbing?

Yeah, this is a big one. Your average American bathroom is tiny. Post-war builders wanted them compact. Efficient. A traditional bidet is a whole separate fixture. Needs its own space. Most bathrooms just don't have that. Then there's the plumbing. We don't set things up the same way. A bidet needs a hot water line. Maybe an extra drain. If you're retrofitting, it's a pain. Expensive. The standard toilet is dead simple. Cheap to install. Cheap to replace. The bidet? It complicates everything. Builders hate that. Homeowners hate that.

Is toilet paper too cheap and convenient in the US?

God, yes. The toilet paper industry here is a beast. We use more of it than almost anyone. It's dirt cheap. You can buy it anywhere. And they market the hell out of it. "Softness." "Cleanliness." All that. They've been telling us for generations that a few squares of quilted paper is all you need. So we believe it. It's a habit. A cheap one. Switching to a bidet means spending real money. Doing an installation. Changing a habit you've had your whole life. That's a tough sell.

Why haven't Americans adopted bidet toilet seats?

This is where it gets interesting. Bidet seats solve most of the problems. No extra space needed. No major plumbing. So why aren't they everywhere? First, nobody knows about them. The marketing is garbage compared to the paper companies. Second, there's still the "ick" factor. A nozzle spraying water near your toilet? It weirds people out. Third, a good electric seat costs two to five hundred bucks. That's a lot compared to a five-dollar pack of toilet paper. And fourth, a lot of people rent. They can't install stuff. Landlords don't care. The market is growing, sure. Especially after the pandemic toilet paper panic. But it started from almost nothing.

Key factors comparing bidet and toilet paper use

Checklist: How to make the switch to a bidet

• Assess your bathroom: Measure the space around your toilet. Check if you have an electrical outlet nearby (for heated models).
• Choose your type: Decide between a non-electric bidet seat (cheaper, mechanical) or an electric bidet seat (heated water, air dryer, more features).
• Check compatibility: Most bidet seats fit standard two-piece toilets. Measure the distance between the mounting holes on your toilet bowl.
• Gather tools: You will typically need an adjustable wrench and a flathead screwdriver. Installation usually takes 15-30 minutes.
• Turn off water: Locate the water shut-off valve behind your toilet and turn it clockwise to close it.
• Install the T-valve: Disconnect the toilet supply line and attach the included T-valve to the water source.
• Mount the seat: Slide the bidet seat onto the toilet bowl and secure it with the provided bolts and nuts.
• Connect the water: Attach the bidet hose to the T-valve and the bidet seat.
• Test for leaks: Turn the water back on slowly and check all connections for drips.
• Adjust settings: If using an electric model, set the water pressure and temperature to your preference.

Frequently asked questions about bidets in America