A study found that wiping with toilet paper vs using a bidet is far less efficient in removing bacteria by a factor of about 10 to 1. Eeeuw.
Is it time to give up toilet paper and embrace the bidet?
Bidets are still rare in Australia, but are slowly becoming more popular, but apart from their germ-ruining properties what’s the attraction?
“I recommend them all the time for my patients with loose stools, like in irritable bowel syndrome, who find constant wiping makes their skin raw,” Dr Pasricha told The Washington Post.
“Bidets are also excellent for anyone who might struggle with balance or coordination reaching back to wipe and especially fantastic for people with haemorrhoids, anal fissures or those who are recovering postpartum.”
Dr Pasricha says there is a bit of a learning curve involved in getting into all the nooks and crannies. Good to know.
If you are interested in a bidet but don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can buy attachments for your existing toilet in a try-before-you-buy situation with everything from a top-of-the-line model with electronic sensors, to the basic hose by the toilet as preferred by almost all Asian public toilets.
You are probably also helping your wallet and the environment by no longer buying toilet paper.
Would you make the switch?
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