In the past few years, toilet paper shortages have Americans questioning their bathroom routines. What is your plan to clean your sensitive areas during the next toilet paper shortage? Many are making the switch to washing instead of wiping with toilet paper or flushable wipes. Sure, using a bidet may seem like a no-brainer, but is it better?
Here at Barumi, we are bidet advocates who highly recommend eliminating toilet paper usage. Let's dive into the great toilet paper debate and see which one is better, once and for all.
Article: What is a Bidet?
Bidet vs Toilet Paper
Which cleans better?
The main question to answer when deciding on a bidet versus toilet paper is which will give a more thorough cleansing. Many people are unsure if bidets clean better than toilet paper. This is a valid concern, but let's think about it for a moment. When you get mud on your hands, do you wipe it off with paper? If you do that, you'll still have mud on your hands. Obviously, we opt to wash our hands.
Isn't wiping with toilet paper a similar concept? If you wipe your booty with dry paper after you go you will still have particles of fecal matter lurking around your behind. You may not think so, but can you truly be confident that you won't have any unpleasant odors seeping out? Let's be honest, if you had fecal matter on your hands, you would be running for the sink, not a napkin or paper towel.
Washing with water is the best way to remove all the bacteria and germs from a certain area. Using a bidet with warm water to clean your private parts is more effective than using dry toilet paper and will make you confident and fresh feeling afterward. As a bonus, you don't even need to move from the toilet seat to get thoroughly clean. Most bidets can be added as a toilet seat replacement which can wash you at the touch of a button, and come equipped with a warm air dryer to give a completely hands-free experience. How convenient!
Which is better for the environment?
Bidets are much better for the environment than toilet paper, Why? Well, simply because of all the trees that are cut down to make toilet paper. Each day, approximately27,000 trees are cut down to produce toilet paper for the US market. On a global scale, toilet paper consumption is responsible for 15% of the world's deforestation.
However, the environmental impact doesn't stop there. Each roll of toilet paper uses 20 gallons of water to make and is pumped full of bleach and other chemicals for to achieve a certain color and smell. The chemicals get released into the environment with every flush and greenhouse gases are emitted in the air from the manufacturing facilities.
In contrast, Bidets use much less water (about 1/8th of a gallon) than what’s used to make toilet paper, emit zero harmful chemicals, and have a positive effect on the environment.
Which is easier to use?
We have all used toilet paper at some point in time to clean ourselves. We also use a certain amount to be "100% clean" and each person has their own technique on how to do that, however, sometimes we fail to completely clean our private parts efficiently. If you're a person with tons of hair down there, it can feel almost impossible to wipe enough.
It's better to just wash it. in most cases, the electric bidet seat comes with a 'wash' button – just press it and it will do all the work. All you have to do is just sit back and let the bidet work its magic!
Depending on the bidet toilet seat or bidet attachment being used it can be an easy task or a little confusing for the first-time user. Electric bidet seats have many functions – regulating water pressure, temperature, drying, and different wash modes. No need to worry, the user manual is easy to understand and will have you using your bidet like a master in no time.
Which is healthier for you?
There's no question here. Washing with water rather is a much more effective way to clean than wiping with dry tissue. It can also help avoid urinary tract infections by removing bacteria and germs from your genitals.
Hand-free bidets are a more sanitary alternative since they ensure all waste is washed away without the need for manual operation. Not using your hands at all gives you a less chance of passing or coming in contact with bacteria or germs.
Which is cheaper?
Most people think that toilet paper is cheaper than bidets, but this is not the case. Bidet toilet seats can be bought for around $250, and they are a one-time investment. Also, think about how many rolls of toilet paper you go through in a month or year; then think about how much money you spend on it! Buying toilet paper every month can add up over time. The average American spends $11,000 on toilet paper in their lifetime. As you can see, the bidet will pay for itself fairly quickly.
This is just another reminder – when you use a bidet instead of toilet paper, you not only save the planet but you also save money.
Other considerations
Wiping with toilet paper can cause tears and anal fissures
Ouch. Unless this issue sounds appealing to you, then a bidet is the best option. Toilet paper can sometimes be rough and cause bleeding when wiping, which can lead to anal tears. Bidets are gentler on your skin and are less likely to cause bleeding or anal tears.
Are bidets sanitary?
For a detailed article on this particular subject, check out our other blog: Are Bidets Sanitary?
Because of the nature of the product, bidet toilet seats may appear to be filthy and unappealing. But this product is designed to ensure proper stream angle and distribution, so wherever the water goes, it lands back inside the toilet bowl and not on the bathroom floor.
Bidet toilet seats use the same tap water that our showers do, and never pass through your toilet tank, so you can feel confident that your bidet has your health and well-being as a top priority.
Final verdict
Bidets are a better option for your health and hygiene than toilet paper. Not only do they clean you more effectively, but they also eliminate the risk of contact with germs and bacteria. They are also gentler on your skin, which can help prevent anal tearing and discomfort.
Bidets are more affordable in the long run, and they use less water than toilet paper, making them a more environmentally-friendly option. If you have a stable water supply, then bidets an obvious choice for your next home improvement investment!
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