How To Use a Bidet

The bidet is a sanitary option used mostly in European countries to keep the private areas clean after using the bathroom. If you have never seen or used a bidet, the idea might seem strange. However, once you learn to use a bidet, you might just prefer them to plain old toilet paper. Follow these steps to use a bidet.

1. Use the toilet. Do your normal business on the toilet. When first using a bidet it is best to also use toilet paper until you get the hang of rinsing with the bidet.
2. Locate the bidet controls. Before you position yourself above the bidet it helps to know where the faucet controls are. You might need to quickly adjust the temperature or the force of water so the controls should be within easy reach.
3. Straddle the bidet. The simplest way to use a bidet is to straddle the bowl while facing the controls. This might prove difficult if you are wearing pants however so you might want to practice before turning on the water. You can also straddle the bidet facing away from the controls but be sure you can reach the controls or you may end up with soaked pants.
4. Turn the water on slowly to test. There are a few things to be aware of when turning on the water. First, if there is adjustable temperature you might want to turn on the hot then the cold. You want to be careful to create warm water not too hot or too cold or you may experience an uncomfortable wash. You also want to be careful of water pressure. Bidets can put out a lot of pressure that can harm sensitive areas. You might want to try a test run before you straddle the bidet so you can determine the force of the water. A test run might also be necessary if you aren't sure where the water will be coming from. The jet should be visible in the bowl but if you cannot see it or tell the position of the water stream, then slowly turning on the water to test will save you from an accident.
5. Sit down on the bidet. You can hover above the rim or sit directly on the rim depending on your preference. Shift your position so that your body is in contact with the water stream and it can rinse your private areas.
6. Dry your skin. The bidet will either have a built-in dryer or there will be toilet paper handy. Use either to dry your freshly washed skin. Once dry, you can put your clothes back in order.
7. Rinse the bidet. After you are dressed, run the jets in the bidet again so that they rinse out the bowl to keep it clean.
8. Finish by washing your hands. Like any trip the bathroom, your venture is not complete until you wash your hands with soap and water.

Using a bidet make look daunting and take a little time but if you get into the habit you might find yourself feeling cleaner and more refreshed than ever before.