Our bathrooms can be big contributors to the waste we produce – no pun intended. In an effort to ditch the toilet paper, you might consider either a bidet or wet wipes to get the job done without using a bunch of paper.
When comparing the bidet vs. wet wipes, the bidet is the clear winner for several reasons. You can use a bidet to clean up after using the bathroom without using wet wipes or paper. Bidets come in many forms to suit any bathroom user, and they offer the perfect balance of hygienic cleaning and a reduction in environmental impact.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both the bidet and wet wipes, so ultimately, the best choice is one that suits your needs best. Knowing a bit more about each option is the best way to decide how you’re going to replace your toilet paper.
What Do Bidets Do?
A bidet utilizes water to gently and thoroughly clean your nether regions after using the bathroom. You’re essentially washing after going to the bathroom, making sure everything is cleaned and removed rather than being redistributed via toilet paper. Depending on the type of bidet you choose, they might even be able to dry you off after.
Bidets have been used for a very long time though their popularity in North America is somewhat recent. They’ve been a go-to choice in many Asian and European countries instead of traditional toilet paper, preferred for their cleanliness and their ease of use.
How Bidets Work
You can find different types of bidet attachments that can be easily installed on your existing toilet. Should you want to splurge, you can also find toilets with built-in bidets, though that’s not entirely necessary. Some bidets are simple, with a front and rear nozzle that directs water as needed making them ideal for both male and female users.
The water is coming from your toilet’s existing water supply, so there’s no need to complete any kind of complicated plumbing to make your bidet useful.
If you have an electrical outlet close to your toilet, you can indulge in an electric bidet that cleans itself or dries you off when you’re finished.
The Benefits Of Using A Bidet
Bidets are a safe way to get a thorough, proper clean after toilet usage. They are equipped with front and rear nozzles so that both sides can be cleaned regardless of your anatomy.
They also don’t require the use of toilet paper unless you choose to use it to dry off; otherwise, you can use a simple cloth.
There are environmental benefits to using a bidet. You utilize clean water that you’re already paying for and reduce the need for paper products that pollute our sewage systems. You don’t have to sacrifice your cleanliness to choose this eco-friendly option, either; in fact, you’ll find that you feel much cleaner and refreshed after using a bidet.
Since you’re not throwing anything into your toilet, you’re also reducing the propensity for clogged toilets and other plumbing issues that can be a hassle to deal with.
For those with sensitive skin and/or sensitivities to certain additives in wipes or toilet paper, a bidet is a much kinder and gentler way to get clean without the risk of irritation.
The Drawbacks Of Using A Bidet
It can take some adaptability to get used to using a bidet, from getting used to the way it feels to find the settings that work best for you. It can be a difficult transition for some because it’s unlike what we’re used to with wiping.
One of the major hesitations people have when considering a bidet is whether they are truly hygienic or safe to use.
While it’s true that many germs that might cause infections can live in water and bidet attachments, the great news is that all you have to do is keep it clean. Many bidets will clean themselves, though you still need to disinfect yours pretty regularly.
Bidets can also be somewhat expensive depending on the type you choose. You can find very affordable options, but they might not have the bells and whistles you’re hoping for.
Regardless, purchasing the bidet will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
What Are Wet Wipes?
The name pretty much gives it away; wet wipes are small cloths that are wet that you can use to clean up after using the bathroom. There are numerous types of wet wipes that are generally safe to use on your body, with only one of their practical purposes being cleaning up down there.
Since wet wipes are made with fabric, they offer a much gentler wiping experience than toilet paper does, which is why they are preferred above traditional toilet paper.
It can also be much easier to get a proper clean with a wet wipe since they’re wet, so you’re eliminating a lot of non-waste that is going into your toilet or your garbage can.
How Wet Wipes Work
Wet wipes are made with fabrics that are either tightly woven to retain moisture or are manufactured with some kind of additive to stay intact during wiping. Wet wipes that are safe to use on your body are moistened with water, though some will also have perfumes or scents added to the formula.
Baby wipes are wet wipes, so you already know that they’re able to offer a good clean without having to use a lot of them. They can also leave you feeling much more refreshed after using them, and you don’t end up having to dry yourself off afterward.
The Benefits Of Using Wet Wipes
There’s no denying that wet wipes are a convenient and efficient way to clean up after doing your business. They are easy to adjust to, as you use them to wipe just as you would with traditional toilet paper. The difference is that wet wipes are much softer and can clean much more with less.
Wet wipes can cost around the same amount of money or less than toilet paper. Even if it seems like you’re spending more initially on wet wipes, you’re likely not going through your supply of wet wipes nearly as quickly as you do your toilet paper, especially if multiple people live in your household.
The Drawbacks Of Using Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are not good for the environment despite what some marketing might suggest. If they have any kind of chemical or perfume in them, they are automatically contaminating the water supply. Even if the materials used are organic or plant-based, wet wipes can still take a very long time to biodegrade.
Wet wipes are also not meant to be flushed down the toilet, though many of them still are. This can be a problem for your plumbing and for your local water supply.
While wet wipes can be affordable, they can still end up costing you much more than a bidet would. Any wipes with scents and dyes can be harmful to your nether regions, especially for women.
Conclusion: Bidet Vs. Wet Wipes
Bidets win in terms of overall cost, ease of use, and environmental friendliness. Despite the potential need to shell out some money upfront for a bidet or bidet attachment, you’ll be happy you decided to spend the money as you’ll end up saving in the end.
Your plumbing system and local water supply will thank you as well, as they won’t have to work harder to try and break down paper or wipes.
It definitely is an adjustment to use a bidet, but it’s an easy one to make. As long as you commit to keeping your bidet clean and disinfected, a bidet can serve you well, keeping you clean for a long time.