The Bidet – Self Care for “Down There”

I did a random poll a week ago on my Instagram page (insert link) and asked people what their initial thoughts were on the “Bidet” and I received some interesting answers… I’d say it was about half and half based on responses for “Gross” and “Best thing ever”. Let me just preface this post as being someone who had the reaction of “Gross” when I was a kid and would see this bathroom device in all of those luxury NYC apartments that you would see in the movies. I just assumed that they were dirty, for those who were affluent, and those that had no preference to use baby wipes – since those were for babies, right? Again, all of my assumptions and opinions, I’m certain that many of you have your own thoughts and I feel that this particular poll opened up a conversation that I want to have.

The bidet, a porcelain throne, that I think plays such an important role in the bagno (bathroom) and was literally the FIRST & BEST housewarming gift we received when we moved to NYC from Italy & California. More on that later, but let’s get down to the story of my discovery and fascination with this (now) bathroom staple. When I first met Roberto, Facebook was still (?) a thing and his profile picture was him and a photo of his very own bidet back in Italy. It scooped up the top spot on all things social because it was something that this Italian missed when he had moved to the states. Initially, my thoughts were confused, but it’s wrong to judge a book by it’s cover (or in this case the Facebook profile picture – which ladies let’s be real, Facebook profile photos were always the first piece of stalking material when you had a crush).

When I traveled to Italy to live with Roberto and his family for two months before our big move to New York City, I had the chance to meet this famous bidet that was already ingrained in my mind. After arrival, a bit of freshening up and prima dell’aperitivo, I had to get a first hand lesson of the proper way to “Bidet” (it’s my verb, let’s just go with it). I was so intrigued because I really needed to understand for myself why this device was in EVERY SINGLE ITALIAN household and then my bidet virginity was broken. The initial thought, “WHY DO WE NOT HAVE THESE IN AMERICA?” because it is truly the ultimate self-care routine that needs to be added into your day to day. Let me further explain.

First of all, when utilizing the bidet, it’s used after you do any sort of “business” – yes, I’m going there – numero due (number 2), but after the discovery I started using it every time that I went to the bathroom. Keep in mind that this does not take the place of carta igienica (toilet paper) but most certainly takes the place of a “baby wipe” that is what is commonly used here in the States. You begin with sitting opposite how you would on a toilet, almost like riding a very small pony. You start with choosing the water temperature of your choice, because most bidets have options so you don’t freeze nether region (unfortunately our attachment does not so you can imagine a cold winter’s morning in Boston and yea…I’ll just stop there). Once you have your desired temperature (or lack thereof) you use a special soap that is designed to help balance the pH and efficiently cleanse away any bacteria that could be lurking. I personally hoard a few bottles of Saugella (that can be found online in the U.S. here, here and here) or Chilly Gel (here and here) in my suitcase during a return trip from Italy. Additionally, for those who are looking to pick something up at the store, Summer’s Eve is a great alternative (here).

Using the soap lather in your hands with the water from the bidet and SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB in this mini bathtub! Clean well, rinse and then grab a fresh hand towel or wash clothe to wipe dry. Pull up your pants and get on with your day, because you are clean my friend!

It was truly a life changing experience. So much that, the receipt of the wonderful gift of the bidet from a family friend in NYC was EXACTLY what our apartment needed. We have one that is similar to this one on Amazon (here) and it’s easy to install on your very own toilet. It even traveled with us as an “essential” item while moving from NYC to Boston back in August. There are a few differences because this one is used while sitting on the actual toilet in your regular manner and has a fountain that actually sprays your below parts by twisting a water pressure dial. WARNING: Be extremely careful with the water pressure – like I said on a cold winter’s morning you definitely don’t want any surprises! If your set up is appropriate, you can most certainly attach the hose to your sinks hot water valve. We have just been very unlucky in both of our living quarters to have our sink pipes covered by a cabinet and since we are renting, we can’t make any small holes in the cabinets.

There you have it – my thoughts and my experience on the bidet. It’s usually always a conversation piece when we have people over for dinner parties and is intriguing to most, but I can’t beg you enough to get one. A week into the pandemic and we were racing to buy yeast and not toilet paper! I’m literally shocked (as is most of the rest of the world) as to why it was such a commodity in America to hoard the toilet paper. Yes, it is completely essential, but we are two months in and STILL have the same 6 pack that we started with, thanks to this bidet. It’s a win/win in the department of what is better for the environment too considering we are reducing our waste in the paper department while getting super clean. What’s not to love?

 Let me know what your thoughts are, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Also, be sure to sign up for my newsletter by submitting your email so that you don’t miss a thing!