A bidet has a similar use to toilet paper, except it uses a stream of water, and if you’re thinking about getting one, then here is everything you need to know.

A bidet is for use after the toilet and should be used to help clean the genital and anal area. Some people feel this is incredibly hygienic, but is also a way to reduce toilet paper waste, therefore making it an environmentally friendly option. According to Going Zero Waste, Americans use 8 million tons of toilet paper a year, resulting in countless trees being cut down to adhere to the demand. In addition, many toilet papers are bleached, and the publication claims that the process results in the chemical compounds dioxins and furans, which are believed to have an effect on human health.

Another advantage of a bidet is that it results in less waste, and therefore fewer plumbing problems.

There are three types of bidets; the standalone bidet which is separate to the toilet and often located next to the toilet. This low, oval basin is the original model of the bidet and was reportedly created in Europe in the 18th century.

Then for those bathrooms that cannot accommodate a completely new fixture, there is the add-on toilet rim or seat bidets, which can be activated with a button, and will allow you to clean yourself without leaving the toilet. And lastly, there is the handheld bidet, which hangs on the wall and must be positioned for cleaning.

For those who have not used a bidet before, the positioning can be a little tricky, but Today notes there are many tutorials online which can teach you the best cleaning techniques. And in addition to being more hygienic, Today reports that individuals who have incontinence, or arthritic or disabled can benefit from a bidet because the sit-down models are a much easier way to clean than it would be with toilet paper.

Cleaning a bidet is a standard process, but Today notes consumers should ensure it’s unplugged before cleaning and to never use products with harsh chemicals.

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