TOILET SIDECARS…..DERRIERE POWER WASHING

Paper shortages return. Second time in recent years. Especially toilet paper and paper towels. Some supermarket shelves totally empty. Some partially. Shortages expected to be a disaster by Christmas.

Paper towels we can do without. Toilet paper another story. A “necessity.”

There is a replacement/substitute however. The bidet.

Jokingly referred to as the “toilet sidecar” and “derriere power washing.”

The bidet came first. Historically in use prior to toilet paper. Prior to either, one’s cleanliness depended on leaves and sticks.

The advent of toilet paper was introduced as a “luxury.” As well as a necessity, it continues to be considered such. In each paper shortage, there has been “panicked toilet paper hoarding.”

COVID-19 has spurred recent shortages.

The shortage problem has been partially solved with the U.S. discovery of bidets. Bidet sales have boomed this past year.

Bidets are perfect for cleansing the nether regions with a gentle jet of water. Its powers considered vastly superior to toilet paper.

Bidets have been popular outside the U.S. for years. Bidets are called “Toto Washlet” in Japan. Eighty percent of Japanese homes are equipped with bidets. In 1975, Italy mandated their presence in every home.

Their slow U.S. growth has been moved along in the past year because of the pandemic. Two type bidets are in popular use. One is an actual toilet appearing structure, minus a seat, which sits next to the toilet in a bathroom. The other a “bidet attachment.”

The attachment has received rapid acceptance this past year. Probably due to cost. $39.95. The attachment is attached to the bottom of the toilet seat. Connected to a water supply by a simple attachment beneath the toilet itself.

Cheap to purchase. Simple to attach. Easy to use.

Bidets actually pre-date modern rolled up toilet paper. Rolled toilet paper was patented in 1891. Bidet roots go back to the 17th or early 18th century in France.

Various designs were in use which led to today’s model.

Bidets grew in popularity prior to World War II in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. Not in the U.S., however.

Initial bidets were wood constructed. Sat along side toilets. They were faucet fillable sidecars in effect. Water was run into the bidet. Hands required to wash the backside.

As models advanced, nozzles were added that applied a light spritz of water, thereby eliminating hand washing.

The U.S. was not impressed. The primary issue was size. A bidet is almost the size of another toilet.

Many Americans viewed the bidets as symbols of French indecency. Bidets had become popular in French whore houses for use by the ladies for cleansing purposes and birth control.

Bidets are hygienic. Cleansing with water rather than paper more logical.

Following the water spray, a hand towel can be used for drying. Not cleansing. The cleansing already accomplished by the water spray.

U.S. citizens find it difficult to adapt to change. They are not fans of change. Sometimes such can be a “bummer.”

My personal experience with bidets has been extensive. The first home I purchased in Key West I lived in for 23 years. The master bathroom came equipped with a bidet. I used it. Found it to be absolutely the best for cleansing! Better than toilet paper!

I presently live in a rental. Four years. No bidet the first 3 years. Relegated to toilet paper again.  I was not a happy camper.

Last year, I came across the $39.95 attachment on the internet. Purchased it.

Happiness returned!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

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