Bringing the Bidet to an American Market
The bidet is a staple in European and British homes, but it hasn’t caught on in America. Japanese bidet manufacturer Toto is bravely making inroads into American markets with the Toto Washlet, a bidet toilet seat that attaches to traditional seats. The Washlet offers jets set to specific temperatures and an air-dry feature.
The American resistance to bidets is a bit baffling, considering American obsession with cleanliness and hygiene. Think about it: toilet paper isn’t exactly the most hygienic way of cleaning up. It’s a dry sheet of paper. Would you clean a nasty household mess with dry sheets of paper? No, you’d use a wet piece of paper at the very least; bigger messes call for water and cleaning products. A bidet can offer a more hygienic option for this sensitive area—something Europeans have known for years.
Perhaps one reason Americans resist bidets is the required change in habits. Americans have been using toilet paper all their lives—and many don’t see the need to change.