Last Updated on September 5, 2022 by acechapman
One of the most commonly used bathroom necessities is toilet paper. There are many alternatives, but toilet paper is the most common in the United States. People can use it to clean small spills and wipe down bathroom vanity surfaces. There are many types of toilet paper available, including different textures, designs, types of paper, and even colors. Sometimes, we use toilet paper to clean outside of the bathroom. What about bidets? Is there a huge difference between bidet vs toilet paper when using a toilet?
A bidet is an alternative bathroom tool that can clean your private parts efficiently. There are many types of bidets. You can test them out in your bathroom by attaching a toilet seat attachment. This is possible. While it may seem obvious to most people, let’s clarify what a bidet does. A bidet works in the same way as toilet paper. It cleans the anus, inner and outer buttocks, perineum, and genitalia, and uses a stream of water.
While bidets might seem easier to use than traditional methods of cleaning your privates, some users may still prefer the traditional method. Let’s compare the pros and cons to see which one is best for you.
Toilet Paper vs Bidet
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of bidet vs toilet paper.
Pros and Cons of Toilet Paper
Pros
Low cost
Toilet paper, unlike a bidet, can have a high upfront cost and may need professional plumbing and installation. It is also a low-cost bathroom essential that is easily accessible to the public and replenishes quickly. Some people might argue that toilet paper is cheaper than a bidet, depending on how much their average water bill is in your area.
You can save even more on toilet paper by ordering in bulk and signing up for automatic ordering options like Amazon’s Subscribe and Save. A typical 4-roll pack will cost more per roll than a pack of 60 double rolls. The cost savings and the number of people in your household will also play a role.
Handy
Toilet paper is extremely handy for traveling, at work, or when on the road. You can compress the toilet paper by using a cardboard roll. To ensure it doesn’t get damaged, or become dirty from being mixed with other items in your bag, place it in a small plastic roll bag. You won’t have to add weight to your hand-carry bags because it is very lightweight.
You don’t have to be stuck in a public restroom without any paper. Simply grab some and put it in your purse, pocket, or bag. There is a portable or travel bidet that you can use, but it’s not as useful as toilet paper.
Easily Accessible
Toilet paper has a lot of benefits. You can find it in convenience stores, supermarkets, drug stores, and other places. You can easily stop by a convenience shop to get some if you need it at an odd hour.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, such as a messy place or need to clean up spills or the parent changing a diaper, chances are the nearest public toilet will have some paper.
Cons
Increased Risks from Having Germs in Your Body
Toilet paper can be very useful, but it can also increase the risk of your hands coming in contact with germs from your stool and urine. When you touch your eyes and nose, germs can easily enter your body.
Toilet paper can carry germs even more if you don’t store it properly. Toilet paper with a single-ply or thin sheet of paper can make your hands greasy when you wipe wet surfaces. The liquid absorbs easily and can leak into your hands.
It is not good for the environment
Although toilet paper may easily become brittle, it is still made from trees. One tree can make 200 rolls of toilet tissue, and there are over 80 million rolls manufactured each day.
This is clearly a problem for our forests. Toilet paper production also uses water. 99.5% of paper stock is water. You should also remember that trees require water. Water is an essential component for producing toilet paper.
Because it takes time for toilet paper to decay, it can cause land and water pollution. This can also be problematic for septic systems because it can clog septic filters. If you use it excessively, it will fill the tank faster than it can biodegrade. Your will need to pump your tank which can lead to high costs.
It does not guarantee thorough cleaning
Toilet paper won’t be 100% effective in cleaning your bowels after you urinate. There may be small amounts of fecal matter that stick to the skin around the area.
This could increase the chance of germ accumulation and possibly cause diseases. Germs can also enter the reproductive organs of females.
Repeated wiping can cause skin irritation, especially if the toilet paper is not smooth. There is toilet paper available for people with sensitive skin or allergies. However, repeated wiping can cause irritation.
People who are used to using a toilet roll often feel that they still need water to clean their skin.
Pros and Cons of Bidets
Pros
Better Hygiene
The bidet’s main benefit is the thorough cleaning of your genital and butt areas. It uses only water to remove any waste that remains in there.
You may be surprised at how fresh you feel after using a bidet.
Reduces Plumbing Problems
Toilet paper is a major cause of toilets becoming clogged. You can almost get rid of toilet clogs by using bidets, which eliminate the need to use toilet paper.
Other than the inconvenience of using the plunger, or worse, having to call a professional plumber in order to pay their increasing hourly rates.
Environmentally-Friendly
Removing toilet paper from the bathroom is a good thing for the environment, considering the amount of water and trees used in its production.
This prevents used toilet paper from being disposed of, which can cause land and water pollution. It is possible to avoid bleaching, which can be very harmful to the environment. There are many options for non-bleached toilet paper, but most of them still have bleached white tones that we associate with cleanliness.
A bidet uses less water than toilet paper, which uses a lot of water to make and flush down the drain. You can control a bidet to reduce water usage.
Cons
Upfront Costs
Installing a bidet at your home is more costly than buying toilet paper packs. A bidet, unlike toilet paper refills, is a one-time purchase that will last for years. Bidets of full size have a similar life expectancy to porcelain toilets. Attachments or toilet seats for bidets need replacement approximately as frequently as standard toilet seats.
While there are cheaper bidets than seats, or inexpensive bidet attachments available, a full-sized bidet costs $250 and can cost $1,000 more. The bidet may need professional installation, which can increase the price.
There are many options available, including high-end bidets and full-blown smart toilets such as the Toto Washlet, which include extra features like a pre-mist, heated seats, and air dryers.
It’s Less Convenient
Traditional bidets have one disadvantage: they are less convenient than single toilets. To wash, you will need to transfer to another seat.
People with mobility problems might have difficulty moving from one toilet to the next or using bidets in general. Bidets are also more complicated than regular toilets, so some users may not feel comfortable using them.
It can be a hassle to install it because it is something new and most people are not familiar with how it works. It is possible to hire a professional plumber for the installation. This can add cost and hassle.
With the widespread availability of bidet seats and attachments for bidets, this problem has been largely solved in the past decade.
Takes Up More Space
A full-sized bidet may not be an option if you have a small bathroom. You can save space by using it for other fixtures and tools in your bathroom.
You might need to be cautious when using a bidet in your toilet, especially if it is small. It can cause injury if you accidentally hit your face with it.
You should also install the bidet close to the toilet to make it easier to use. It can also affect the interior design of your bathroom if it is added there.
If you don’t have enough space for an additional plumbing fixture, it may not be a good idea to add to your bathroom’s decorative value.
As mentioned above, this is not a problem anymore as many toilets can be retrofitted to have a seat or sprayer.
House Guests
If they have never used a bidet before, guests may be confused by it. You may have to explain the steps involved in using a bidet to guests. This can be a difficult conversation. You might need to keep a supply of toilet paper on hand for guests who are frequent visitors.
Wrapping Up
You can make an informed decision about which toilet paper vs bidet is best for you and your family. Toilet paper may be an option for consumers who don’t have enough money to buy a bidet.
Bidets are an excellent choice for those who don’t want to use toilet paper but prefer to use water to clean. When making a purchase, be mindful of your budget, convenience, quality, and cost.
It may be helpful to review some myths surrounding bidets. Consider your options and decide if toilet paper is better for you in the long term.
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