The Evolution of the French Bidet
The French bidet improved upon the “classic” basin design by adding a built-in water jet at the bottom of the bowl.
- Early Models: Used hand cranks and water reservoirs. You had to physically pump a crank to create the pressure for the spray.
- Modern Versions: Rely on standard house water pressure, providing a much more powerful and consistent spray that can be adjusted for temperature.
Usage and Etiquette
The article highlights several practical “rules” for using these traditional standalone units:
- The Straddle: Users typically sit facing the wall and the faucet handles, though some modern designs allow for a forward-facing position.
- Not a Toilet: It is strictly for cleansing, not for urination or defecation.
- The “Pre-Wipe”: Most users still use toilet paper first to remove bulk material before using the bidet for a final, thorough wash.
Key Benefits
- Targeted Cleaning: The jet makes it much easier to clean genital and anal areas without the “splashing” required by basin-style bidets.
- Mini-Shower: It’s an efficient way to stay fresh between full showers without wasting water or needing to undress completely.
The Modern Legacy: From Floor Basin to High-Tech Seat
While the traditional French bidet paved the way for modern hygiene, its requirement for dedicated floor space and specialized plumbing made it a luxury many modern bathrooms couldn’t afford.
The “spiritual successor” to this French innovation isn’t a standalone basin at all, but the electric bidet seat. Modern units like the Bio Bidet BB-2000 take the original French concept of the “water jet” and supercharge it with hybrid heating, adjustable pressure, and air drying—all within the footprint of your existing toilet. The French bidet started the revolution, but today’s technology has finally perfected it.
No products found.
No products found.
jonathan a. squires on Thu, 18th Aug 2011 2:45 pm
While I have never actually used one..I once lived in a house on “Via Huerto” in Hope Ranch..a sub-division of Santa Barbara, Ca. and my bathroom had one..looked @ it but never had the time to fig. out how to use it…too busy learning the in’s and out’s of trading the NYSE and NDAQ….while working as a waiter @ the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel as a “busboy”..also washed windows in said ranch..under the Name..”Crystal Window Cleaning”…but back to the subject @ hand…are these “Bidet’s”, all they are “Cracked- up” to be?