Quick answer: Yes, bidets are worth it for most households. They reduce toilet paper use by up to 75%, improve personal hygiene, and pay for themselves within 6–12 months through paper savings. Electric bidet seats start around $80–$120, while non-electric attachments cost as little as $30.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a bidet is a luxury splurge or a genuinely smart investment, you’re not alone. Bidet sales in the United States have surged dramatically over the past five years — a shift driven by a growing awareness of hygiene, sustainability, and the very memorable toilet paper shortage of 2020.

This guide draws on plumbing industry data, consumer reports, and dermatological research to give you an honest, evidence-based answer to one of the bathroom’s most debated questions.

What Is a Bidet and How Does It Work?

A bidet is a bathroom fixture or attachment that uses a directed stream of water to clean the perineal area after using the toilet. Modern versions range from standalone ceramic bidet fixtures (common in European and Japanese bathrooms) to bidet toilet seat attachments and handheld bidet sprayers that fit onto any existing toilet in minutes.

Electric bidet seats — sometimes called washlets — offer heated water, air drying, adjustable water pressure, and even warm seat functions. Non-electric bidet attachments are simpler, using water pressure from your supply line to provide a cold-water rinse. Both accomplish the same fundamental goal: a cleaner, more comfortable clean than toilet paper alone can provide.

The Core Benefits of Using a Bidet

Superior personal hygiene

From a hygiene standpoint, water is objectively more effective at removing fecal matter than dry paper. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology found that bidet use significantly reduced bacterial contamination in patients with anal conditions compared to paper wiping alone. Gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons routinely recommend bidets for patients recovering from surgery, managing hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease.

For individuals with limited mobility — including the elderly and people with disabilities — a bidet can restore independence and dignity in personal hygiene, reducing reliance on caregivers for a deeply private task.

Significant savings on toilet paper

The average American household spends between $120 and $180 per year on toilet paper. A bidet attachment reduces toilet paper consumption by 50–75%, translating to $60–$135 in annual savings. Since most bidet attachments retail between $30 and $80, many users achieve a full return on investment within the first year.

$150

Average annual TP spend per household

75%

Reduction in TP use with a bidet

6–12 mo

Average payback period

37M

Trees saved annually if US adopted bidets widely

Environmental impact

The environmental case for bidets is compelling. Global toilet paper production consumes an estimated 27,000 trees per day and requires approximately 37 gallons of water per roll to manufacture. A bidet uses roughly 0.1–0.2 gallons per use. When you factor in the water embedded in toilet paper production, switching to a bidet results in a net reduction in water use of over 90% per bathroom visit.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, if every US household installed a bidet attachment, it would save millions of tons of paper waste from landfills annually — equivalent to removing hundreds of thousands of cars from the road in carbon impact.

Are Bidets Worth It? Pros and Cons

Pros

• Cleaner, more hygienic wash
• Reduces toilet paper waste and cost
• Gentler on sensitive skin
• Eco-friendly and sustainable
• Helps with hemorrhoids and IBS
• Easy to install (no plumber needed)
• Long-term cost savings

Cons

• Upfront cost for electric models
• Electric seats need an outlet nearby
• Cold water only on basic models
• Learning curve for first-time users
• Potential for leaks if poorly installed
• Rental homes may restrict modifications

Types of Bidets: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing the right bidet comes down to your budget, bathroom setup, and desired features. Here’s a breakdown of your main options:

• Non-electric bidet attachments — the most affordable option ($25–$80). They install between the toilet seat and bowl, connect to your water supply, and use water pressure alone. No electricity required.
• Electric bidet toilet seats — replace your existing toilet seat ($100–$700+). Offer warm water, heated seats, air dryers, adjustable nozzle position, and deodorizers. Require a nearby GFCI outlet.
• Handheld bidet sprayers — also called bidet showers or bum guns ($20–$60). A handheld hose attached to your toilet’s water supply. Popular in South and Southeast Asia, highly versatile.
• Standalone bidet fixtures — a separate porcelain fixture beside the toilet, common in European bathrooms. Requires significant space and professional installation.
• Smart toilets with integrated bidets — all-in-one units with full bidet functionality built in ($1,000–$5,000+). The most luxurious option, common in Japan.

How Much Does a Bidet Cost?

One of the most persistent myths about bidets is that they’re expensive. In reality, the price range is vast. A basic bidet attachment is cheaper than a single month’s supply of toilet paper for most families. The genuine cost decision lies in whether the added comfort features of an electric seat justify the higher price — and for many users, they do.

Installation costs are minimal for attachments and seat replacements, as most are DIY-friendly with no special tools. Professional installation is only typically required for standalone fixtures or smart toilet systems.

Who Benefits Most from a Bidet?

While bidets offer value for almost everyone, certain groups see the most meaningful impact. People managing digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or hemorrhoids report significant relief, as water is gentler on inflamed tissue than abrasive paper. Pregnant women and postpartum mothers benefit from soothing cleansing during a sensitive period. Older adults and people with mobility limitations often find a bidet restores self-sufficiency. Environmentally conscious households appreciate the dramatic reduction in single-use paper consumption. And budget-focused families find real savings within the first year of use.

Common Concerns About Bidets — Addressed

Will a bidet increase my water bill?

The increase is negligible — typically less than $1 per year for the average household, since each use consumes less than half a cup of water.

Are bidets sanitary?

Yes, when used and maintained correctly. Modern bidets feature self-cleaning nozzles and retractable spray arms that only extend during use. The nozzle does not contact the body; only the water stream does. Regular cleaning of the bidet attachment is all that’s required to keep it hygienic.

Is installation difficult?

For most non-electric attachments and bidet seats, installation takes 15–30 minutes using only a wrench. No plumber, no drilling, and no permanent modifications to your bathroom are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bidets actually get you clean?

Yes. Studies in gastroenterology consistently show that water cleansing is more effective at removing fecal bacteria than dry wiping. Most bidet users report feeling significantly cleaner after switching, and medical professionals regularly recommend them for post-surgical and digestive health care.

Can bidets help with hemorrhoids?

Absolutely. Gentle water cleansing reduces friction and irritation on inflamed tissue. Both colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists frequently recommend bidet use for patients with hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and post-operative recovery.

Do you still need toilet paper if you use a bidet?

A small amount of toilet paper (or reusable cloth wipes) is often used to pat dry after rinsing, though electric bidet seats with built-in air dryers eliminate paper use almost entirely. Either way, consumption drops by 50–75% compared to not using a bidet at all.

Are bidets good for women?

Yes. Bidets are widely recommended for feminine hygiene, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. It’s important to use a front-to-back wash direction to prevent bacterial transfer, which most modern bidet seats facilitate with a dedicated feminine wash setting.

What is the best bidet for beginners?

A non-electric bidet attachment is the best starting point for most people. It’s affordable, easy to install, requires no electrical outlet, and delivers an immediate improvement in cleanliness and hygiene. Once comfortable with the concept, many users upgrade to an electric seat for warm water and added features.

Do bidets use a lot of electricity?

Electric bidet seats use roughly 400–600 watts during active use and draw minimal standby power (around 5–8W) to maintain seat warmth. Annual electricity cost is typically $20–$40, which is far outweighed by toilet paper savings.

Are bidets worth it in apartments?

Yes — bidet attachments and bidet seats are non-permanent modifications that require no drilling or plumbing work. They can be removed when you move out, making them ideal for renters. Always check your lease if you’re unsure, but the vast majority of apartment setups are fully compatible.

How long do bidet attachments last?

Most non-electric bidet attachments are built to last 5–10 years with normal use. Electric bidet seats have a similar or longer lifespan, with many manufacturers offering 1–3 year warranties. Regular nozzle cleaning and descaling in hard-water areas extends longevity significantly.