Bidets have been a staple in European and Asian bathrooms for decades, yet millions of households in Australia, the US, and beyond are only just discovering what they’ve been missing. Whether you’re considering a standalone bidet, a bidet toilet seat attachment, or a smart bidet toilet combo, the benefits of having a bidet extend far beyond basic hygiene. From environmental savings to personal health improvements, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Quick Answer — Featured Snippet

The main benefits of having a bidet include superior personal hygiene, significant reduction in toilet paper use (and spending), relief for sensitive skin and certain medical conditions, environmental sustainability, and long-term cost savings. Bidets use roughly 1/8 of a litre of water per use — far less water than is used to manufacture a single roll of toilet paper.

75%

Less toilet paper used per household

$182

Average annual TP savings (AUD)

37 gal

Water to make 1 roll of toilet paper

1. Improved personal hygiene and cleanliness

The most immediate benefit of a bidet is a cleaner, more thorough clean after using the toilet. Toilet paper, while widely accepted, is primarily a dry wiping method — it smears rather than removes. Water washing, the core function of any bidet, provides a far more effective clean for the perianal area.

Gastroenterologists and colorectal health practitioners consistently note that water-based cleansing reduces residue, which can be particularly important for people managing conditions such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If you have sensitive skin, the mechanical friction of dry wiping is replaced by a gentle water stream, dramatically reducing irritation.

2. Significant toilet paper savings and cost benefits

Households that switch to bidet use typically reduce toilet paper consumption by 70–80%. Over a year, the average Australian family of four spends between $150 and $250 on toilet paper alone. A quality bidet toilet seat attachment can pay for itself within six to twelve months, and entry-level non-electric bidet attachments are available from as little as $35–$80.

• Non-electric bidet attachments: $35–$100 (one-time cost)
• Electric bidet seats: $200–$800 (added features like warm water, air dryer, heated seat)
• Smart bidet toilets: $800–$3,000+ (integrated, premium hygiene experience)

Even accounting for a minimal increase in water usage, the net savings are substantial — and the return on investment makes bidets one of the most cost-effective bathroom upgrades available.

3. Environmental and sustainability advantages

Toilet paper production has a significant environmental footprint. Globally, approximately 27,000 trees are cut down every day to supply the world’s toilet paper demand. Manufacturing a single roll of toilet paper requires around 37 gallons (140 litres) of water — compared to the roughly 0.125 litres a bidet uses per wash cycle.

Switching to a bidet is one of the most impactful low-effort changes an environmentally conscious household can make. It reduces deforestation pressure, lowers your household’s carbon footprint, and decreases the volume of waste sent to sewage treatment plants. For eco-friendly shoppers, a bidet is a logical companion to other sustainable bathroom choices like bamboo toothbrushes or bar soap.

Eco fact

Producing one roll of toilet paper requires 37 gallons of water. A bidet uses approximately 1/32 of a gallon per use — making it the greener choice by a wide margin.

4. Medical and health benefits of using a bidet

Beyond everyday hygiene, bidets are recommended by healthcare providers for a range of medical conditions:

• Haemorrhoids: Gentle warm water cleansing reduces friction and can soothe inflammation far more effectively than dry wiping.
• Post-surgical recovery: Patients recovering from colorectal surgery or childbirth often find bidets essential during the healing process.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Proper, directional washing (front-to-back) reduces bacterial transfer, lowering UTI risk — a benefit particularly relevant for women.
• Mobility limitations: For elderly users or those with arthritis, limited mobility, or disabilities, bidets with remote controls and auto-wash functions provide independence and dignity.
• Pregnancy: During and after pregnancy, the perineal area is especially sensitive; bidets offer a pain-free, hygienic alternative to wiping.

5. Comfort features of modern bidet seats and smart toilets

Today’s bidet technology has advanced considerably. Modern electric bidet seats and smart toilet combos offer a suite of comfort features that make the bathroom experience genuinely luxurious:

• Adjustable water temperature and pressure
• Warm air dryer (reducing toilet paper need to near zero)
• Heated toilet seat
• Deodoriser and self-cleaning nozzle
• Night light and soft-close lid
• Personalised user profiles (via remote or app)

These features collectively transform a routine bathroom visit into a comfortable, hygienic ritual — something once reserved for high-end hotels and spas.

6. Easy installation and compatibility

A common concern is whether a bidet is difficult to install. The short answer: not at all. Non-electric bidet attachments clip onto virtually any standard two-piece toilet in under 30 minutes with no plumbing experience needed. Electric bidet seats require a nearby power outlet but still install without calling a plumber. Standalone bidet fixtures do require a separate plumbing connection, making them more suited to bathroom renovations.

7. Bidets reduce plumbing problems

Excess toilet paper is a leading cause of household pipe blockages and fatberg formation in municipal sewer systems. By dramatically cutting the amount of paper flushed, bidet users experience significantly fewer drain blockages and plumbing call-outs — a secondary financial saving that often goes overlooked when calculating the total cost of ownership.

Frequently asked questions about bidets

Are bidets more hygienic than toilet paper?

Yes. Water cleansing removes more residue than dry wiping and reduces friction-related irritation, making bidets generally more hygienic for everyday use.

Do bidets use a lot of water?

No. A typical bidet uses approximately 0.125 litres per wash — a fraction of the water used to manufacture the toilet paper it replaces.

Can bidets help with haemorrhoids?

Many people with haemorrhoids find that warm water bidet cleansing significantly reduces discomfort compared to dry paper wiping. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.

What is the best type of bidet for beginners?

A non-electric bidet seat attachment is the most accessible starting point — affordable, easy to install, and compatible with most standard toilets.

Are bidets suitable for children and elderly users?

Yes. Many bidet seats have adjustable settings suitable for all ages. For elderly users with limited mobility, bidet features like remote controls and auto-wash functions can provide valuable independence.

The bottom line

The benefits of having a bidet are wide-ranging and well-supported by hygiene science, environmental data, and the lived experience of billions of users worldwide. Whether you’re motivated by cleanliness, cost savings, sustainability, or personal health, investing in a bidet is one of the smartest bathroom upgrades you can make. With options available at every price point — from simple attachments under $50 to feature-rich smart toilet systems — there has never been a better time to make the switch.