While there is no single answer as to why bidets are not popular in the US, there are various theories that go around. \u00a0From history to associations and even confusion, there are many reasons why bidets are not a common fixture in American bathrooms. Check out the rest of the article for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Why Don\u2019t Americans Use Bidets?<\/h2>\n
Different reasons floating around as to why Americans never made the bidet a part of their daily hygiene habits include bad reputation, lack of information about bidets, negative association, plumbing issues, and cultural habits.<\/strong> Let us take a closer look at each of these reasons below.<\/p>\n One reason why bidet is not popular in the US is that it got a bad reputation. Before the mid-20th century, many Americans had never even seen a bidet or heard about it. Back when American troops went overseas during WWII, many came face-to-face with bidets in unsavory locations such as brothels. For this reason, American GIs associated bidets<\/a> with illicit activity.<\/p>\n Another reason is the lack of information in the US about what a bidet is and how to use one. Because of that, many Americans prefer to stay away from bathroom fixtures. Most Americans would think that a bidet is too expensive, hard to install and that they need to have a huge bathroom to accommodate a bidet. They are not even aware that there are hose and sprayer attachments and toilet seat additions that are affordable and easy to install.<\/p>\n During the early days, Americans and the British thought that douching was an effective method of birth control. Hence, even if neither bidets nor douching works to prevent pregnancy, bidets are unfavorably associated with contraception. In 1936, Norman Haire, who is a proponent of birth control, said that<\/a> \u201cthe presence of a bidet is regarded as almost a symbol of sin.<\/p>\n Before the invention of hand sprayers and bidet seats, it is too expensive and difficult to install a bidet because of space issues. American bathrooms are not designed to accommodate stand-alone bidets. Moreover, the installation of a new fixture can be expensive depending on the current layout of a bathroom. However, there are no combination toilets\/bidets and bidet seats available for smaller bathrooms.<\/p>\n Americans grow up using toilet paper and it is a normal habit that they do every time they use the bathroom. Using a bidet is another experience that most Americans hesitate to do. Take note that different can be uncomfortable. Because they are not used to this kind of bathroom fixture, it can be complicated and uncomfortable to use.<\/p>\n Perhaps the main reason why Americans do not use a bidet is because of the presence of toilet paper. It is a common method to clean the anal area and Americans grow up doing this method. Hence, if something new is introduced, they will find it different and uncomfortable. Toilet paper is part of the American lifestyle and it may take a long time to change this particular habit. Check out this article that we have shared that talks about the history of toilet paper.<\/a> We shared interesting facts about TP that you might not be aware of.<\/p>\n Tech Insider shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses why US bathrooms don’t have bidets. Bidets are hygienic as compared to toilet paper and are used worldwide. However, it is not common in the US. Find out why by watching the video below.<\/p>\n\n\nBad Reputation<\/h3>\n
Lack of Information<\/h3>\n
Associated with Scandals<\/h3>\n
American Bathrooms are Not Designed for Bidets<\/h3>\n
Cultural Habit<\/h3>\n
Toilet Paper<\/h3>\n
\u2705 Video \u2013 Why US Bathrooms Don\u2019t Have Bidets<\/h4>\n