Bidet in Italy: To Use or Not to Use?

Bidet in Italy: To Use or Not to Use?
  • 29.05.2025
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Bidet in Italy: To Use or Not to Use?

When it comes to unique aspects of European bathroom culture, few things garner as much curiosity, amusement, or even confusion as the bidet—particularly in Italy. This porcelain fixture sits quietly next to the toilet in countless Italian homes, hotels, and public settings, often prompting visitors to ask: What is a bidet for? Should I use it? How? This comprehensive article dives deep into the world of Italian bidets, unraveling their history, etiquette, nuances, advantages, and challenges. Whether you're a traveler, an expatriate, curious historian, or simply looking to broaden your cultural comfort zone, you'll discover everything you need to know about bidet usage in Italy.

Table of Contents

What Is a Bidet?

A bidet is a plumbing fixture designed for personal hygiene following a trip to the toilet. It resembles a low sink or a small, oval-shaped wash basin, and is typically installed next to the toilet. Essentially, a bidet allows you to wash your genital and anal area after using the toilet, providing a level of cleanliness that exceeds what toilet paper alone can achieve.

Despite similarities in appearance to a toilet, the bidet serves an entirely different function. It can be fitted with various types of taps or sprayers, sometimes with temperature control and adjustable water pressure. Modern bidets even integrate additional features like air dryers and heated seats, but the classic Italian bidet is predominantly a simple ceramic fixture with taps.

Types of Bidets

  • Standalone Bidet: A separate fixture, usually installed next to the toilet.
  • Bidet Toilet Combo: A toilet with built-in bidet functionality, more common in high-tech bathrooms.
  • Handheld Bidet Sprayer: A flexible hose with a sprayer (also known as a "shattaf"), similar to those found in Asia and the Middle East.

In Italy, the standalone bidet is by far the most prevalent type and forms an integral part of bathroom culture and daily hygiene routines.

History of the Bidet in Italy

The bidet traces its origins to France in the early 18th century, but its story in Italy is both rich and intriguing. The very name "bidet" comes from the French word for "pony," a whimsical reference to the straddling motion used when sitting on these fixtures. The French aristocracy popularized bidets first, but it was in Italy that the bidet achieved mass adoption and became a standard bathroom fixture.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as indoor plumbing became widespread, bidets appeared in more affluent Italian homes. They were initially considered a mark of sophistication and luxury—essential for personal cleanliness, especially at a time when full baths were not a daily occurrence for everyone.

As Italy began to modernize after World War II, housing standards were elevated. By government regulation, new residential buildings required a bathroom with both a toilet and a bidet. This regulation firmly cemented the bidet as a part of the Italian domestic environment. Today, it’s a ubiquitous necessity, considered as fundamental as the toilet itself.

Why Bidets Are Common in Italy

Italy’s enthusiasm for the bidet is rooted in several intertwined factors. Here’s a closer look at why Italians consider the bidet indispensable:

  1. Cultural Orientation Toward Cleanliness: Italians place a high value on personal cleanliness and grooming. The climate—particularly in the warmer regions of the country—makes regular washing a matter of comfort as well as habit.
  2. Historical Continuity: The Italian Peninsula has long been associated with public baths and water features, dating back to Roman times. The bidet reflects this ancient tradition of prioritizing public and personal hygiene.
  3. Legal Regulations: Italian building codes have historically required bidet installation in new residential construction. This means that, unlike other countries where bidets are optional, they are the standard in Italian bathrooms.
  4. Healthcare Considerations: With medicated washes often being prescribed for many ailments, from postpartum recovery to hemorrhoid treatment, bidets are recognized as practical healthcare tools.
  5. Tourism and Hospitality: High-quality hotels and accommodations in Italy almost always feature bidets, reinforcing their image as essential fixtures.

In short, the bidet is a product of historical precedent, cultural emphasis on hygiene, and simple practicality—all rolled into one.

How to Use a Bidet: A Step-by-Step Guide

For those unfamiliar with bidets, their use can appear mysterious or intimidating. Yet, they offer a straightforward and superior approach to personal hygiene. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to use a classic Italian bidet:

  1. Finish Using the Toilet: Use the toilet as you normally would. Many people use a small amount of toilet paper to remove any excess before using the bidet.
  2. Move to the Bidet: Sit or straddle the bidet facing the tap or, if more comfortable, facing away. Both methods are acceptable and depend on individual preference and the bidet's design.
  3. Adjust Water Temperature: Turn on the taps and check the water temperature with your hand. Italian bidets usually mix hot and cold tap water, so fine-tuning for comfort is important.
  4. Wash: Direct the stream of water to the area you wish to clean. You may use your hand for gentle washing, sometimes with a mild, fragrance-free soap, although many Italians use only water.
  5. Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all soap is rinsed away to prevent irritation.
  6. Dry Off: Use toilet paper, a towel, or a dedicated bidet towel to pat yourself dry. In homes, a personal towel may be provided alongside the bidet.
  7. Clean the Bidet: Rinse the bidet with a little water to ensure it’s clean for the next user.
  8. Wash Your Hands: As always after visiting the bathroom, wash your hands with soap and water.

Special Notes

  • Bidets are for external use only. Never defecate or urinate directly into a bidet; use the toilet first.
  • Some bidets have a vertical “fountain” jet, while others have a horizontal spray. Get familiar with the fixture before use to avoid splashing.
  • It’s customary to use the bidet after every bowel movement and often in the morning or at night as part of daily ablutions.

Bidet Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

As with any aspect of hospitality or personal care, there are norms and etiquette around bidet usage, especially in Italy.

Do’s

  • Ask if Unsure: If you’re staying with Italians, ask politely about any house rules regarding the bidet.
  • Dry Off with Provided Towels: In homes, you may see small towels near the bidet—these are for drying off after use. They should only be used on freshly-washed skin.
  • Leave the Bidet Clean: Always rinse the bidet after use to keep it pleasant for the next user.
  • Use Soap Sparingly: If you choose to use soap, select a gentle formula and rinse thoroughly to prevent residue.
  • Respect Hygiene: Only ever use the bidet for personal washing; do not wash pets, feet with shoes on, or objects in the bidet.

Don’ts

  • Do Not Use It as a Toilet: The bidet is not a substitute for a toilet; never use it for urination or defecation.
  • Don’t Leave Messes: Don’t leave water splashed around or dirty towels behind.
  • Don’t Be Embarrassed: In Italy, bidet use is entirely normal; asking for clarification or guidance is not considered strange.

Health and Hygiene Benefits of Bidets

Beyond cultural tradition and comfort, there are compelling health and hygiene reasons for using a bidet. Let’s explore:

1. Superior Cleanliness

Water cleansing is more effective than wiping with dry toilet paper alone—it removes residue more thoroughly and reduces smells, contributing to a fresher, cleaner feeling throughout the day.

2. Gentleness for Sensitive Skin

Toilet paper can be irritating, especially for people with hemorrhoids, sensitive skin, or after surgical procedures. A gentle water spray minimizes friction and promotes healing.

3. Prevention of Infections

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Bidets can help reduce the risk of UTIs, particularly for women, by ensuring that the genital area is rinsed thoroughly.
  • Postpartum recovery: Many doctors recommend using bidets for new mothers, as they provide a gentle and sanitary way to cleanse sensitive areas.

4. Support for Elderly and Disabled Individuals

Bidets can facilitate personal hygiene for people who find wiping difficult due to mobility or dexterity limitations. The fixture fosters greater independence and confidence.

5. Reduced Use of Toilet Paper

Bidet users rely far less on toilet paper, which not only alleviates irritation but also minimizes exposure to scents, dyes, and chemicals used in many paper products.

6. Additional Hygiene Uses

  • Great for washing feet after a day outdoors.
  • Handy for quick clean-ups of armpits or face.
  • Offers a convenient solution for menstrual hygiene.

Cultural Significance of Bidets in Italy

While the bidet is not exclusive to Italy—the French, Greeks, Portuguese, and others are fans as well—its cultural status in Italy is unmatched. For Italians, the bidet is more than just a practical device; it is a marker of civilization, hospitality, modernity, and respect for personal dignity.

Children learn to use the bidet as part of potty training, and guests expect to see one in any respectable home. In conversation, the absence of a bidet garners surprise and polite horror. Even Italians living abroad often recount feeling stranded without one, going to creative or comical lengths to achieve their usual level of cleanliness.

Moreover, the bidet ties into broader themes of public health, wellness, and even family tradition. It is not uncommon for Italians to ascribe their love of the bidet to generational wisdom and local practices, handed down from nonni to nipoti (grandparents to grandchildren).

Ultimately, the bidet is a symbol of Italian pragmatism and refinement in everyday living—combining comfort, hygiene, and heritage in a single, familiar fixture.

Environmental Impact of Bidets vs. Toilet Paper

With growing awareness of environmental stewardship, the question arises: Are bidets more sustainable than toilet paper? Let’s look at the facts:

  • Reducing Paper Waste: Americans alone use an estimated 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper annually, leading to deforestation, chemical bleaching, and high water usage in paper production. Bidets dramatically reduce the need for toilet paper, saving trees and water.
  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Using a bidet, even factoring in the water consumed (usually about 0.5 liters per use), generally results in a lower carbon footprint than producing, packaging, and shipping toilet paper.
  • Sewage System Benefits: Less toilet paper means less strain on sewage and septic systems, leading to fewer clogs and reduced need for chemical treatments.
  • Energy Consumption: Although heating water for electric or high-tech bidets does use some energy, the total environmental impact pales in comparison to the paper industry’s heavy emissions.

While every system, including bidets, leaves an ecological footprint, the environmental case for bidets is strong—especially when paired with modest water use and renewable energy sources.

Bidets in Public vs. Private Settings in Italy

Tourists traveling in Italy quickly notice a distinction: while private homes and hotels almost universally feature bidets, public restrooms (in restaurants, airports, museums, and so on) typically do not. Why?

1. Maintenance and Space Constraints

Bidets require more space than a single toilet and must be cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene standards. In busy public facilities, this is not practical or cost-effective.

2. Yes in Hotels, No in Train Stations

Upscale accommodations, B&Bs, and even modest hotels consider bidets non-negotiable. However, most public facilities, even in big cities like Rome or Milan, do not provide bidets. Instead, you may encounter high-tech toilets with built-in bidet spray features in newer or luxury venues.

3. Adaptation by Travelers

Most Italians have adapted to this difference, making do with toilet paper in public restrooms but always returning to their much-loved bidet at home. Travelers who prefer the bidet experience can now find portable bidet devices or opt for upgraded hotels that advertise this amenity.

Modern Variations and Technological Evolution

The traditional Italian bidet may be simple, but the wider world of bidets is increasingly high-tech. Here’s how bidet technology is evolving both within Italy and abroad:

1. The Integrated Bidet Toilet

Popularized in Japan, these units incorporate wash-and-dry functions, heated seats, night lights, and even automatic deodorization—all controlled via an electronic panel. While less common in traditional Italian homes, some new luxury developments are adopting these upgrades.

2. Portable and Seat-Mounted Bidets

In regions (or older buildings) where space is tight, portable attachments or “bidet seats” retrofit standard toilets, providing a spray function without needing a standalone fixture.

3. Digital Controls and Smart Features

Modern bidets may include water temperature memory, adjustable spray pressure, and even smartphone integration for personalized settings. Italians, however, tend to stick with the classic version—simple, mechanical, reliable, and timeless.

4. Sustainability Upgrades

Eco-friendly innovations include low-flow models and water-saving features, helping to combine traditional hygiene values with modern environmental consciousness.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Despite its many merits, the bidet faces a number of challenges and misconceptions, especially among foreigners and first-time users.

1. Lack of Familiarity and Awkwardness

Many visitors hesitate to use the bidet simply because they do not know how it works. This uncertainty can persist even when instructions or demonstrations are offered.

2. Stigma and Embarrassment

In countries where bidets are uncommon, the fixtures are sometimes the butt of jokes. Guests may feel awkward even discussing their use, despite their hygienic benefits.

3. Plumbing and Installation Concerns

Adding a bidet to an older home can require significant plumbing work, deterring those who might otherwise appreciate the appliance. In Italy, the existing regulatory environment has ensured widespread installation, but this is not universally true abroad.

4. Misuse or Misunderstanding of Purpose

Bidets are sometimes mistaken for drinking fountains, laundry tubs, or even foot-washing stations. Clear signage and instructions can help dispel these myths.

5. Hygiene Myths

There is a persistent myth that bidets are less “hygienic” because they are shared; in reality, regular cleaning (and use of hands followed by thorough handwashing) makes them as safe or safer than relying solely on toilet paper.

Should You Use the Bidet?

Having explored the bidet’s history, usage, benefits, and cultural importance, the question remains: Should you, as a visitor to Italy, use the bidet?

Arguments in Favor

  • Embracing Local Customs: Using a bidet shows respect for local norms and can add authenticity to your stay in Italy.
  • Enjoying Increased Hygiene: Once you become accustomed to the sensation, most people find the bidet leaves them feeling much cleaner.
  • Reducing Toilet Paper Use: This is environmentally meaningful, especially if you plan an extended stay.
  • Trying Something New: Travel is about embracing different ways of life. Bidet use is a simple, low-risk way to broaden your horizons.

Reservations to Consider

  • Personal Preference: Some individuals may feel uncomfortable or awkward the first time they use a bidet. That’s okay—no one is required to change their habits overnight.
  • Accessibility: Not all public restrooms or accommodations will have a bidet, so be prepared to adapt as needed.
  • Hygiene Practices: If you’re sharing a bathroom, be courteous to other users and make sure the bidet is left spotlessly clean.

Ultimately, whether or not you use the bidet is a personal decision. However, being open to the experience can deepen your appreciation and understanding of Italian daily life.

Beyond Bathrooms: The Italian Approach to Hygiene and Hospitality

It’s no coincidence that the Italian bidet tradition flourishes alongside a rich culture of hospitality, public sanitation, and aesthetic sensibility. The bidet is both a symbol and a practical embodiment of Italy’s approach to the art of living:

  • Public fountains and washhouses have dotting cities and towns since Roman times, demonstrating an age-old emphasis on running water and cleanliness.
  • The “bella figura”—making a good impression, looking neat and put-together—is supported by daily grooming habits, of which bidets are a crucial part.
  • Italy’s strict regulation of rental and hospitality standards reflects a collective commitment to comfort and wellbeing for locals and visitors alike.

Italians often joke that “wherever there’s a bidet, civilization reigns.” This witticism captures both the national pride in the fixture and the conviction that comfort and cleanliness go hand in hand.

Conclusion

The bidet in Italy is much more than a quirky plumbing fixture—it is a living tradition, woven into the fabric of daily life, health, and hospitality. Whether you choose to use it or not, understanding the bidet’s story enriches your appreciation for Italian culture and offers a window into the values Italians hold dear: cleanliness, practicality, courtesy, and a little everyday luxury.

For travelers and expatriates, the bidet is a gentle invitation to try something new. For Italians, it’s a non-negotiable comfort—proof that true civilization is built one clean, happy household at a time. Ultimately, whether you decide to use the bidet in your Italian sojourn is up to you, but now you are well-equipped to make an informed and confident choice. To use, or not to use? The answer, as you’ve seen, is not just practical, but delightfully cultural as well.

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