Europe's Solution to Toilet Paper Shortage

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We've been hearing about the toilet paper shortage in the US and other countries over the last week. I must say that here in Latvia, we don't have that problem at all. Maybe it's because of the prevalent use of bidets here in Europe.


When we were searching Riga for our apartment in January, we noticed that all bathrooms looked like they had two toilets in them. On further research, we saw that the two weren't alike at all. The smaller one was a bidet (pronounced bi-day).

The bidet in our bathroom
While we were in Italy over Christmas last year, we also noticed that every flat that we stayed in had a bidet, although I never saw one of these while we lived in Russia.


So, the question that we're left with is just what is a bidet and how is it used? After spending some time on the internet, I can explain that bidets are hard to explain. They are used for a purpose that people usually don't want to talk about - at least Americans.


To put it briefly, if people in the US used bidets, the daily use of toilet paper would decline significantly. The use of soap and water in the bidet takes the place of lengths of toilet paper after ummmm... certain events in the day.


Bidets are made in different ways. Our bidet is basically a different shaped sink with hot and cold faucet in it and a drain like a sink. In using that kind, the drain is closed before filling up the bidet with water. A person sits on the bidet and washes the necessary area with soap and water.



Other bidets like the one pictured on the right has water squirting up from the base of the bidet to wash these special places when needed. I can't imagine what using one of these feels like, but hey, I'm not European. Other types have a hose and sprayer system to clean the necessary parts.


I've never had the urge to try out our bidet as of now. I don't have a shortage of toilet paper, so probably won't any time soon. I hear that bidets are actually making a debut in the US more every day. The ones in the States actually hook up to the toilet and has a way to squirt clean water where needed.



Me, I'd probably be more likely to use it like the mother and two children in the picture to the left. That may come in handy some day after playing on the beach.




Comments

  1. dbookgirlMarch 18, 2020 at 8:22 AM

    My friend here in the states has one like you mentioned that hooks up to the toilet. It squirts out and then has a blow dryer that comes on to dry you off. I have not tried it yet. 😃

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. connie cortright.comMarch 20, 2020 at 3:38 AM

      I guess I just have to get brave and try out ours also. Somehow, I don't feel the desire right now to do that. Maybe some day.

      Delete
  2. seostar2May 2, 2020 at 8:54 AM

    If you decide to remodel the kitchen and plan to do the work yourself, will you be able to handle the plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work on your own?. best toilets

    ReplyDelete

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