One of the most unexpected stories early in the COVID-19 pandemic was the sudden, widespread shortage of toilet paper. As lockdowns began in March 2020, people rushed to supermarkets, hoarding rolls and emptying shelves. Yet, amid the frenzy, some savvy shoppers turned to a different solution—a device long beloved in many parts of the world but still relatively unknown in the U.S.: the bidet.
Sales of bidets skyrocketed during that time, according to James Lin, founder of bidetking.com. His company sold out its entire stock, and every year since, bidet sales continue to grow by 20-30%, signaling rising interest in this simple yet transformative bathroom fixture.
A Brief History: From Aristocratic Luxury to Modern Necessity
The bidet dates back to 18th century France. The word “bidet,” meaning “pony,” originated because early models required the user to straddle them much like riding a horse. These were ornate porcelain or ceramic basins, often crafted for the wealthy, who prized cleanliness as a mark of refinement. Even Napoleon Bonaparte traveled with a silver bidet, which leveraged silver’s natural antimicrobial properties.
Today’s bidets range from standalone ceramic units to sleek, modern attachments fitted directly onto toilets. Some models are handheld sprays, while others are fully automated with features like adjustable water temperature, pressure controls, motion sensors, and deodorizing functions.
Why Americans Are Curious but Still Hesitant
A 2022 survey by Bio Bidet reveals that most Americans are still unfamiliar with bidets—only 12% report knowing much about them, and 71% have never tried one. Yet interest is growing, especially among younger generations who associate bidets with cleanliness and luxury.
In fact, 60% of respondents said they’d rather buy a bidet than a trending non-fungible token (NFT). Around 45% have recently researched bidets, and 41% would like to see them installed in public restrooms. The perception of bidets as a “sleek and luxurious” addition to bathrooms is steadily gaining ground.
The Hygiene Advantage: Water Cleans Better Than Paper
Using a bidet is akin to washing away residues rather than simply wiping them. Imagine stepping in dog poop—would you just scrape your shoe or rinse it clean? The bidet provides a gentle, pressurized water spray that removes fecal matter more thoroughly and comfortably than dry, abrasive toilet paper.
Health experts note that water reduces skin irritation and inflammation, common problems caused by excessive wiping. It also lowers the chance of transferring bacteria to your hands. A 2022 Japanese study confirmed that using a bidet significantly decreases microbial contamination on fingers post-defecation compared to toilet paper alone. This reduction can curb the spread of intestinal infections like norovirus, hepatitis A, and E. coli.
The Environmental Cost of Toilet Paper Is Staggering
Consider this: humans consume about 42 million tons of toilet paper annually—equivalent to 184 billion rolls. Producing this amount requires chopping down over 700 million trees and consuming billions of gallons of water and millions of barrels of oil. The environmental impact is vast, contributing to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitat.
Moreover, to make toilet paper appear pristine white and sanitary, manufacturers bleach it with chlorine compounds that release harmful carcinogens such as dioxins and furans. These toxins persist in waterways, soil, and even our food supply, posing health risks including hormone disruption, immune suppression, and increased cancer risk.
Toilet paper also harbors “forever chemicals” known as PFAS—synthetic substances that resist degradation and accumulate in the body. A 2023 study detected several PFAS compounds in popular toilet papers, highlighting this overlooked source of environmental contamination.
Bidets: Cleaner, More Comfortable, and Eco-Friendly
Despite some initial concerns about water splashing or messiness, these are minor issues easily managed with proper bidet use and adjustments. The long-term benefits, however, far outweigh such drawbacks.
Bidets offer superior cleanliness, reduce skin irritation, protect hand hygiene, and dramatically cut the environmental footprint associated with toilet paper production and disposal. Plus, many users report a refreshing, revitalizing feeling after use, elevating everyday hygiene to a new level.
And economically, a bidet pays for itself over time by cutting toilet paper costs.
The Social Shift Toward Bidet Acceptance
Bidet adoption often spreads by word of mouth. Once someone experiences the comfort and cleanliness of a bidet, they encourage friends and family to try it. The trend, once niche, is poised to become mainstream, especially as environmental awareness and hygiene standards grow.
More Americans are realizing that while toilet paper might be the default, it’s far from the best option—both for personal health and the planet.