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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think the UK should have bidets

473 replies

LarkspurBlues · 16/07/2026 13:27

Just that really. I far prefer the French habit of having a wash after having a no 2, much more civilised. The British way is actually unhygienic and gross.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
MangoLlama · 16/07/2026 13:28

There is nothing stopping you from installing a bidet in your home.

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 16/07/2026 13:29

I don't have a bidet but we do keep a flannel and a bucket next to our bathroom toilet. After a number 2 we have a good scrub then rinse it out for the next person. Not quite as good but we all manage to keep clean enough.

thistimelastweek · 16/07/2026 13:29

What MangoLlama said.

Ibi · 16/07/2026 13:31

I am french and don’t know anyone who has a bidet!

You can have whatever you want in your home surely. Maybe one of those shower attachments?

KimWexlersPonyTail · 16/07/2026 13:31

They were really popular in the 1970s then everyone took them out. My cousin still has hers.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 16/07/2026 13:32

They do exist here, but one if you’re that fussed.

Delatron · 16/07/2026 13:32

I do think it’s more hygienic but not something culturally we have had in our homes for whatever reason. But yes nothing to stop you from installing one.

My mind is boggling over the ‘poo flannel’ and the aesthetics of
this and a bucket by the loo! I guess it does the job but how many flannels to wash every day? Where are they put once they are used?

Backedoffhackedoff · 16/07/2026 13:33

Why is it unhygienic and gross? There aren’t even many bidets in France, they’re old fashioned.

DollopOfFun · 16/07/2026 13:33

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 16/07/2026 13:29

I don't have a bidet but we do keep a flannel and a bucket next to our bathroom toilet. After a number 2 we have a good scrub then rinse it out for the next person. Not quite as good but we all manage to keep clean enough.

😂

hugasaurus · 16/07/2026 13:34

Wype toilet gel is good. I do agree that wiping with dry toilet paper only after a number 2 doesn’t cut it cleanliness wise, but culturally (and plumbing-wise), bidets just aren’t really common here. We always have the toilet gel on the go, really handy for the kids too.

WisdomBiscuit · 16/07/2026 13:34

Why is it unhygienic? It’s not like you prepare food with your bum.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 16/07/2026 13:34

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 16/07/2026 13:29

I don't have a bidet but we do keep a flannel and a bucket next to our bathroom toilet. After a number 2 we have a good scrub then rinse it out for the next person. Not quite as good but we all manage to keep clean enough.

Absolutely vile, that can’t be true

TeenLifeMum · 16/07/2026 13:35

I know people in France with bidets… they don’t use them 🤣 just shower regularly and wear clean pants. If that’s not enough then maybe eat some fibre

bigboykitty · 16/07/2026 13:36

MangoLlama · 16/07/2026 13:28

There is nothing stopping you from installing a bidet in your home.

There is, actually. Bidets are not permitted in the UK under plumbing regulations because of 'backflow' issues.

Backedoffhackedoff · 16/07/2026 13:36

Delatron · 16/07/2026 13:32

I do think it’s more hygienic but not something culturally we have had in our homes for whatever reason. But yes nothing to stop you from installing one.

My mind is boggling over the ‘poo flannel’ and the aesthetics of
this and a bucket by the loo! I guess it does the job but how many flannels to wash every day? Where are they put once they are used?

It’ll be like countries that don’t flush, they’ll just stack up a pile of shit stained flannels for you to look at whilst you’re peeing. Maybe they’ll smell too

Backedoffhackedoff · 16/07/2026 13:36

Delatron · 16/07/2026 13:32

I do think it’s more hygienic but not something culturally we have had in our homes for whatever reason. But yes nothing to stop you from installing one.

My mind is boggling over the ‘poo flannel’ and the aesthetics of
this and a bucket by the loo! I guess it does the job but how many flannels to wash every day? Where are they put once they are used?

It’ll be like countries that don’t flush, they’ll just stack up a pile of shit stained flannels for you to look at whilst you’re peeing. Maybe they’ll smell too

DarkLion · 16/07/2026 13:36

It makes me chuckle wondering if people think we are unclean cos my partner is Filipino and they use a tabo which is like a little pouring jug with a bucket of water and I didn’t know how to feel when he first told me they rinse then use their hand!

Original poster
LarkspurBlues · 16/07/2026 13:36

WisdomBiscuit · 16/07/2026 13:34

Why is it unhygienic? It’s not like you prepare food with your bum.

Because it doesn’t really get it clean. I can’t think of any other messy thing you’d wipe with a dry cloth. It’s an inefficient system we have.

OP posts:
BatsInHibernation · 16/07/2026 13:36

I'd like a bidet. But 99% of the time I go to the loo first thing and then have a shower.
The other 1% of the time I go to the loo (2) I'm at work or what not and I do not want to share a PUBLIC BIDET
I would still like a bidet though
Would be great for a quick freshen up

Backedoffhackedoff · 16/07/2026 13:37

bigboykitty · 16/07/2026 13:36

There is, actually. Bidets are not permitted in the UK under plumbing regulations because of 'backflow' issues.

Show quote history

Bidets are legal. They just need to be fitted as per our tighter regulations

Blackbirdsandrats · 16/07/2026 13:38

Baby lotion. Loo roll. Sorted.

Blueyblueyblue · 16/07/2026 13:38

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 16/07/2026 13:29

I don't have a bidet but we do keep a flannel and a bucket next to our bathroom toilet. After a number 2 we have a good scrub then rinse it out for the next person. Not quite as good but we all manage to keep clean enough.

Jesus Christ, tell me you’re joking!

Original poster
LarkspurBlues · 16/07/2026 13:38

BatsInHibernation · 16/07/2026 13:36

I'd like a bidet. But 99% of the time I go to the loo first thing and then have a shower.
The other 1% of the time I go to the loo (2) I'm at work or what not and I do not want to share a PUBLIC BIDET
I would still like a bidet though
Would be great for a quick freshen up

Yes not a public bidet. I do what you do too. I just wish everyone else did also.

OP posts:
Flatandhappy · 16/07/2026 13:38

You don’t want a bidet, you want a toilet like they have in Indonesia and other Asian countries where you have a water jet in the toilet that can be directed either front or back but you don’t have to move. The DIY shops in Australia sell a variety of attachments that give the same effect, we installed a “tooodle loo” that gives you the same facility in a normal toilet. I can’t believe you wouldn’t be able to buy them in the Uk.