Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be sick of comments about the bidet

312 replies

Bidetdrama · 15/08/2023 12:42

Dp is from a country where they use a bidet. Washing your bits after a number 2 seems to be viewed like a holy ritual by some over there, including his family.

Every time they visit UK or we visit them, there's obligatory comments and questions about the bidet and lack of it in this country. I've lost count of how many times I've been asked how we Brits keep ourselves clean without one and the grimacing faces and adjectives of disgust that inevitably follow. They basically imply we're all filthy and they're superior with their squeaky clean backsides.

At a family party last weekend his cousin came from another city. She and I got chatting and she was desperate to understand the ins and outs of British toilet hygiene. I almost felt like I was having to justify the UK's standard bathroom plumbing set up. Other family members I hadn't met before were intrigued and started gathering round to listen and comment. It was just so cringe.

I used to live in DPs country and used a bidet then so I know it's a very clean feeling. I usually have my call of nature just before my morning shower nowadays so I can still stay very clean. However, this isn't the sort of detail I want to discuss at length with DPs family!

I've said to DP I'm sick of the topic, he also gets asked about how he stays clean in the UK too. They seem obsessed with it though.

AIBU to be sick of this topic. How can I shut it down?

OP posts:
NeverDropYourMooncup · 16/08/2023 18:59

Can't we have a thread where people go on about how they can't understand WaterPiks or flossing for a change?

I don't think we have a Periodontal Troll at the moment.

BerriesandLeaves · 16/08/2023 19:07

I'm trying to reduce water use so not looking to squirt water at my bum in addition to showering every day. I don't find my current arrangements cause me any problems and don't notice anyone around me smelling of poo. No doubt someone will be on to say they notice British people smell of poo due to not using a bidet though.

Mygosh · 16/08/2023 19:14

What a gross topic. The pp who have/want a toilet shower....they are illegal in this country, unless your water is fed from a tank. There are strict rules about the length of shower hoses in bathrooms. They should never reach your toilet. If you (or DC) was to drop the shower head into the toilet bowl it could poison your water main and possibly your neighbours. Plumbers that are fitting them are obviously not trained. Bidets with jets in the bottom have also been banned. You can only buy the tap version now, which kind of defeats the object!

masterblaster · 16/08/2023 19:29

Just tell them that’s what the brush next to the toilet is for.

ThisOldWoman · 16/08/2023 19:31

Never heard the word "shataf" before, but this seems to be what is known among expats in Thailand as a "bum gun" and very efficient they are too.

I'm sorry but Bum Gun sounds too much like the hero out of a male gay porn movie for me to ever take it seriously.

Tartareistasty · 16/08/2023 19:40

Mygosh · 16/08/2023 19:14

What a gross topic. The pp who have/want a toilet shower....they are illegal in this country, unless your water is fed from a tank. There are strict rules about the length of shower hoses in bathrooms. They should never reach your toilet. If you (or DC) was to drop the shower head into the toilet bowl it could poison your water main and possibly your neighbours. Plumbers that are fitting them are obviously not trained. Bidets with jets in the bottom have also been banned. You can only buy the tap version now, which kind of defeats the object!

It's not a nomal shower head with hose running from your bathtub tap. Confused

mandlerparr · 16/08/2023 19:44

A perineum bottle is a good substitute for those used to a bidet who don't have access to one. Also known as a peri bottle or perineal bottle.

Mygosh · 16/08/2023 19:48

Tartareistasty
You missed my point....it's still a shower hose and head, doesn't matter where it's situated. IMO they are gross, they get contaminated with other people's dirt. Yuk

TheYadaYada · 16/08/2023 20:05

I can understand if your from a bum washing culture, our ‘just wiping’ must seem disgusting.

And judging by the number of posts on here over the years about mens’ skiddy underpants, I have to agree!

TheYadaYada · 16/08/2023 20:06

*you’re

NooNakedJacuzziness · 16/08/2023 20:27

masterblaster · 16/08/2023 19:29

Just tell them that’s what the brush next to the toilet is for.

Brilliant 😂. I quite fancy a bidet purely for shaving my legs in.

ShinyArseShowerFan · 16/08/2023 20:44

We went on holiday to India, and became huge fans of the shiny arse shower. I’m still considering having one installed over here - they are brilliant.

Tartareistasty · 16/08/2023 20:51

Mygosh · 16/08/2023 19:48

Tartareistasty
You missed my point....it's still a shower hose and head, doesn't matter where it's situated. IMO they are gross, they get contaminated with other people's dirt. Yuk

They are not illegal. There are just regs about it. I could not find anywhere that they are illegal.
Considering all major plumbing supplies are selling them

Trixiefirecracker · 16/08/2023 21:10

Of course they are not illegal. Just Mumsnet BS again.

Islandgirl68 · 16/08/2023 21:11

If you clean your bum properly, it is not disgusting. It's not that difficult.

YeOldeBuxomWench · 16/08/2023 21:11

I'd love a bidet, especially on sweaty crack days like today. Toilet paper doesn't do a good job and it saves using wet wipes, which I expect lots of people use.

I used to use a jug after giving birth when weeing and it did feel pretty good to be clean down there. I shower twice a day, so like to be clean.

HappyMe6 · 16/08/2023 21:18

We used to have a bidet in the 70,s my daughter used to give her dolls a bath in it

Mygosh · 16/08/2023 21:19

Trixiefirecracker · 16/08/2023 21:10

Of course they are not illegal. Just Mumsnet BS again.

Not BS. I can assure you they are illegal when connected to the main water supply. I worked as a plumber for 24 years, I think I know the regulations. They do not comply with water regulations unless connected to a tank system. I refused to fit them. If you doubt me, please feel free to call your water supply and ask them

Lovely13 · 16/08/2023 21:40

Have just discovered something callled Sitz. Don’t know how to do a link, but fits on loo and soothes with water for piles or post-partum parts. Maybe they could use that? There’s a fold-up one!

Tartareistasty · 16/08/2023 21:46

Mygosh · 16/08/2023 21:19

Not BS. I can assure you they are illegal when connected to the main water supply. I worked as a plumber for 24 years, I think I know the regulations. They do not comply with water regulations unless connected to a tank system. I refused to fit them. If you doubt me, please feel free to call your water supply and ask them

Can you link the regulation? Happy to learn

Saschka · 16/08/2023 21:46

NooNakedJacuzziness · 16/08/2023 20:27

Brilliant 😂. I quite fancy a bidet purely for shaving my legs in.

Oh no, not a toilet brush!!!11!! 😱😱😱

I’m amazed you have the effrontery to admit to owning one on MN.

Mygosh · 16/08/2023 22:01

https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/news/newsletter/categories/installer_news/dont_be_a_douche_about_hand_showers/

I was also told on an Anglian water course that non return valves (you may have heard of them, they prevent backflow of water) are not suitable because it doesn't prevent bacteria from entering the pipeline. I don't mean illegal, as in, your going to jail if you get one but, you could land yourself a pretty heavy fine if you contaminate the main water supply.

Water Regs UK Limited. Don't be a douche about hand showers

Water Regs UK Limited Don't be a douche about hand showers

Don't be a douche about hand showers What the installer needs to know - Nobody would expect or want to find water from the WC pan coming out of their kitchen tap. But across the

https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/news/newsletter/categories/installer_news/dont_be_a_douche_about_hand_showers

Blinky21 · 16/08/2023 22:40

They are right, our method is gross

Forgottenmypasswordagain · 16/08/2023 23:16

If it was my home, I'd change the subject every single time, and suddanly have to tend to something.

It is not a normal topic of conversation to discuss. They are rude, and ignorant too.

FatherJackHackettsUnderpantsHamper · 17/08/2023 00:19

It is not a normal topic of conversation to discuss. They are rude, and ignorant too.

Socially speaking, I'd also add 'unflushable turds' to that description!

Swipe left for the next trending thread