A Washlet Is The Eco-Friendly Toilet Attachment You Should Try
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The concept of using water to clean your undersides after going to the bathroom, without help from your hands, isn't exactly new. In fact, the earliest versions of seats and fixtures designed to wash your bottom (i.e. bidets) have been around since the 1700s. But it wasn't until decades later that the idea got a modern upgrade, thanks to Japanese company Toto, which released the Washlet in 1980.
To be clear, there's a difference between Washlets and bidets. A bidet is usually a separate fixture, like a low basin next to the toilet, that you use after you've done your business. A Washlet, on the other hand, is a seat you can attach to your existing toilet, basically turning it into a Japanese toilet, giving you bidet-style features without the hassle of installing a separate unit or splurging on a high-end toilet with everything built in. But a Washlet does offer many of the same features.
Here's how it works: The Washlet seat attaches to your existing toilet and comes with an auto-opening and closing lid, plus either an arm panel or a remote control. It also features a self-cleaning wand that extends to the front and back to gently spritz those areas with soothing warm water. The seat is heated, and you can set the temperature anywhere between 82 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit, so the initial sit-down is comforting, not shocking. And once you're done and rinsed, a warm air dryer (also temperature adjustable) steps in to dry you off. It's a hands-free, low-waste alternative to toilet paper that promotes better hygiene.
The benefits of using a Washlet
Washlets are eco-friendly and offer several benefits that help reduce waste and promote better personal hygiene. The most obvious benefit comes from cutting back on toilet paper. The average American household uses about 100 pounds of tissue each year. Not to mention, the trees cut down to make that paper, many of which come from Canada's boreal forests, release carbon gases into the atmosphere. Skipping toilet paper isn't just better for the environment — it's also better for your hygiene. Since you're not physically wiping after defecating, you lower the chances of spreading or contracting germs.
Washlets also come equipped with EWATER+ technology, which automatically rinses the wand before and after each use, as well as the bowl. It uses electrolyzed tap water, free of chemicals and safe for people, with a mildly acidic pH that still gets the job done when it comes to cleaning. What makes the Washlet even more eco-friendly is that it requires less cleaning. In addition to EWATER+, the Washlet includes a built-in deodorizer that freshens the air around the toilet, neutralizing unwanted odors. It pulls in air, passes it through an ionized carbon filter, and just like that, you can eliminate funky lingering bathroom odors.
These features help reduce how often you need to rely on harsh cleaning chemicals, which not only saves you money but also minimizes your environmental impact. Beyond cleanliness and reduced waste, Washlets offer added comfort, especially for those dealing with conditions like fissures, hemorrhoids, or naturally sensitive skin that can get irritated from constant wiping. Plus, they make it easier to stay clean for people with limited mobility.