Bidet History

The history of the bidet is a fascinating story of innovation, cultural shifts, and a quest for better personal hygiene. From a simple basin in a French bedroom to a high-tech fixture in modern bathrooms, its evolution reflects changing societal values and technological advancements.

 

The Origins: 17th and 18th Century France

 

The bidet's story begins in France in the late 17th century, though a precise date and inventor remain unknown. The earliest written reference dates to 1710. The name "bidet" is a French word for "pony" or "little horse," a reference to the straddle-like position a person would take when using the device.

Early bidets were simple, separate basins, often made of porcelain or metal, set into a wooden frame. They were a luxury item for the aristocracy and were typically found in the bedroom next to the chamber pot. Their purpose was to cleanse the private areas of the body between the infrequent full-body baths of the era. By the mid-18th century, some bidets even included a hand-pump for an upward spray, marking a step toward more advanced functionality.

 

The Bidet's European Journey

 

While the bidet never fully took off in France, it found a new home and became a cultural staple in other parts of Europe. In the late 18th century, Queen Maria Carolina of Austria, the Queen of Naples, made the bidet a fixture in every bathroom of the Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy. This act helped solidify the bidet's place in Italian culture.

With the advent of indoor plumbing in the 19th century, bidets moved from the bedroom to the bathroom and were integrated with the water system. In many European countries, particularly Italy, Spain, and Portugal, the bidet became a standard and even legally mandated fixture in new homes.

 

The Modern Era and the Japanese Revolution (The Last 50 Years)

 

The latter half of the 20th century marks a dramatic turning point in the bidet's history, with an explosion of innovation, primarily driven by Japan.

• The Bidet Toilet Seat (1960s): The first significant step toward modernizing the bidet came from an American, Arnold Cohen. He developed the "American Sitzbath," the first bidet toilet seat. His invention was a space-saving solution, combining the functions of a toilet and a bidet into a single unit. However, cultural resistance in the U.S. meant Cohen's invention found little success in its home country.

• The Japanese "Washlet" (1980s): Cohen's idea found a receptive market in Japan, a country already known for its embrace of bathroom technology and a strong cultural emphasis on personal hygiene. In 1980, the Japanese company TOTO introduced the "Washlet," a revolutionary electronic bidet toilet seat. This device transformed the bidet from a standalone basin into a high-tech appliance.

The "Washlet" and its successors brought a new level of comfort and functionality. These early modern bidets offered:

• Warm water cleaning: A pressurized, warm water spray for a more comfortable and effective cleanse.

• Adjustable settings: Users could control the water temperature and pressure.

• Heated seats: A feature that added a layer of luxury and comfort, particularly in colder climates.

• Warm air dryer: Eliminating the need for toilet paper and providing a more hygienic, hands-free experience.

 

The 21st Century and Beyond

 

In the last two decades, modern bidets have continued to evolve, becoming even more sophisticated and accessible. The internet and global travel have also played a significant role in spreading awareness and demand for these devices, even in regions like North America where they were historically uncommon.

Today's modern bidets and bidet toilet seats boast an array of cutting-edge features, including:

• Remote controls: Wireless, intuitive controls allow for easy operation.

• Customizable user settings: Some models can save personalized settings for multiple users, remembering their preferred water temperature, pressure, and nozzle position.

• Self-cleaning nozzles: A crucial hygienic feature where the nozzle cleans itself before and after each use.

• Odor neutralizers and deodorizers: Built-in fans and filters to eliminate odors.

• UV sterilization: Some high-end models use UV light to sterilize the nozzle and the bowl.

• Automatic flushing and lid operation: Advanced toilets can automatically flush and open/close the lid, offering a completely touchless experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated the bidet's adoption, particularly in the United States, as toilet paper shortages led many to seek out alternative, more sustainable, and hygienic solutions.

From a simple, manually filled basin for the French aristocracy to a smart, electronic fixture that can be operated by a remote, the bidet has come a long way. Its evolution is a testament to the ongoing human desire for cleanliness, comfort, and technological advancement in even the most private aspects of our lives.