Is Bidet Water Cold? A Common Bidet Misconception.
“Isn’t cold water on your butt weird and uncomfortable?”, my co-worker chimed in as she overheard me mentioning bidets to someone else?
Over time, I’ve learned that most people know little to nothing about bidets. I can’t say that I blame them. Heck, I used to be completely in the dark as well. I used to think that bidets only came as a separate bowl like you see on TV and movies.
I had no idea that there were different kinds of bidets ranging from entire seats, attachments, or even handheld portable bidets. I had no idea even how to use a bidet.
So what about her question? Is bidet water cold?
Bidet Water Temperature
The temperature of the bidet water will actually depend on the type of bidet that you purchase. Bidet seats come in electric and non-electric versions.
My co-worker didn’t realize that bidets even had the option to plug them into electricity. I mean, it does seem sorta odd to plug your toilet into an outlet, doesn’t it?
In her mind, she was referring to the non-electric versions. In these types of bidets, the water comes straight out of the pipes, travels through the bidet, and finally ends up spraying your bottom. The room temperature of your bathroom is what will determine the temperature of the bidet water that you end up cleaning with.
I’ll admit, being sprayed by 65-70 degree water can be a little “refreshing”. I wouldn’t call room temperature water cold, but there is a 30-degree difference in temperature between the water and your body. You will definitely notice this when the water hits the target. If you swim a lot, you would probably agree that anything under 80 degrees can be pretty eye-opening.
The electric versions offer a warm water cleansing option. Most offer some sort of temperature setting or will automatically warm up to a certain temperature. With one of these bidet seats, you don’t have to worry about that initial shock of water splashing your butt.
Which One Cleans Better?
The good news is, no matter which version you pick, both cold water bidets and warm water bidets will clean you just as well as the other. You might think that the warm water will clean better, but the truth is, temperature has very little to do with how well bidets clean.
Warm water may feel like it is cleaning you better. However, the actual washing is done by the stream of water removing the filth from your skin via force. Think of it like pressure washing your butt, just without as much pressure.
Recommendation: Warm Water Bidets vs Cold Water Bidets
Given the choice, I really don’t see a reason to choose a cold water bidet over a warm water bidet. The only situation I can see is if you don’t have anywhere nearby to plug your electric bidet into.
Even if you don’t, a small extension cord will probably reach something in the bathroom. As long as it isn’t a trip hazard or completely unsightly, I think that option would be fine.
Although the cost is more, a warm water bidet will only be marginally more expensive than a cold water bidet. The comfort advantage would be worth the extra price of admission if you ask me.
You also have to consider the additional options that warm water bidets come with as well. Many offer controls for warm air dryers, heated seats, deodorizing, and adjustable nozzles.
If none of those additional features impress you, you could easily get by with a standard bidet seat. However, I say that given the amount of time that you spend on the toilet, why not make yourself comfortable as well as squeaky clean??