Why are bidets mandatory in Italy?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 10, 2026
Italians, on the other hand, use their bidets constantly. Although invented, named, then largely abandoned by the French, they've become a symbol of Italian hygiene supremacy. There's even a building law stating that every home must have one.
Are bidets mandatory in Italy?
In Italy, it is illegal to build a home without a bidet in it. No toilet roll hoarding there then.
When did bidets become mandatory in Italy?
Bidets are common bathroom fixtures in the Arab world and in predominantly Catholic countries, such as Italy (the installation of a bidet in a bathroom has been mandatory since 1975), Spain (but in recent times new or renewed houses tend to have bathrooms without bidets, except the luxurious ones), and Portugal ( ...
Why does Europe use bidets?
Bidets are common in Europe, Latin America and Japan, where people use them because they are regarded as the best way to stay clean. People who don't use a bidet are considered to be unhygienic. As in America, the question of using a bidet is a matter of custom and habit.
Do bidets get poop on them?
No, bidets don't spray poop everywhere when you use them. Bidets use a concentrated stream of water specifically directed to cleanse your backside and genitals. The waste does not get sprayed all over. Think of it as a safe, spotless wash for your butt.
29 related questions foundWhich country uses bidets the most?
Bidets were first invented in France and often linked with French practices. But today, Italy ranks as the European country that loves bidets the most. A building law even says that every Italian home must have a bidet.
Why are there no toilet seats in Italy?
Apparently, the toilet seats are there originally but, then, they break. The seats break because people stand on them. People stand on them because they are not kept clean enough to sit on.
How do Europeans dry after using a bidet?
Most Bidets have a built in air dryer for you to use. If the one you are facing does not, use toilet paper or other paper towels to dry yourself off.
Do you use a bidet after peeing?
What is a bidet? A bidet (pronounced bih-DAY) is a plumbing fixture designed to clean your rear. It goes to work after you urinate or have a bowel movement, eliminating the need for toilet paper. Some bidets attach to your toilet, either affixed to the side of the bowl or with a detachable hose.
What is the little sink next to the toilet?
The bidet is often a basin that is situated close to the toilet in the bathroom, and it is used to clean yourself after using the toilet or when you need to freshen up or wash your genitals and anal area.
How does a woman use a bidet?
Straddle the bidet, facing towards the controls.
Once positioned on the bidet, move the controls until you achieve the water temperature you like. Turn the water on and allow the water to wash over your genitals and bottom. After cleaning with the bidet, wipe yourself dry with toilet paper.
Do bidets spray poop everywhere?
Bidets do not spray poop everywhere when used correctly, though some amount of splattering can occur. Excess pressure can cause stool to migrate to the scrotum or urethra. Most modern bidets use a gentle stream which reduces the potential for splashing. So, with the right pressure, cleansing shouldn't cause a mess.
Are bidets for females?
Are Bidets for Men, Women, Everyone? Yes, Yes, and Yes! Bidets are the most hygienic, energizing, and ecofriendly post-soil clean for everyone, but, like so many things in life, one bidet may not fit all.
What are the pros and cons of a bidet?
The Pros and Cons of Bidets
- The Pros and Cons of Bidets.
- PRO: MORE HYGIENIC THAN TOILET PAPER.
- CON: MAY TAKE SOME GETTING USED TO.
- PRO: BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
- CON: OFTEN COME WITH A PREMIUM PRICE.
- PRO: THERE ARE AFFORDABLE BIDETS.
- CON: STANDALONE BIDETS REQUIRE MORE SPACE.
- PRO: THERE ARE SPACE-SAVING OPTIONS.
Is a bidet better than wiping?
When it comes to benefits, bidets are a no-brainer. They're cleaner, gentler, and more eco-friendly than toilet paper. And wiping less means you'll be saving money on your shopping bill, as well.
Is there toilet paper in Italy?
France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean.
Do they use toilet paper in Rome?
You will often find that bathrooms in Rome don't have any toilet paper. In general, when sight-seeing in Rome, I'd suggest always carrying pocket kleenex packets, some cleansing wipes, and hand-sanitizer.
Why do French toilets have no seats?
There were still some toilets with no seats but the porcelain is actually more hygenic than plastic. It was obvious from the shape of some that they were manufactured to be without seats. There were lots of the self-contained, self cleaning type, especially in Paris and free to use.
How common are bidets in Europe?
Today, bidets are considered a standard bathroom item in 80 percent of the world, including Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Do Europeans have bidets?
Bidets are popular in Italy, Portugal, Japan, Argentina, and Venezuela. According to The Atlantic, the bidet was invented in France in the 1600s and is used for cleaning the body after going to the bathroom. You'll find these in places like Italy and Portugal, Japan, Argentina, and Venezuela.
What countries squat poop?
Squat toilets are common in many Asian countries, including China and India. They are also widespread in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Iran. They can be found in nations like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore.
Why are there 2 toilets in Italy?
Italian bidets are basically used to keep yourself extra clean, and they even prevent infections. I promise that, after trying one, you'll look back on your previous bathroom rituals with mild displeasure.
Can bidets cause BV?
Habitual bidet toilet use might cause bacterial vaginitis, but not conclusive. Hemorrhoids and other urogenital infections are not caused by bidet toilet use. The positive correlations reported earlier seem due to reverse causation.
Why are there no bidets in America?
So, why hasn't America embraced the bidet? Well, bathrooms in the US aren't really built for bidets. There's no space or additional plumbing setup for bidet fixtures. But the biggest reason it hasn't caught on comes down to habit.