At this point in modern history, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered a bidet. If you haven’t tried using one, you’ve at least listened to a friend rave about their new water-blasting toilet feature and how it’s the best decision they’ve made — for their bowels, anyway — post-pandemic.
Sales reports confirm that U.S. interest in bidets (and bidet attachments for toilets) has spiked since March of 2020. The initial trigger was consumer panic at the onset of the pandemic driving a shortage of toilet paper. One company, SmartBidet, says they've seen a boost of more than 25 percent in sales since 2020 compared to an average of 3 percent annual growth dating back to 2012; other reports indicate that Toto, a popular Japanese toilet manufacturer, doubled its bidet sales in 2020, and has seen increased demand continue through 2022.
Suffice to say, Americans are finally pursuing toilet-paper alternatives for their bathroom hygiene needs. The bidet, in its various modern forms, has risen to the occasion, carrying with it a few hundred years of success in Europe. Except, the true aim of this nether-region cleanser has pivoted since its origins in 18th century France.
