Do You Use Toilet Paper With a Bidet?

As anyone may wonder, do people use toilet paper with a bidet? The answer may depend on what kind of bidet you have or what your personal preference or hygiene habit is. This guide walks you through how to use a bidet with or without toilet paper and the pros and cons with using both. If you’re new to bidets, What Is a Bidet? (Clear, Simple Guide) explains the basics.

Do You Use Toilet Paper With a Bidet?

Yes, you can use toilet paper with a bidet, but not always. Using a bidet significantly reduces the need for toilet paper. Most people only need to pat dry after washing, rather than wiping like they do with traditional toilet paper. This is because How Do Bidets Work? shows how water cleans more effectively than paper.

Some electric bidets even make toilet paper completely optional, thanks to features like built-in air dryers.

When to Still Use Toilet Paper

• Patting dry – After using a bidet, toilet paper can be used to help dry the area.
• No air dryer – Non-electric bidets or handheld sprayers require pat drying through the use of toilet paper.
• Preferences – Some like to use a thin layer of toilet paper for comfort.

How to Use a Bidet Without Using Toilet Paper

• Adjust temperature and pressure - start on the lowest setting then slowly adjust them until comfortable.
• Position yourself correctly – Sit or hover slightly to avoid splashing.
• Activate the bidet spray – Clean until you feel fresh.
• Use the built-in dryer – On electric bidets, this can replace toilet paper, especially models found in Bidets with Dryer.
• Pat dry if needed – Use a small amount of toilet paper or a personal towel

A full walkthrough is available in How to Use a Bidet: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Benefits of Using Less Toilet Paper with a Bidet

• Better hygiene – Water cleans more than wiping with paper, leaving a cleaner feel.
• Gentle on skin – Skin iritation and discomfort with hemorrhoids is reduced greatly.
• Cost-efficient – You save more money as you cut down on using toilet paper, as explained in How Much Is a Bidet?
• Eco-friendly – Less paper used equates to more forests saved.
  

Different Types of Bidets and Toilet Paper Use

1. Electric Bidet Toilet Seats – Some include air dryers, Mostly eliminating toilet paper use.
2. Bidet Attachments – May require a small amount of toilet paper to pat dry.
3. Handheld Sprayers – effective and budget-friendly, will require more toilet paper due to having less features.
4. Portable Bidets – Designed for travel; toilet paper may still be needed for drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you wipe after using a bidet?

Wiping after using a bidet is optional. Most of the time, you only pat dry, not wipe, after using a bidet. Wiping is unnecessary because the water removes residue completely.

Do you need toilet paper with a bidet?

No, you do not need toilet paper with a bidet. You only need toilet paper if your bidet doesn’t have an air dryer or if you prefer pat drying. You can use a towel as well.

Can I completely stop using toilet paper?

Yes, you can completely stop using toilet paper with electric bidets that have a built-in air dryer.

Is it sanitary to use a bidet without toilet paper?

Yes, it is sanitary to use a bidet without toilet paper as the water cleans thoroughly, and many bidets have self-cleaning nozzles to maintain hygiene. Proper maintenance is covered in How to Clean a Bidet.

Final Thoughts: Using Toilet Paper With a Bidet

You really don’t end up needing much toilet paper when you’re using a bidet, since the water already takes care of most of the cleaning. Some people still keep a bit around just to dry off—old habits and all that—but a lot of folks eventually use way less, sometimes almost none. And honestly, washing with water and then drying off a little just feels cleaner and easier on the skin, plus it cuts down on waste, which is a nice bonus.