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What Is a Washlet?
A washlet is an electronic toilet seat that sprays a stream of water to clean you after using the toilet, instead of or alongside toilet paper.
"Washlet" is TOTO's trademarked name for the product, though people also use it informally for similar bidet seats from other brands, the same way "Kleenex" gets used for facial tissue.
What is a TOTO Washlet?
A TOTO Washlet is the original, trademarked electronic bidet seat line made by TOTO, the Japanese manufacturer that created the category. It attaches to an existing toilet bowl in place of a standard seat and adds a water-spray nozzle, a control panel, and — on higher-tier models — a heated seat, warm-air dryer, and deodorizer. A "washlet-style" seat from another brand is technically a bidet seat, not a genuine Washlet.
TOTO sells Washlets across several feature tiers, from entry-level to fully loaded — see the full lineup of TOTO Washlets, including the TOTO Washlet S2, TOTO Washlet S5, and TOTO Washlet S7A.
How does a Washlet work?
A washlet cleans with a targeted stream of water instead of, or alongside, paper:
- Wand and nozzle. A retractable wand extends beneath the seat and sprays warm water, usually at separate angles for rear and front cleansing.
- Control panel. A side panel or remote adjusts water pressure, temperature, and nozzle position.
- Self-cleaning nozzle. The wand rinses itself before and after each use.
- Extra features. Higher-tier models add a heated seat, air dryer, deodorizer, and automatic lid.
Washlet vs. Bidet: What's the Difference?
A washlet is a seat that replaces the existing toilet seat; a traditional bidet is a separate, freestanding fixture next to the toilet.
| Washlet (TOTO bidet seat) | Traditional bidet | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Attaches to existing toilet | Separate fixture, needs its own plumbing and floor space |
| Space required | None beyond the toilet itself | An additional 24-30 inches of floor space |
| Typical features | Heated seat, air dryer, deodorizer, remote | Water spray only, on most models |
| Power needed | Yes, for heated water and dryer functions | No |
Does a Washlet Need Electricity?
Yes, in most cases. The heated seat, warm-air dryer, and self-cleaning nozzle all run on electricity, so a washlet needs a nearby power outlet. Non-electric bidet attachments exist and use only the home's water pressure, but those are a simpler, separate product category — not a true washlet. How Do Bidets Work? covers how the non-electric versions clean without power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a washlet? A washlet is TOTO's trademarked line of electronic bidet toilet seats that spray water to clean you, with features like heated seating, adjustable water pressure, and air drying on higher-tier models.
Is a washlet the same as a bidet? Not exactly. A traditional bidet is a separate, freestanding fixture, while a washlet is a seat that replaces the existing toilet seat. Both clean with water.
What is a TOTO washlet? A TOTO Washlet is the original, trademarked electronic bidet seat product line. Other brands sell similar seats, but only TOTO's are technically "Washlets."
Does a washlet need electricity? Yes. Heated water, seat warming, and air-drying features all require a nearby power outlet, unlike non-electric bidet attachments.
How much does a washlet cost? Basic models start around $350, and feature-rich models with heated seats and dryers run up to $1,950, plus $120-$200 for a new outlet if one isn't already nearby, according to Fixr's cost breakdown.
How do you clean or troubleshoot a washlet? TOTO WASHLET Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Fixes covers the most common issues and how to fix them.
Can I install a washlet myself? Yes, on most toilets. Installation typically takes 30-60 minutes with basic tools, though adding a new power outlet nearby should be left to an electrician.