When it comes to personal hygiene, few topics stir up as much opinion—and cultural confusion—as the battle between bidets and toilet paper. Depending on where you grew up or where you travel, your views on bathroom habits can be deeply ingrained and surprisingly emotional. For some, the idea of using anything other than toilet paper seems excessive. For others, wiping without washing feels unhygienic.
But in an increasingly globalized world, the debate is becoming harder to ignore. As bidets grow in popularity, particularly among eco-conscious and health-savvy consumers, many are starting to ask: Which is better—bidets or toilet paper? And why do different cultures swear by one or the other?
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Let’s explore the history, cultural perspectives, environmental impacts, and health implications of both methods to understand this global hygiene showdown.
1. The History of Hygiene: Where It All Began
Toilet paper, surprisingly, is a relatively modern invention. While ancient civilizations used various natural materials for cleansing—leaves, sticks, stones, water, or even corncobs—it wasn’t until 1857 that the first commercially packaged toilet paper was sold in the United States by Joseph Gayetty.
By the 20th century, toilet paper became a staple in American households, promoted as both sanitary and convenient. The rise of plumbing infrastructure and disposable products helped solidify its place in Western bathrooms.
The bidet, on the other hand, originated in 18th-century France. Initially used by the aristocracy, it quickly spread throughout continental Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Unlike toilet paper, which relies on friction and absorption, bidets clean with a stream of water, offering what many believe is a more effective cleanse.
Today, countries like Italy, Japan, South Korea, and much of the Middle East use bidets regularly, while the U.S., Canada, and parts of the UK still largely favor toilet paper.
2. Cultural Differences: Why the Divide?
One of the most fascinating aspects of the bidet vs. toilet paper debate is how strongly it reflects cultural attitudes toward the body, privacy, and hygiene.
In Europe, especially in countries like Italy, France, and Spain, the bidet is considered a normal part of daily hygiene. Italians, for instance, often grow up using bidets not just after bathroom visits, but for freshening up in the morning, before bed, or after intimate moments. The attitude is simple: cleanliness requires water.
In Japan, the bidet has evolved into a high-tech experience. The typical Japanese toilet features a built-in bidet with customizable water pressure, temperature, air drying, and even deodorizing functions. Here, hygiene and technology go hand-in-hand.
By contrast, Americans and Brits tend to view the bidet as either unfamiliar or overly intimate. For many, the idea of water spraying one’s nether regions feels unnecessary or awkward. There’s also a cultural emphasis on convenience and disposability, which has kept toilet paper the go-to choice.
Interestingly, these habits are not necessarily based on logic, but on norms passed down through generations. If you’ve only ever known toilet paper, a bidet can seem strange. If you’ve used a bidet your whole life, toilet paper might seem insufficient.
3. Which Is More Hygienic?
This is the big question—and the answer might surprise you.
Bidets are widely considered more hygienic by medical professionals. Water effectively removes more fecal matter than paper, reducing the chance of irritation, infection, or lingering bacteria. Washing is also gentler on the skin, which can help prevent conditions like hemorrhoids, rashes, and anal fissures.
Toilet paper, on the other hand, can sometimes spread bacteria around rather than fully remove it. It can also cause irritation, especially if it’s scented, rough, or used excessively. For people with sensitive skin or medical conditions, toilet paper might actually do more harm than good.
In short, if your goal is cleanliness, water wins.
4. Environmental Impact: Which One Is Greener?
If you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint, the bidet again comes out ahead.
Toilet paper production is resource-intensive. It contributes to deforestation (especially if made from virgin wood pulp), consumes large quantities of water and energy during manufacturing, and adds to landfill waste. The average American uses nearly 24 rolls of toilet paper per year, per person. That’s a lot of trees flushed away.
Bidets, while they use water, consume far less overall than the water needed to produce toilet paper. A single bidet use typically uses around 1/8th of a gallon of water, compared to the 37 gallons needed to make one roll of toilet paper.
Additionally, by reducing or eliminating the need for TP, bidet users cut down on packaging waste, energy use, and chemical exposure from paper products.
5. Cost Comparison: Long-Term Savings
At first glance, toilet paper might seem cheaper—it’s available everywhere and usually low-cost per roll. But over time, those rolls add up.
Let’s do a quick comparison:
The average U.S. household spends $120–$150 per year on toilet paper.
A good-quality bidet attachment costs between $40–$100, while high-end electronic models can go up to $600.
Once installed, a bidet costs just a few cents a year in water.
Over time, bidet users often recoup the cost within one to two years—especially in households with multiple people. Plus, the comfort and hygiene benefits are long-lasting.
6. Ease of Use and Installation
One of the main reasons people avoid switching to bidets is the fear of complexity. But modern bidets are surprisingly easy to use.
There are several types:
Standalone bidets: Common in Europe, installed beside the toilet.
Bidet toilet seats: Replace your existing toilet seat, often include warm water, dryers, and controls.
Bidet attachments: Install under your existing toilet seat, typically the most affordable and simple to set up.
Handheld sprayers: Popular in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, offer flexible, manual control.
Installation for most models takes under 30 minutes and requires no special plumbing skills. Once installed, using a bidet is intuitive: spray, clean, pat dry.
Toilet paper, by contrast, is instantly usable with no learning curve—but may not provide the same results.
7. Health Considerations
Bidets aren’t just about cleanliness—they offer real health benefits too.
For people with mobility issues, postpartum mothers, or individuals recovering from surgery, using water instead of wiping can be easier and less painful. Many doctors recommend bidets for people with hemorrhoids or irritable bowel conditions.
On the flip side, bidet use isn’t for everyone. If used improperly—too much pressure, too cold, or spraying in the wrong direction—it can cause minor discomfort. But with proper use, most people find significant improvement in hygiene and comfort.
Toilet paper, while familiar, can sometimes cause or worsen irritation, especially if overused or combined with harsh soaps or wipes.
8. Why Americans Are Still Reluctant
Despite the bidet’s many advantages, adoption in the U.S. remains slow. Why?
Cultural inertia: Toilet paper has been the norm for over a century.
Lack of exposure: Most Americans grow up without ever using a bidet.
Bathroom design: Many American homes aren’t equipped for bidet fixtures.
Social awkwardness: Talking about bathroom habits is still taboo.
Perceived luxury: Bidets are often seen as European or high-end.
However, these attitudes are changing—especially among younger generations, frequent travelers, and those seeking eco-friendly or health-conscious alternatives. With increased awareness and better product accessibility, the tide is beginning to turn.
9. Can They Work Together?
Absolutely. In fact, many bidet users still keep a bit of toilet paper on hand—for drying only. Think of the bidet as the main cleaning tool, and the paper as a finishing touch.
This hybrid method reduces toilet paper use by 75–90% while still providing a sense of familiarity for those transitioning.
Some prefer using reusable cloths for drying, further eliminating paper waste. The key is to find what works best for your body, your values, and your lifestyle.
Final Verdict: Which One Wins?
If we’re talking cleanliness, eco-friendliness, and long-term savings, the bidet is the clear winner. It offers a more thorough clean, reduces waste, and supports better hygiene habits.
Toilet paper, while convenient and familiar, falls short in many of these areas—but still remains deeply rooted in many cultures for good reason.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal comfort, cultural background, and openness to change. If you’ve never tried a bidet, travel might be your best teacher. The next time you visit Europe, Japan, or the Middle East, take a leap and test one out.
Who knows? You just might become a convert—and wonder how you ever lived without it.
Have you tried using a bidet while traveling? Do you still prefer toilet paper, or have you made the switch? Share your thoughts in the comments below—and don’t forget to send this post to a friend who still thinks bidets are weird!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.