Why Britain Never Took to the Bidet — And Why That's Changing
By James Hargreaves · Updated June 2026 · 7 min read
- Fewer than one in ten British households currently has a bidet, compared to the vast majority in Japan
- The gap comes down to culture and awareness, not cost or difficulty of installation
- A basic handheld sprayer fits any UK toilet in around 15 minutes and costs under £50
- Pandemic-era paper shortages and growing environmental awareness are slowly closing the gap
The Surprising Origins of the Bidet
The bidet was born in France in the early 1700s. The word itself means "small horse" — a reference to the straddling position users took. At first, bidets were pieces of furniture: a wooden stool or cabinet holding a basin of water. They were found only in the homes of aristocrats who valued both cleanliness and status. Toilet paper at the time was scarce and often rough, so washing with water was a genuine improvement.
Over the 19th century, as indoor plumbing spread, bidets evolved from portable basins to fixtures connected to the water supply. France, Italy, and parts of Spain adopted them widely. But in the UK, bidets remained rare — seen as a continental luxury, not a British necessity, shaped by cultural habits and the early dominance of toilet paper as the default.
How Modern Bidets Work (Without the Gimmicks)
Today's bidets come in three main forms: handheld sprayers, bidet toilet seats, and standalone units. All use a stream of water to clean. Basic models rely on cold water from your toilet's supply. More advanced versions can heat the water, adjust pressure, and even warm the seat — but they need an electrical outlet nearby.
What matters most is that water cleans more thoroughly than dry paper. It rinses away residue without friction, which many people find more comfortable than wiping — particularly those who experience skin sensitivity or ongoing discomfort in this area. As with any persistent irritation or discomfort, it's worth speaking to a GP or pharmacist if symptoms continue, rather than relying on a change in routine alone. And because you use far less toilet paper, you save money and help the environment.
Bidet Adoption in the UK: Current State and Barriers
Compared to countries like Japan (where the large majority of homes have bidets) or Italy (commonplace for decades), the UK lags behind. Estimates suggest that fewer than one in ten British households currently has a bidet. Why? Several reasons:
- Cultural habit: Toilet paper has been the norm for generations.
- Lack of awareness: Many people simply don't know what they're missing.
- Perceived difficulty: Assumptions that bidets are hard to install or expensive.
However, interest is growing. The pandemic toilet paper shortages made many people rethink their reliance on paper. Environmental concerns about deforestation and plastic packaging are pushing eco-conscious consumers toward bidets. And British manufacturers are now offering models designed for UK bathrooms, making adoption easier.
If you're unsure whether a bidet will suit your bathroom, start with a handheld sprayer before committing to a full seat. It's the cheapest way to try water-based cleaning and can always be upgraded later.
Installing a Bidet in Your UK Home: Simple Steps
You don't need a plumber for a basic bidet sprayer. The kit includes a T-valve that screws onto the water supply pipe behind your toilet. Turn off the water, disconnect the toilet's fill hose, attach the T-valve, then reconnect the hose and attach the bidet hose. Tighten carefully, turn the water back on, and check for leaks. The whole job takes about 15 minutes with an adjustable spanner.
For a bidet toilet seat (non-electric), the process is similar. Electric seats with warm water and drying functions need a nearby power outlet and should be installed by a qualified electrician to meet Part P of the Building Regulations. Always look for WRAS approval — this means the product complies with UK water fittings rules, including an anti-siphon valve to prevent backflow, which matters for both safety and compliance.
Bidets vs Toilet Paper: The Honest Comparison
Toilet paper is cheap upfront and familiar. But over a year, a family of four can easily spend £500–£700 on rolls — and that's before factoring in the hidden environmental cost. Producing a single roll from virgin pulp is estimated to require well over 100 litres of water, plus trees and chemicals. Bidets use less than a litre per wash and last for years.
Hygienically, many people find water more thorough than dry paper, since it rinses away residue without relying on friction. People with sensitive skin in particular often notice the difference. And for anyone with limited mobility, a sprayer can be far easier to use than twisting and reaching.
Concerns about cold water are often overblown. The water from your supply is room temperature (around 10–15°C) — not freezing. Millions of people across Asia and the Middle East use cold water bidets every day without complaint. If you really want warmth, an electric seat is an option, but it's not necessary for most.
Common Bidet Myths — Busted
- "Bidets are unhygienic — the nozzle gets dirty." Modern nozzles retract and self-clean. Handheld sprayers don't touch the body.
- "They use too much water." A bidet wash uses less water than a single extra toilet flush — and far less than the water used to make a roll of paper.
- "Installation is expensive." A basic sprayer costs under £50 and fits any toilet. No plumber required.
- "They're not for UK bathrooms." All major retailers now stock models designed for British plumbing.
The Future: Smarter, Greener Bidets
Over the next decade, expect bidets to become more common in UK homes, especially among younger, environmentally aware homeowners. Manufacturers are developing water-saving nozzles, energy-efficient heaters, and models made from recycled materials. Some will integrate with home systems, but the most popular will remain simple, reliable, and affordable.
Whether you're renovating a bathroom or just want a cleaner, cheaper alternative to toilet paper, a bidet is a small upgrade with a long history behind it.
Want to see what's involved in fitting one? Our step-by-step bidet installation guide covers the practical details for UK bathrooms.