Bidet vs. Toilet Paper: Which Is Better for You — and the Environment?

The bidet vs. toilet paper comparisons kicked into high gear during the COVID-19 pandemic after many stores sold out of the latter item. Then, many people curious about bidets for a while decided to try them. 

Curiousness also arose more recently. When people learn more about the processes of making toilet paper and their impacts on the environment, they wonder about alternatives. Similarly, people living in large households or feeling fed up with how often they stock up on TP began pondering bidet purchases.

However, the answer to the bidet vs. toilet paper question differs for everyone who weighs it. People must make many important considerations before finalizing their decisions. 

Current Bathroom Setup

Traditional bidets date back to 17th-century France. These installations have a similarly styled bowl but are separate from flush toilets. People fill them with water and adopt a straddle stance to wash themselves.  Some types also have wands that make directing the liquid to the right places easier.

However, many people lack enough room in their current bathrooms to install these bidets. No problem. Most models now popular in the United States mount on existing toilet seats as attachments. They have at least one water-spraying component. Some have built-in dryers. Other, more basic, options look like sprayers attached to long hoses. Those are usually beside the toilet within easy reach of those using it. 

Regarding installation, the attachment types are the easiest because the manufacturers provide detailed instructions, videos and phone numbers to call for people who need support. Many attachment-style bidets come with everything needed — including the screwdriver and plumbing tape. 

Of course, toilet paper rolls do not require installation. However, some people purchase fancy holders to make their bathrooms more stylish and reflect their personalities. These accessories also take up very little space, often mounting to nearby walls. 

The same goes for bidet attachments for toilets. They don’t need space either but require a bit of time to install. 

Environmental Impact 

Toilet paper manufacturing has a persistent and negative environmental impact. For starters, the industry cuts down 270,000 trees daily to obtain the necessary raw materials. The processing steps are also incredibly water-intensive.

Beyond that, resource use occurs via the electricity that runs the factories and equipment. Additionally, most consumers prefer to buy their toilet paper in a crisp shade of white. The industry uses massive quantities of chemicals to achieve that look. 

Fortunately, greener alternatives exist, even for people who want to keep using toilet paper. One possibility is to use options made from bamboo. It grows much faster than the trees traditionally used for toilet paper. People can also opt for biodegradable bamboo toilet paper. It breaks down much more quickly than traditional kinds. 

People contributing to bidet vs. toilet paper discussions usually conclude that bidets are the environmentally superior options. Although resource usage still happens during the manufacturing of those products, it does not compare to the continued disruption caused by the downed trees needed for toilet paper.  

Statistics show bidet use consumes about one-sixth of a gallon of water. That’s much less than the water used to produce even a single roll of toilet paper, or to flush after using the bathroom. 

One consideration is whether to use toilet paper to pat dry after using a bidet. Even people who choose that option tend to use much less than they did when also relying on the TP to wipe. However, many bidets have built-in dryers that reduce or eliminate needing to use other methods. Alternatively, some people dry off with reusable cloths that they wash with regular laundry. 

Travel-Readiness

Since public restrooms and hotels in many parts of the world still use toilet paper, some people worry that they’d get used to bidets and then miss them when they travel. However, things are changing. Consider how many travel-sized items come in plastic-free options. Purchasers were interested in those because less than 6% of plastic in the United States gets recycled, and they didn’t want to keep contributing to the waste. 

Just as it’s now easier to find plastic-free items for traveling, people can also purchase portable bidets that are easy to carry anywhere. These products are usually sold as washlets, and they come in manual or electronic versions. The simplest versions look like a squeeze bottle with a spout to use for washing. More upscale options have a water chamber that people fill before pressing a button that causes the liquid to squirt out. 

Washlets have become popular among camping enthusiasts, festival attendees and others spending time in areas where toilet paper may be hard to find. These products also often come in travel bags that make them easy to pack in a suitcase or stash into a backpack. 

Living Situation 

People weighing the bidet vs. toilet paper pros and cons should also consider their living arrangements. For example, most rental agreements prevent people from altering the plumbing fixtures. Although installing a bidet is quick and easy, mounting one on the toilet would likely cause someone to violate that aspect, potentially risking their tenancy. 

Also, those living with family members or housemates should discuss potential bidet usage with those parties, get their feedback and explain what’s different from using toilet paper. Indeed, most people find it takes a short while to get used to bidets and discover the techniques that will give them the best results. 

If someone in the house feels reluctant to switch to a bidet, a compromise may be to keep a roll of toilet paper in the bathroom, too. Many people initially resist change, but once they get accustomed to something new and recognize its benefits, they will be more open to adopting different behaviors. 

Some people may be surprised at how open those they live with are about trying bidets instead of toilet paper. A 2022 survey found 71% of people had never used a bidet. However, many were interested in learning more about them because data also indicated 45% of people had recently researched different bidet options.

Bidet vs. Toilet Paper: Which Will You Choose?

Many bidet vs. toilet paper conversations feature people with varied backgrounds and life experiences, so their thoughts on the matter may significantly differ. However, deciding whether to use a bidet or toilet paper is always a personal choice driven by many individualized factors. Considering those discussed here and other important specifics will help people reach confident decisions.