Understanding How the Toto Washlet Operates

Whether you call it a toilet, loo, water closet, restroom, or bathroom, it’s a universal necessity. Yet, the way it's used varies globally, with regional differences in bathroom technology. In the Eastern world, squat toilets are common, often just a porcelain-lined hole in the ground, sometimes equipped with a flushing mechanism (and usually requiring you to bring your own toilet paper). In most European countries, you'll find bidets, which spray water to clean the genital area after use. Meanwhile, in the U.S., most people use the familiar flush toilet with sitting or squatting options, combined with toilet paper. However, a revolutionary new trend is emerging, with companies like Japan’s Toto merging the bidet with the Western-style toilet.

Toto’s Washlet is a device that attaches to standard flush toilets, combining the comfort of the Western sit-down toilet with the cleansing power of a bidet’s water spray. There are four Washlet models available in the U.S., with prices ranging from about $880 to over $2,200. The more expensive models offer additional features. The C110, for example, includes rear and front cleansing options, water pressure and temperature controls, and a heated seat. The advanced S400 model, on the other hand, offers all these features plus a warm-air drying function, an automatic air purifier, an auto-flush option, and more. With numerous customizable features, the Washlet can cater to even the most discerning user.

Supporters of the Washlet argue that the gentle water spray it provides is a more hygienic option than using toilet paper. However, critics wonder if a machine can really clean as effectively as your hands. Questions also remain about how the Washlet knows when to activate its rinse function. Additionally, will Americans, who have generally been hesitant to embrace bidets, accept this new innovation? This article will explore these questions. But first, let’s take a closer look at the European device that helped inspire the Washlet.

History of the Bidet

The term 'bidet' was first used in the 16th century to describe the small ponies kept by French royalty. Given that the bidet is a fixture people straddle, like a pony, it’s believed that French furniture makers created this item sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century, though no single inventor has been credited. During the 18th century, only the wealthiest homes in Europe owned bidets, which were often ornate, featuring decorative rosewood, gilded bronze, and crystal embellishments. When Marie Antoinette traveled from Vienna to France in 1760 to marry the dauphin, her coach was reportedly equipped with a bidet, complete with red velvet and gold embroidery [source: Ashenburg].

In those times, people generally bathed only once a week. The original bidet was essentially just a bowl of water used to clean sensitive areas between those infrequent baths. At the time, some conservatives feared that the growing popularity of the bidet could encourage promiscuity, as individuals began to care more for their private parts. Although the toilet, or at least its precursor, had been in existence since at least 2500 B.C., the bidet revolutionized people's ideas about cleanliness. It sparked a wider realization that not only hands and faces required regular washing [source: Ashenburg].

With plumbing improvements in 20th-century Europe, bidets became mechanized and transitioned from the bedroom to the bathroom. However, Americans didn't encounter bidets until the late 1930s, when World War II soldiers visited French brothels. Why bidets became so widespread in Europe, parts of Asia (such as Korea, Japan, and Taiwan), and South America, but not in the U.S., remains an open question. Some suggest that bidets require additional space in the bathroom, while others believe that Americans simply weren't used to the concept and didn't feel a strong need to adopt it.

The electronic bidet made its debut in the 1960s, merging the bidet and toilet into one unit, gradually gaining a foothold in American culture. The Toto Washlet, an advanced version of the electronic bidet, has sold over 17 million units globally since its release in 1980. It arrived in the U.S. in 1990, and sales have continued to rise ever since [source: Altman]. Will the Washlet continue to cement itself in American bathroom culture? Let’s find out.

Toto Washlet Components

If you’re thinking about getting a Toto Washlet for your home, it’s essential to first check the type of toilet you have. The Washlet is a high-tech seat designed to sit on top of an existing toilet, rather than being a standalone toilet unit. Toto also manufactures toilets that work seamlessly with the Washlet, but it’s also compatible with many other brands. Before buying, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website to determine which Washlet model will fit your toilet. They come in both round and elongated shapes and are designed to fit one- and two-piece toilets.

To ensure proper installation, the toilet must have at least 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) of space between the front of the tank and the area where the seat bolts are placed. Additionally, since the Washlet has electronic controls, a grounded electrical outlet should be within 3 feet (about 1 meter) of the toilet for power. While professional plumbers can install the unit, installation instructions are provided, allowing for a potential DIY installation. The Washlet has several important components to know about:

In addition to its primary functions, the Washlet also features a self-cleaning nozzle. This function is activated by a sensor or remote control and works by rinsing the spray wand with water as it extends and again as it retracts. The wand itself is crafted from antimicrobial plastic and coated with silver ions, which are said to help prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Now that you’ve learned how the Toto Washlet functions, continue reading to discover whether it truly lives up to its claims and if it is indeed a greener option for the environment.

Is the Toto Washlet good for the planet and our bodies?

One of the key selling points of the Toto Washlet is its potential environmental benefits, primarily by reducing the need for toilet paper. In the U.S. alone, people use 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper each year, which is the equivalent of cutting down 15 million trees. The production of soft toilet paper also consumes over 473 billion gallons of water, not to mention the energy and resources required for packaging and distribution [source: Thomas]. Advocates for bidets argue that toilet paper can also cause issues for sewer systems, due to frequent blockages and the need for constant disposal. While many users still use toilet paper after a bidet cleanse, it’s often in much smaller amounts than they would typically use.

While the Washlet may reduce the use of toilet paper, what about the water required for the spray feature? According to Toto, the device uses less than one gallon of water daily for an average family. Users can adjust the cleansing cycle to last as little as 20 seconds, with water consumption ranging from 9 to 30 ounces per minute during front or rear cleanses [source: Toto]. Importantly, this water usage does not impact the water used for flushing the toilet itself.

Another environmental advantage of the Washlet is its energy efficiency. The unit can be programmed to automatically shut off after a set time—three, six, or nine hours—to prevent unnecessary energy consumption [source: Toto]. However, it’s important to note that energy and water are still used with every wash, in addition to the energy and resources spent on the production and shipping of the Washlet.

Beyond the environmental perks, are there any personal benefits? A major concern is whether bidets are truly as sanitary as traditional wiping. On one hand, wiping may not be as clean as one thinks, especially if hands aren’t washed afterward, which can spread germs. However, some experts warn that bacteria can accumulate in the spray nozzle of the Washlet or bidet, potentially leading to infections. Yet, innovations like the self-cleaning nozzle may address this concern. Additionally, the water jet could even provide relief for those with rashes, hemorrhoids, or skin irritation caused by frequent wiping [source: WebMD]. Bidets may also help alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections and inflammatory bowel diseases.

From bidets and squat toilets to self-cleaning stalls and composting systems, experts are continuously working to design the next-generation toilet that is best for both the environment and our health.

Continue reading for more insights into the Toto Washlet and the latest innovations in toilet technology.