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Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

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Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

#31

This is a big deal, but no one wants to think or talk about it. You can start to experience this by just taking a shower immediately after anything that would normally require a bidet (read: toilet paper... or kleenex). It's quickly realised that this means a LOT of time wasted taking showers and clothes-changing to stay clean in only two areas. And I'm sure everyone shaves often enough so that nothing sticks, right?…

As an Italian living in Italy (bidets in every bathroom here) I can't think of any more convenient way to clean myself after I used the WC. I experienced the Japanese one in Japan and it's not as effective, but it's better than nothing.

Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

#33
post #21
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Obviously you still have toilet paper, but in my experience some of these toilets also have air jets for drying.

Based on trying to use toilet paper to dry off from an errant splash, it's not very good at that purpose. It's designed to fall apart as soon as it gets wet. And anything that isn't (paper towels, etc.) should really not go down the drain, as it's likely to form clogs.

You're just cleaning up droplets of water on the underside of your butt, not sponging up a puddle. If your toiler paper can't handle that, I have to wonder how it can handle its other duties. Try a higher ply.

Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

#34
post #3

How do folks use bidets (or those spray-hoses they use in India) without getting water and feces everywhere? How do they dry off without using tons of toilet paper? The whole bidet thing just seems messy and unsanitary. I'm sure that there's a way to use it which isn't messy and unsanitary, but I'm not about to make a mess trying to learn!

The only place feces are going to go is inside the bidets, much like a toilet. It's not going to be flying around the room and the jet of water isn't that powerfull. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xnm1syPnwE

Here's one study that found potential risk from aerosolised particles from flush toilets.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16033465

> Many individuals may be unaware of the risk of air-borne dissemination of microbes when flushing the toilet and the consequent surface contamination that may spread infection within the household, via direct surface-to-hand-to mouth contact. Some enteric viruses could persist in the air after toilet flushing and infection may be acquired after inhalation and swallowing.

Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

#35

I brought one of these home from Japan and have been trying it out on unsuspecting houseguests. People usually yelp the first time (surprise heated seat!) and after the second time they're hooked. The water jet is unsettling the first time you use it, but you get used to it quickly. The feeling of having a genuinely clean butt gives you the confidence you need to go crush it in the boardroom.

>>"The feeling of having a genuinely clean butt gives you the confidence you need to go crush it in the boardroom."

WMAO!

Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

#37

I experienced the japanese toilet the first time in 2006. I was curious to try but afraid it would get messy. It takes a bit getting used to. When i came back to the netherlands, i wanted to buy one too but, like the US, no power in the toilet. After i got my new apartment i had a power outlet built in the toilet. Now im so used to it, sometimes i even look for the remote in other peoples toilets, lol. They say using…

Just an FYI: The Dutch word 'toilet' means restroom or bathroom. So if a Dutch person would say: "I washed my hands in the toilet", that doesn't mean what you think it means..

Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

#38
post #3

How do folks use bidets (or those spray-hoses they use in India) without getting water and feces everywhere? How do they dry off without using tons of toilet paper? The whole bidet thing just seems messy and unsanitary. I'm sure that there's a way to use it which isn't messy and unsanitary, but I'm not about to make a mess trying to learn!

It's not a gasoline-fueled power washer.

Also, picture your bum from below when sitting on the pot. Do you really think the bidet has trouble hitting its target?

Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

#39
post #27

If anyone wants to give it a try, here it is a cheaper alternate [1]. This doesn't require the electricity since it is manual but more or less play the same role like Japanese toilets (without drying facility but you can use TP after using it). 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidet_shower

And they are useful to clean the toilets as well.

Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)

#40

American homes are generally insulated, not drafty, and centrally heated. There is therefore no need to heat your butt to stop it freezing to your toilet seat, and so no overwhelming drive to connect everyone's loos to the mains, and all the other features aren't enough to make it a mainstream purchase.

The heat is nice, but the bidet function is the main reason I'd want one if I ever move from Japan.
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