When Were Bidets Invented and How Did They Evolve

Bidets have a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations. They originated in ancient Rome around 2500 years ago, where they were known as "spongiae" and used for personal hygiene.

The modern bidet as we know it today was first introduced in France in the 17th century. The first bidet was a simple bowl of water that people used for washing themselves after using the toilet.

Bidets became a standard fixture in many European homes, particularly in France and Italy, where they were considered a luxury item. They were often decorated with intricate carvings and other ornate details.

Over time, bidets evolved to include more advanced features, such as hot and cold water controls and adjustable jets.

A fresh viewpoint: Does Bidet Use Toilet Water

The first bidets were originally designed as small wash basins on wooden legs that you straddled to cleanse your nether regions. This was a common setup in the early years of bidet history.

These standalone fixtures were typically placed next to the toilet and consisted of a basin of water with a spout. The user would then use their hands to clean themselves, which is a far cry from the modern bidets we're familiar with today.

The word bidet actually comes from the French word for "pony" or “little horse,” which is a fun fact to keep in mind. This name likely originated from the bidet's design, which resembled a small horse or pony.

Bidets quickly became popular in wealthy circles in France, particularly among the upper classes who valued freshening up after using the chamber pot.

Additional reading: Water Toilet Bidet

The first bidet-like fixtures emerged in France during the early 1700s, with simple wash basins on wooden benches elevated with legs.

These early bidets were more geared towards feminine care, but men used them too. In fact, historical records show that Napoleon left a silver bidet in his will.

The word "bidet" might come from an extinct line of small horses in France, which could explain why we call them "bidets" today.

Broaden your view: Warm Water Bidet Toilet Seat

The first bidet may have originated in France during the early 1700s. These early bidets were simple wash basins on wooden benches elevated with legs.

The French bidets were initially intended to accompany a chamber pot in the bedroom, and were more geared towards feminine care, but men used them as well. Historical records show that Napoleon left a silver bidet in his will.

Using a bidet back then meant straddling it with one leg on each side, mimicking the appearance of riding a horse or pony. This may be why we call them "bidets" today, as the word "bidet" is the name of an extinct line of small horses in France.

As modern plumbing evolved in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, bidets transformed from separate washbasins to dedicated plumbing fixtures.

The evolution of toilet seats has been a game-changer for bidet enthusiasts. In Japan, by the 1980s, bidet toilets combined new technology to create the lavatory equivalent of rocket ships – with toilet seat heaters, automatic open and close functionality, and other comforts we use today.

These upgrades made bidet toilets and attachments quickly grow in popularity, with roughly 80% of all toilets in Japan now having a bidet function. This is a testament to the effectiveness of these modern toilet seats.

Installing a toilet seat bidet or toilet seat attachment is a breeze, requiring no plumber's expertise and adding almost nothing to the space your toilet occupies in your bathroom.

Discover more: Bidets on Toilets

The United States was initially resistant to the bidet due to its foreign and exotic reputation.

In fact, the American public was accustomed to using toilet paper and saw no need for a more hygienic alternative.

The bidet's association with scandalous activities was also a major factor in its slow adoption in the US.

Puritanical values in America contributed to the reluctance to discuss bathroom habits and the perceived connection to scandalous activities.

The bidet toilet seat ultimately failed to catch on in the US, but it did make its way to Japan.

Recommended read: Why Aren't Bidets Common in the Us

The advent of indoor plumbing revolutionized bidet toilets, making it easier to supply clean water for bidet use. This led to a decline in the need for a separate basin for a bidet.

Indoor plumbing also provided the added water pressure needed for hands-free cleaning.

The added water pressure made cleaning more efficient, a game-changer for bidet toilets.

By the 1980s, Japanese bidet toilets combined new technology to create advanced bidet toilets.