Bidets are catching on in North America—and that’s a great thing.
It’s no secret that other parts of the world have incorporated bidets into their daily routines, while the US and Canada have lagged behind. But in March 2020, the infamous toilet paper shortage and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic popularized bidets as an alternative means of bathroom hygiene in those regions. Since then, interest has only increased—a recent poll by YouGov says that more than two in five Americans are interested in a bidet or already have one.
The advantages are many.
Early adopters have already seen the benefits of bidet washing. For starters, it’s more hygienic and sustainable than using toilet paper alone. It takes up to 37 gallons of water to produce just one toilet paper roll—a massive amount compared to what a bidet uses.
Modern bidets are also affordable and easy to install, adding to their growing popularity in North America. Bidet attachments and electronic bidet seats mount directly onto existing toilets, eliminating the need for costly porcelain fixtures and plumbing modifications. Handheld bidets also make a great solution for on-the-go cleaning.
The next step? Bidets designed for public settings.
The adoption of bidets in North American homes is only the beginning. Introducing them into commercial and public restrooms is a significant step forward in reducing toilet paper use and promoting greater health for people and the planet.
Commercially designed bidets must meet specific standards and codes currently in place for public restrooms, which is exactly what we’ve done.
The first commercial bidet: the Swash Thinline T22 Bidet Toilet Seat with Open Front Less Cover and Side Arm Control.
Poised to cater to this growing need for sustainability and health, our all-new Swash Thinline T22 Bidet Toilet Seat with Open Front Less Cover and Side Arm Control is the first bidet to be designed specifically for commercial and public restrooms.
Taking everything we’ve learned from 20 years of bidet design, we’ve incorporated the best, most beloved features of our current bidets and adapted them into a product that meets Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) standards. The bidet nozzle is retractable, self-cleaning, and comes with an on-demand rinse feature to ensure the most hygienic wash for every user. A quick-release seat provides an easier cleaning experience for maintenance teams as well.
With its sleek design and luxury features like endless warm water washes and a warm air dryer, the Swash Thinline T22 OFLC makes public restrooms more sustainable and hygienic while enhancing the bathroom experience of businesses, patrons, and staff.
So where does this new commercial bidet fit in? Let’s explore some of the industries that will benefit.
Hotels and hospitality.
If there is ever an industry for commercial bidets to shine, it’s in hotels and hospitality. A survey quoted by BusinessWire showed that out of a sample size of 1,000 adults in the US, 43 percent wanted to see more bidets in hotels, and 44 percent viewed bidets as a luxurious bathroom addition.
Whether it’s for a hotel, apartment complex, vacation rental, or any other kind of property, adding bidets will bring luxury and sustainability to the space. This ensures a pleasant, pampering experience that stands out from the rest—one that can prompt customers to make a return visit or review and share their experience on social media.
Healthcare and medical facilities.
In the healthcare space, hygiene is an important part of ensuring safety and peace of mind, both for patients and employees. Cleanliness is essential for patient care, and bidets are a great alternative to the discomfort and environmental waste associated with toilet paper.
The relief provided by bidets is especially helpful for patients with gastrointestinal conditions, such as IBS, Chrohn’s Disease, postpartum discomfort, and more.
Senior living facilities.
It can be a daily challenge for caregivers to provide the assistance that residents need with bathroom hygiene— bidets provide a safe, sustainable solution.
The reduced effort required to wash with bidets (especially with electronic models) gives residents a sense of independence while easing caregiver workload. Additional features like heated seats, air dryers, and nightlights provide enhanced safety and comfort.
Schools and higher learning.
Healthy learning environments help students thrive in their studies. The addition of bidets into school bathrooms cuts back on toilet paper use while bringing a cleaner, healthier wash for students, teachers, and faculty members. They can also help schools and universities meet sustainability goals and promote inclusivity for people who require cleansing with water for personal reasons.
Businesses and offices.
Commercial spaces of all sizes and purposes benefit from incorporating bidets into their bathrooms. For larger corporations today who are setting higher sustainability goals, commercial bidets are an excellent solution for lowering their carbon footprint. Incorporating bidets into their facilities can help reduce toilet paper usage at a large scale. Having less toilet paper down the drain can also potentially reduce the chances of severe blockages and the need for expensive plumbing repairs.
The same can be said for smaller businesses—organizations of all sizes have a part to play in leaving a healthier planet. Commercial bidets provide a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to personal hygiene while providing a high-level restroom experience for business patrons and employees.
A cleaner, more eco-friendly society.
Bidets are becoming increasingly popular in North American homes. Not just because they’re a more comfortable and effective way to clean, but because of their impact on the planet—and our wallets. The average American household can stand to save $180 to $350 annually when switching from toilet paper to a bidet—and businesses can experience the same savings at scale if they make the switch.
To see this exciting, planet-friendly trend continue, this change has to happen beyond the home as well—and that means incorporating commercial bidets into public places. Our T22 Open Front Bidet Seat is (literally) the first step towards this change—and we’re excited to see more industries experience the benefits.