Even though it may be new to most Americans, the handheld bidet sprayer has been used by people in other countries for a long time. It is simple, affordable, and multifunctional. That’s why many people prefer it to an electric bidet seat.
When you get your first handheld bidet sprayer, you may have no idea how to use it. Don’t worry! I will explain how to use a handheld bidet sprayer correctly in this post. Follow my guide, and you are all set.
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What is a handheld bidet sprayer?
In bidet history, handheld bidet sprayers played an important role. It is popular in many Muslim countries because people prefer washing rather than wiping. They call the device to wash their nether region “shattaf.” Except for it, handheld bidet sprayers are also called “bidet hose,” “bum gun,” or “handheld bidet.”
Usually, a handheld bidet sprayer consists of a T-valve, a hose, a spray head, and a holder or hook. It makes use of the household’s water supply directly and gets water by using a T-valve.
You can hook it on the side of the toilet or mount it on the wall. It looks just like a sprayer in the kitchen.
In fact, it can not only wash your butt but wash down the shower walls, clean the cloth diapers, wash your hair, and even clean your pet.
Thank to the simple construction, these sprayers are cost-effective, and learning how to use them would not take much time.
How to use a handheld bidet sprayer (bidet hose) properly?
Albeit handheld bidet sprayers are easy to use, there is still a short learning curve. To make it easier, I divide the whole process into several steps.
Step 1: Turn on the T-valve
The T-valve is attached to the toilet’s fill valve, allowing the water to divert and bidet simultaneously. When the handheld bidet is not in use, the T-valve will be turned off.
So your first step is to turn on the T-valve to let the water come into the hose. The water will not prop out until you push the trigger.
Step 2: Adjust the water pressure
As you know, bidet sprayers are powered by water pressure at home, usually high. Therefore, the water stream that comes out from the head could be too strong for your sensitive area.
It is better to be safe than sorry. So I advise you to test the spray ahead to ensure the water force is comfortable for you.
Step3: Position the sprayer head
It would be a bit awkward for you when you try to position the sprayer head for the first time. After doing your business, grab the bidet sprayer head and lower it into the toilet bowl.
There are two ways to place the bidet sprayer head. You can either lower it down through the rear of the seat or place it into the bowl through the space between your legs. Be sure your hands and elbow can move in a natural way, and the angle of the water stream will spray upward and target the right area.
Note that the water spray will not stay just under the target area. You should adjust the angle to let the waste fall into the bowl without spreading to other places.
For females, it is better to wash from the front to back, helping to prevent prospective infections. Bidets are safe for women as long as you use them in the right way.
Step 4: Push the trigger
Once you feel the sprayer is in the right position, you can start to push the trigger. Remember to push it slowly, ensuring the water stream is not too strong for you.
It usually takes less than 1 minute to get yourself clean, and then you need to release the trigger and put the bidet sprayer head back.
Step 5: Dry you off
As handheld bidets are non-electric, there are no air dryers available. To dry you off, you can take one or two sheets of toilet paper to dab it. It is the most convenient way to do it, but you still need to use a small amount of toilet paper.
For some eco-conscious people, using bidet towels would be another option. Just remember to wash it regularly and give everyone a specific color.
If you have time, you can remain seated, and the air dries it.
Step 6: Turn off the T-valve
Last but not least, you should turn off the T-valve. It prevents the water pressure from building up in the water hose. Forgetting to close the T-valve is one of the main reasons why a handheld bidet sprayer starts to leak. Sometimes, a leak could cause a flood in the end.
You don’t want to deal with a bathroom full of water after a long day of hard work. The leak will not start on the first day but will happen at some point you never expect. Therefore, you should ask yourself to become accustomed to closing the T-valve in day-to-day life.
Bottom line
In this post, I illustrate elaborately how to use a handheld bidet sprayer correctly. It will take some trial-and-error, but you will get the hang of it quickly.
One thing worth mentioning again is that bidet sprayers come with high water pressure, so that you should test the pressure ahead and push the trigger gently to avoid any discomfort.
Another important thing while using a bidet sprayer is turning off the T-valve after using it. It is critical to prevent leaking, but it is often being ignored.
Follow my guide and start your bidet journey right now!