The five most common WASHLET® myths

People say all sorts of things about WASHLET®. Like “shower toilets aren’t hygienic” or “WASHLET® is expensive to maintain”. We’d like to clear up the five most common myths and correct these misconceptions once and for all.

WASHLET RG,RX,RW and SW in front of a white wall.

1. Myth: WASHLET® is a luxury product.

Many people think that WASHLET® is a high-end luxury product that only a select few can afford. This widespread myth simply isn’t true. Yes, WASHLET® provides a luxurious experience because of the improved hygiene and well-being people experience when using the toilet. When it comes to price, however, there are several options beyond just the top price segment. Many WASHLET® models are available with different features – but they all deliver maximum hygiene and outstanding comfort. In fact, you can even find WASHLET® at a low price – ideal for first-time users. TOTO products are generally a great value for money. You can start by contacting a TOTO partner and finding out which model might be the best for you and your needs – free of charge and with no obligation. Find your local retailer here.

2. Myth: Shower toilets are unhygienic.

When it comes to this one, you have nothing to worry about – with TOTO WASHLET®, that is. When it comes to hygiene, WASHLET® is practically unbeatable. You don’t have to worry about it being clean, even when multiple people use it. TOTO developed a number of hygiene technologies to keep WASHLET® as clean as before its first use.

Some of the unique technologies we use to ensure maximum hygiene:

Wand cleaned with EWATER+

TOTO WASHLET® automatically cleans the wand inside and out before and after each use, as well as every eight hours when not in use. And that’s not all: It uses TOTO’s unique EWATER+ technology. EWATER+ is electrolysed water that helps keep bacteria from accumulating, ensuring a long-lasting clean. And the wand regularly cleans itself when WASHLET® isn’t use, ensuring a consistently high level of hygiene at all times.

This is a schematic representation of the nozzle position. The nozzle is positioned above the wet area, in the dry area. The nozzle is attached to the seat and only protrudes into the wet area during use.

Wand above the toilet bowl

The wand on all TOTO WASHLET® models is always positioned above the toilet bowl and behind a protective flap. This keeps the wand from coming into contact with waste, faeces and dirty flush water. The wand also extends at an ideal angle to prevent any waste from falling onto it. Finally, the wand is made of a stain-resistant silicone-based material without any residual stress. These technologies and features, and especially the thorough, regular cleaning ensure that the wand stays clean and hygienic at all times.

This picture shows a completely smooth surface. The brown remains do not stick to it, but slide right off.

CEFIONTECT glaze

All WASHLET® toilet bowls are made with the especially effective CEFIONTECT glaze. CEFIONTECT isn’t like any other glaze. It’s so smooth that practically nothing sticks to it – making it easier for the flush to wash everything away.

Illustration of the water vortex inside the WC ceramic appliance

TORNADO FLUSH

TORNADO FLUSH rounds out the hygiene features for WASHLET®, ensuring a hygienic flush without producing any spray. The water circulates into the toilet bowl like a powerful whirlpool, effectively cleaning every inch of the toilet. And it even uses less water than conventional toilets.

3. Myth: WASHLET® requires a lot of maintenance – by a professional.

This isn’t true, either.

First of all, WASHLET® is a very durable and long-lasting product. TOTO also developed it to ensure that owners can easily perform their own regular maintenance themselves.

You can remove, clean and replace the spray nozzle on the wand yourself, for example. Descaling is also easy and doesn’t require any assistance from a technician. This article explains how it works.

You can also clean the deodorizing filter that covers the active carbon filter. Just remove the filter, rinse and allow to completely dry (important!) before replacing. It’s that simple.

4. Myth: Installing WASHLET® is expensive and impossible to do in rented flats.

Neither of these things are true. Installing WASHLET® doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can be done in just a few hours without making a big mess.

It helps if there’s already a cistern behind the wall to connect the shower toilet. You can ask your technician or, if you live in a rental, ask your management company or landlord.

5. Myth: WASHLET® is like every other shower toilet.

That’s just not true. You can’t really compare WASHLET® to conventional shower toilets. Why not? WASHLET® (“let wash”) gently washes the intimate areas rather than spraying them down. This alone makes a huge difference.

But that’s not all. You should pay close attention to the hygiene features and standards of quality when buying a shower toilet. There are huge differences between models available on the market.

Be sure to check and make sure any shower toilet you choose has the following hygiene features. They’re included with every TOTO WASHLET®:

- The wand is positioned above the toilet bowl and covered by a protective flap

- The wand is made of a silicone-based material

- The wand extends at a special angle, keeping it from coming into contact with waste and faeces

- The wand is cleaned with antibacterial water (before, during and after use, even when not used)

We listed all the other differences between WASHLET® and conventional shower toilets and also made a helpful checklist you can use while shopping. Check these out here.