People can manually deactivate the heated seat for specific periods of time, or WASHLET may recognise times of little or no use and automatically reduce the temperature.
- Welcome to the world of WASHLET
- How do bidet toilets work?
- Wand jet
- Warm water cleansing
- Dryer
- Deodorizer
- Heated seat
- Save personal settings
- Sensor-activated functions
- Attachment or all-in-one
- Cleaning and care
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- Wand jet
- The ceramic toilet
- Upgrade toilet to WASHLET
- Toilet today, WASHLET tomorrow
- Bidet toilets and aging
- Who can help if the bidet toilet malfunctions?
- Costs
- History
A Japanese manufacturer of bathroom products with decades of experience, TOTO has always been synonymous with innovation, quality and a keen understanding of people’s needs. One product embodies this mindset especially well: WASHLET – the TOTO bidet toilet. Today, it’s an indispensable part of modern bathrooms for millions of people around the world. Its success story dates back to Japan in 1980.
The name “WASHLET®” comes from “Let’s WASH”. It describes the gentle warm water cleansing this toilet provides – a natural, hygienic alternative to conventional toilet paper. It’s no coincidence that this product had such great initial success in Japan, where cleanliness and hygiene are so deeply rooted in the culture. Today, 70% of private homes in Japan have bidet toilets – and these have spread from Japan throughout the entire world.
TOTO has sold 70 million WASHLET models world-wide, more than any other manufacturer. And the bidet toilet has since become an indispensable part of many bathrooms. This guide will explain the benefits and technologies of the bidet toilet – so you know what to look for when shopping for your own.
!TIP: Not all bidet toilets are the same – there are very large differences in quality. Take the time to figure out which features are important to you before deciding on a specific product.
How do bidet toilets work?
A bidet toilet is more than just a conventional toilet. It combines the features of a toilet with gentle, hygienic cleansing using water. After using the toilet, it’s possible to wash the intimate areas with warm water flowing from the integrated wand jet. Bidet toilets only use natural tap water for this purpose.
Activating the cleansing feature is easy using the remote control. Modern bidet toilets also offer a number of other functionalities designed to make using the toilet much more comfortable and pleasant.
Wand jet
The wand jet can clean either the rear or front intimate areas. It’s possible to adjust the water pressure, temperature and wand position in line with personal needs.
More sophisticated bidet toilets also offer different spray types designed for specific purposes. This is standard among TOTO WASHLET models.
Rear cleansing washes the anal area. Large, voluminous drops of water provide a thorough clean – for a comfortable feeling that uses minimal water.
Rear soft cleansing is another spray with a larger diameter, which makes it possible to clean a bigger area. The very fine drops of water feel especially gentle on the skin.
The front cleansing setting is designed for women’s intimate areas. The large, soft drops of water deliver a very soft, comfortable and clean feeling.
These spray types can be enhanced with an additional oscillating and/or pulsating mode. The additional oscillating cleansing feature moves the wand back and forth for a deep clean.
The pulsating cleansing feature alternates between hard and soft water pressure.
Warm water cleansing
Today’s bidet toilets use warm water for more comfortable cleansing. Basic models usually have a warm water tank for this purpose. The downside of this system is that the water is only warm for a limited period of time. Once the warm water in the tank is used, cleansing continues with cold water. The amount of time it takes to heat water in the tank is another disadvantage.
Other bidet toilets are directly connected to a warm water line. In addition to the special plumbing requirements involved in the building – a hot water circulation system is ideal – anticipated installation costs are higher.
People who value comfort and want to avoid cold water “surprises” should look for models with an integrated continuous flow heater. Every WASHLET has one, ensuring warm water at all times – for a consistently comfortable clean.
!TIP: If being able to use the warm water cleansing feature for an unlimited amount of time is important to you, be sure to choose a model with an integrated continuous flow heater.
Dryer
Many modern bidet toilets also include a dryer, which people can activate following the warm water wash. It’s usually possible to adjust the temperature of the dryer as needed. TOTO has the most effective warm air dryer in WASHLET as demonstrated in a 2017 test conducted by Germany industry publication SBZ.
The air temperature ranged from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius depending on the setting. One measure of quality is the drying power, which improves by combining the ideal heating performance with the volume and angle of air flow.
!TIP: The dryer isn’t as important to some people. It can, however, play a major role for those with limited mobility due to age, injury or illness.
Deodorizer
A deodorizer is an especially positive feature in bidet toilets. It eliminates unpleasant odours directly from the toilet bowl during and after use, keeping them from spreading throughout the bathroom.
The drawn-in air passes through the filter, binding odour molecules to the porous surface of the activated carbon. The filtered, nearly odour-free air then flows back into the room. The system keeps the bathroom smelling fresh, which is especially welcome when multiple people use the bathroom one after the other.
Included in most WASHLET models except the entry-level WASHLET RG Lite, the deodorizer starts working automatically when someone sits down. After drawing air directly from the toilet bowl, the powerful activated carbon filter neutralises odours effectively and discreetly without the user needing to do a thing. The result: greatly enhanced comfort and hygiene that reinforces the premium standards of TOTO WASHLET.
Heated seat
Many bidet toilets have a heated seat. Most people like this feature, especially in the winter. It’s usually possible to adjust the temperature or turn the heated seat off completely using the remote control. Since heated seats use more electricity, TOTO WASHLET models include smart energy saving modes.
!TIP: If you definitely want a heated seat on your new bidet toilet, be sure that it’s easy to clean and warms evenly.
Save personal settings
Most bidet toilets allow you to store personal settings for different users, including the water temperature and pressure, as well as the position of the wand used for intimate cleansing. To activate these personal settings, simply press the corresponding button on the remote control.
Sensor-activated functions
Many high-quality bidet toilets also come with additional sensor-activated functions that promote hygiene by making them essentially touch free to use.
These include the lid, which automatically raises when someone approaches the bidet toilet and lowers after use.
TOTO’s automatic flush is another great convenience. WASHLET registers the duration of use and activates the “small” or “large” flush accordingly, making the bidet toilet almost touch free and very hygienic. The TOTO WC element is necessary for this feature.
!TIP: Sensor-activated functions allow for nearly touch-free use. This can be especially welcoming and hygienic in guest bathrooms, for example.
Bidet toilet. Attachment or all-in-one solution?
Bidet toilet manufacturers generally offer two different versions: bidet attachments and all-in-one bidet toilets.
Bidet attachments either have a universal design for a variety of different toilets or are created to fit specific models. All of the technical elements are integrated in the attachment, with the wand jet positioned above the toilet bowl.
All-in-one bidet toilets have most of the technical elements built into the ceramic. The wand jet is positioned either partially or entirely inside the toilet bowl.
Both versions have specific advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to everyday hygiene and cleanliness, TOTO offers custom-fit bidet attachments that ingeniously combine function and aesthetics in one compact solution. Since the entire functional unit – including the wand jet – is always positioned above the toilet bowl, the bidet system is ideally protected from unwanted contamination, like contact with faeces or wastewater in the event of a clog.
Bidet attachments also offer another decisive advantage: Depending on the model, it’s possible to upgrade the toilet to a bidet at a later point in time. TOTO offers special toilets and so-called FlexCovers for this purpose. If you want to start with a conventional toilet, it’s possible to place FlexCovers over the openings for the electrical and water connections and install a regular seat. This makes a future WASHLET upgrade quick and easy – without needing to replace the entire toilet.
Cleaning and taking care of the bidet toilet
Cleaning the bidet toilet isn’t that different from a conventional toilet – but it does require a little more attention.
The actual bidet unit is generally made of plastic and best cleaned using a soft, damp cloth – and a neutral detergent if it’s especially dirty. Avoid abrasive cleansers and sponges as these can damage the surface. We also recommend cleaning the air filter regularly.
Regions with very hard water require regular descaling just like any other products that use water. Depending on the manufacturer, the bidet toilet may automatically indicate when descaling is necessary. This usually involves activating a special cleaning cycle and pouring a descaling agent into the device. Some descaling agents need to be diluted with water before use. Consumer-friendly WASHLET models don’t require any manufacturer-specific descaling agent. Instead, any commonly available descaling product containing pure citric acid is suitable.
Cleaning the bidet toilet bowl is just like a conventional toilet. Among the many advances in toilet design over the past several years is the introduction of the easy-to-clean rimless toilet bowl, found in many of today’s state-of-the-art models.
In these models, it’s impossible for waste or limescale to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas under the rim of the toilet bowl. Toilet flush systems have also advanced along with this rimless design. The best flushes available on the market propel the water into the toilet bowl like a whirlpool. They use the combined force from multiple jets of water to thoroughly wash away the waste, leaving as little residue behind as possible. High-quality ceramic glazes also help the cleaning process. Durable, yet ultra-smooth surfaces make it more difficult for waste and limescale to accumulate, allowing for the use of less aggressive cleaning products.
TOTO was the first manufacturer to introduce the rimless toilet bowl and circulating Tornado Flush upon entering the European market in 2009. Rimless toilet bowls with the powerful Tornado Flush and Cefiontect glaze are standard at TOTO.
!TIP: Please note that you can use commonly available descaling products for the descaling function and avoid expensive manufacturer orders.
How do bidet toilets ensure cleanliness and hygiene?
Today’s bidet toilets can enhance people’s personal hygiene and well-being. Many models have features that help keep the bidet toilet consistently clean. When comparing different options, it makes sense to learn about the available hygiene and cleaning features as these differ greatly between manufacturers and models.
Common features include automatic cleaning programs for the wand jet, rimless toilet bowls and special glazes that make it more difficult for waste and limescale to stick. Integrated descaling functions as well as a fresh water rinse before and after each use can help maintain high standards of hygiene for longer periods of time. Amenities like a warm air dryer, deodorizer and touch-free functions can make bidet toilets more convenient while improving the hygiene factor even further.
Wand jet – the centrepiece for hygiene
The wand jet is the centrepiece of every bidet toilet. It should always be as clean as if it were brand new. Many models use smart surfaces or hygiene technologies, like automatic cleaning before and after each use , to achieve this goal. Here, WASHLET cleans the wand jet with fresh water before and after each use. TOTO also developed their EWATER+ technology, which utilises electrolysed water for cleaning – similar to the food and beverage industry. Cleaning the wand jet with EWATER+ again after use helps keep it clean for an especially long time.
The wand jet position plays an important role in the cleaning process. Sophisticated bidet toilets extend the wand jet at a defined angle to reduce the risk of contact with waste or urine to a minimum.
Mechanical protection for the wand jet is also important while people use the toilet. To keep the wand jet from coming into contact with urine or waste, several bidet toilets have a protective flap that covers it until its time for warm water cleansing. This flap helps keep the wand jet clean and hygienic.
In addition to the self-cleaning features, EWATER+, protective flap for the wand jet and optimised angle during use, WASHLET uses the special CLEAN RESIN material for the wand jet. Made from the best silicone-based, stain-resistant materials, CLEAN RESIN has an advanced molecular structure that effortlessly repels waste, residue and impurities.
Depending on the model, this particular material may be found in the seat ring or WASHLET unit. For more information, see the WASHLET Overview.
!TIP: Please be sure to choose a model that keeps the wand jet as clean as possible: covered by a protective flap, positioned above the toilet bowl, and automatic cleaning inside and out – before and after each use.
A clean foundation – the ceramic toilet
Hygiene and cleanliness also play an important role when it comes to the toilet bowl. Models featuring a rimless design, whirlpool flush and special surface treatments are commonly available on the market. Depending on the manufacturer and model, bidet toilets can also help improve hygiene inside the toilet bowl. The simplest version of this automatically activates the flush immediately before use. This covers the surface of the toilet bowl with water, making it more difficult for waste to cling.
TOTO goes one step further, conserving resources while improving usability with their PREMIST function. This sprays the toilet bowl with a fine mist of water prior to use, which helps prevent residue from sticking as much as it would to a dry surface. After use, WASHLET sprays the bowl with EWATER+, which has the same cleaning effect as on the wand jet. This combination keeps the toilet bowl cleaner longer, eliminating the need for aggressive cleaning products.
The quality of the ceramic itself also plays an important role. Premium toilets have a rimless bowl, which eliminates hard-to-reach spots where waste and germs can collect. It’s easy to reach and thoroughly clean every part of the toilet. The circulating flush combines the forces of the water for especially effective cleaning. Together, the rimless bowl, powerful whirlpool flush and resistant glaze ensure a long-lasting clean.
Is it possible to upgrade a toilet to a bidet toilet?
It’s possible to convert a conventional toilet to a bidet toilet at any time. Remember: A bidet toilet requires water and electricity. For this reason, it’s best to think about this during your initial planning. Ask your designer or plumber about bidet toilets when designing the bathroom. Preparing for these two connections is usually relatively inexpensive as the bathroom already has water, and electrical sockets are easy to install wherever needed in new constructions. Bidet toilet manufacturers usually provide installation data sheets detailing the necessary measurements and requirements.
Toilet today, WASHLET tomorrow
Bathroom renovations or new constructions can be quite expensive. It’s not always possible to plan or budget for a bidet toilet from the outset. People’s needs often change over time, or they may only realise the added benefit after the fact. TOTO offers special toilets that allow for fast, easy WASHLET upgrades – so people can keep this option open for the future.
Learn more about the TOTO toilets designed for future WASHLET upgrades here .
These special toilets already include the openings necessary for the water and electricity connections. You can place so-called FlexCovers over these openings to use the toilet with a standard seat at first. To upgrade to WASHLET later on, simply remove the covers, guide the water and electricity connections through the openings and install WASHLET. The fastest and easiest way to do this is using the TOTO Frame System for WASHLET. Learn more here.
Can bidet toilets help with aging or health issues?
Bidet toilets can be very helpful to older people and those with limited mobility, allowing them to get through their everyday lives without needing assistance in using the toilet. Good bidet toilets have remote controls with all features easily accessible, making it possible to activate every option with the touch of a button – from intimate cleansing to the dryer. This means more independence and dignity for people with mobility issues. Like a conventional toilet, it’s possible to add support handles and other aids to help users sit down and stand up. Another upgrade could involve the installation on a height-adjustable frame system or a toilet lift.
A bidet toilet can provide a number of benefits for people with different physical limitations or sensitivities in the intimate areas. In addition to feeling good, warm water cleansing is especially gentle and hygienic. It can help reduce stress, especially if certain movements or grips are difficult or uncomfortable – improving everyday personal hygiene with added convenience and comfort.
A bidet toilet can offer valuable support in everyday life. It isn’t a replacement for medical advice or treatment, however. When in doubt, always be sure to consult a doctor.
Who can help if the bidet toilet malfunctions?
A bidet toilet is a technologically sophisticated product powered by electricity. It’s designed to be essentially maintenance free. But like every other electronic device, malfunctions can occur. In these situations, it’s essential to get quick, expert and reliable support.
People can still use a bidet toilet like a conventional one if it malfunctions. But once they get used to the comfort and hygiene of warm water cleansing, they won’t want to do without it for long.
This is why quick, reliable customer service is a priority at TOTO. The goal is to complete every job within five working days – ideally during the first on-site visit. TOTO has established a network of licensed, specially trained service technicians across the entire German-speaking region of Germany, Austria and Switzerland to meet this aim.
For more information about after-sales service and TOTO’s around-the-clock customer service form, please see: After-sales Service
!TIP: Learn about the manufacturer’s customer service before buying. Our partner technicians can register you for a one-year extended warranty upon request.
How much do bidet toilets cost?
Like any other product, the price of a bidet toilet depends on its quality and available functionalities. For this reason, it’s important to take the time to see which features each model offers – and which best meet your own needs.
Brief history of the bidet toilet
The bidet toilet’s success story started in Japan in the 1980s, when TOTO developed the so-called WASHLET® – a name derived from the words “let wash”. Ever since, TOTO has sold their bidet toilets under the WASHLET® brand name. Mass production of these innovative bathroom products also started in the 1980s.
Today, TOTO is the undisputed market leader in Japan with WASHLET® models in around 75% of Japanese households. To keep up with the strong international demand, TOTO has established production facilities across Asia, the United States and Mexico. So far, TOTO has sold over 70 million WASHLET® models – more than any other manufacturer.
TOTO has also been active on the European market since 2009. The European headquarters is located in Düsseldorf, with additional sales offices in London and Paris. These three locations serve nearly the entire continent.
TOTO’s entry into the European market brought about a new way of thinking, with many European bathroom manufacturers developing their own modern toilet solutions as a result. The European market has since become quite significant. More and more people are recognising the benefits of gentle, hygienic warm water cleansing and appreciate the fresh, clean and comfortable feeling it provides.