When lockdown during the Coronavirus Pandemic hit, I watched on the television in horror as some stormed stores buying out as much toilet paper as possible. Is this what we have come to? Driving global deforestation with our bums? There's got to be a better way..

The rest of the world is not like this. Our reliance on paper products for cleaning ourselves is worth looking at. Many places in Europe are known for use of Bidets. But in many more places in the world where that technology might not be accessible to everyone, water is still the better way to clean. In the Middle East and Islamic world, ablution, a ritual cleansing with water, is an integral part of daily life and hygiene.

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Ablution often incorporates readily available resources like a water jug or simple tap.

Try it out..

Even if you cannot get an expensive bidet, for under $4, you can transform a simple squeeze bottle into your own personal bidet. Look for a bottle with a narrow spout (think ketchup or mustard dispenser) that holds around 1-2 cups of water. These provide optimal control and pressure for a targeted clean.

Here's the lowdown:

  1. Cleanliness matters: Thoroughly wash the bottle with hot soapy water and let it dry completely. Hygiene is key!
  2. Fill 'er up: Fill the bottle with lukewarm water. Aim for a comfortable temperature that's neither too hot nor too cold.
  3. Squeeze and aim: Gently squeeze the bottle to direct the stream towards the desired area. Start with light pressure and adjust as needed for comfort. A targeted stream is more effective than a forceful blast.
  4. Dry and store: After use, rinse the bottle again and let it air dry completely before storing. This helps prevent bacterial growth.
Remember, transitioning to a water-based routine is a personal journey. Start with the DIY option or explore bidets and travel bidets as your budget allows. The important thing is to find a method that leaves you feeling clean, confident, and environmentally conscious.

This post is unofficially brought to you by Culo Clean. They are a startup vendor in Spain that sells adjustable plastic bottle attachments that can make a bidet out of rubbish. You can buy single units off the Apple Chip Store, or as a tiered reward for supporting my work. You can find more about Culo Clean on their website, or on their Kickstarter.