With their cost efficiency, better cleaning, and environmental friendliness, bidets have proved themselves worth considering over all other means.
Today, the market is full of bidets of different types and styles.
While it is comparatively easy to choose and purchase a bidet, it is quite difficult to maintain and keep a bidet clean.
So this article is for all the handheld bidet sprayer users who prefer to clean their bidet themselves.
After thorough and in-depth research, we have brought forth for you, this article covers every point on how you can keep your bidet sprayer clean.
Cost Of Cleaning Handheld Bidets
Professional cleaning charges for bidets differ from one company to the other.
Professional service is likely to be costly but you can always get your bidet sprayer cleaned by local plumbers which will not cost you more than $40-50.
You can also do it yourself.
Although some bidet sprayers have self-cleaning functions, they require manual cleaning from time to time.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Bidet Spray Clean?
● It is important to make sure that the nozzle heads are not clogged with build-ups or sediments.
This is way more common in areas where hard water is supplied.
● Regular cleaning gives a longer life to the handheld bidets.
● It saves you a lot of money in the long run that would be required for professional cleaning if the bidet stops working.
How To Clean A Bidet Sprayer (Daily/Monthly/6 Months)
It must be noted that not all bidets can be cleaned in the same manner yet most have similar features and can be cleaned according to the following steps.
➤ Daily Cleaning Process
Although some bidet sprayers have self-cleaning functions, there are certain small tasks that we can carry out every day to keep our bidet sprayers clean and ensure they last long.
Step 1: If there is little or no dirt/ dust
Check if your bidet has a nozzle wash feature and use it every day to keep your bidet clean. The function of the nozzle wash feature keeps running water over the sprayer’s nozzle till it is clean.
Step 2: If there is light dirt or even dust after not using for some time
In case you have not used your bidet sprayer for some time and there is a light layer of dust on the surface, you can try using a damp cloth, preferably a soft one.
For light dust and dirt, wipe the seat and crevices that you can reach without removing the bidet using a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Opting for a cleanser seems like a good option.
Your bidet may have a germ protection layer but it is always good to be careful.
Step 3: For heavy and settled dirt
After days or weeks of no usage or no cleaning, there might be a layer of dust or dirt settled on the bidet.
For this sort of dirt, it will be best to soak a cloth in dishwashing detergent or any other soap that has a neutral pH.
This will protect the surface of the bidet and clean it thoroughly at the same time.
➤ Monthly Cleaning Process
Even if you have cleaned your bidet sprayers regularly, there is a chance that they might still have mineral build-ups and rusted parts.
Hence it becomes important to go for thorough cleaning of the bidet sprayers at least once every month.
Sometimes, bidets are left unused for long periods of time.
This might lead to serious damage of parts and may cause malfunctioning. Here is what you can do to keep your bidets neat and clean.
Step 1: Detach the various parts of the bidet for cleaning
Remove the nozzle cover and wash it with lukewarm water.
Allow it to dry naturally.
If your bidet has a nozzle wash feature use it every day to keep your bidet clean, it is a brilliant idea to detach the parts and wash them by yourself once a month.
Step 2: Reassemble all the parts
Once the parts have dried naturally, assemble them again and your bidet sprayer is as good as new.
➤ Semi-Annual Cleaning Process
There are certain bidet parts that need to be paid attention to once in a while.
There are a few of us who have no plumbing skills at all.
For people in this category, it is important to opt for professional cleaning or servicing from the company itself.
This can be done once every six months or twice a year.
Step 1: Strainer Cleaning
Almost all bidet sprayers include a strainer at the mouth of the inlet.
This strainer prevents excess dirt or mineral deposits from building up.
If not cleaned after every 6 months, this strainer may prevent the bidet from functioning normally.
To clean this strainer, you will have to first stop the water supply and then clean it after removing the filter.
This cleaning will prevent the strainer from rusting too.
Follow these steps to clean the strainer of the bidet sprayer:
● Shut off the valve of the water supply.
● Use the flush of the toilet to make sure that no water is left in the system.
● Remove the screw of the nut of the water hose.
● Make use of a toothbrush with soft bristles to remove any sort of debris on the strainer.
● After the cleaning process is over, put the screw of the hose back in place.
Finally, open the valve of the water supply.
Step 2: What to do if you live in an area with a hard water supply?
In case you live someplace where soft water is not available, there are water filters in the market that will help provide an extra protective layer to your bidet sprayer.
They will cost you around $25 but is quite effective in preventing mineral deposits. These too must be renewed once every 6 months.
Points To Keep In Mind While Cleaning Bidets
1. Generally speaking, it is wise to keep your bidet sprayer far away from chemicals and powders that tend to clean other metal surfaces.
Bleach is one of the items that you must not use to clean your bidet sprayer. Products that have too much chlorine in them can lead to serious damage to O-rings (usually made of rubber) and can cause leakage.
2. Try not to use a scrubber which may lead to scratches on the surface.
3. Washing certain parts of the bidet sprayer after detaching them from the bidet. You must never completely submerge the bidet sprayer in water or soap to clean them.
4. The previous point is useful, especially for bidets that run on electricity. It might lead to a shock hazard. Make sure that you have unplugged the bidet before cleaning it.
5. Shut off the valve of the water supply and use the flush of the toilet to make sure that no water is left in the system.
6. The best way to ensure proper cleaning of your bidet is to consult the user manual from the company. So if you wish to detach parts before cleaning, the user manual will have accurate steps mentioned. After all, not all models are similar.
7. Bidet sprayers and all sorts of attachments are generally made of plastic of a durable kind. Any harsh chemical cleaner will affect and damage the plastic.
Products that have too much chlorine in them can lead to serious damage to O-rings (usually made of rubber) and can cause leakage.
8. Always use a soft, slightly damp cloth. Opting for a cleanser seems like a good option. Your bidet may have a germ protection layer but it is always good to be careful.
Final Words
Now that you know the different ways to keep your bidet clean, make sure you follow them to keep the bidets working and lasting long.
Remember that all models are different and the user manuals can guide you about the parts.
FAQs
Are bidets easy to clean?
Bidets are unexpectedly easy to clean.
Although some bidet sprayers have a self-cleaning function, there are certain small tasks that we can carry out every day to keep our bidet sprayers clean and ensure they last long.
How does a self-cleaning bidet work?
A bidet has a nozzle wash feature to keep your bidet clean.
The function of the nozzle wash feature keeps running water over the sprayer’s nozzle till it is clean.
There are bidets that can remove microbes as well as bidets that use solvents to keep the bidet clean.
Can bidets cause infections?
No. On the contrary, bidets can go a long way to reducing infections.
Nevertheless, it is important to keep your bidet clean to ensure no infections. Mineral buildups and bacteria formation can lead to infections.
How do you clean a Tushy bidet nozzle?
In case you have not used your bidet sprayer for some time and there is a light layer of dust on the surface, you can try using a damp cloth, preferably a soft one.
For light dust and dirt, wipe the toilet seat and crevices that you can reach without removing the bidet using a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Opting for a cleanser seems like a good option. Your bidet may have a germ protection layer but it is always good to be careful.
