How to Clean a Bidet

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: October 8, 2020

Using a bidet is easier than you might think, and cleaning it is even simpler. Cleaning a bidet is not too different from cleaning a showerhead and toilet. There are several types of bidets: hand-held nozzles installed next to the toilet, electric bidets installed at the back of the toilet seat, or a separate ceramic bowl with faucets. Regardless of the bidet you use, the nozzle and bowl can be easily cleaned with vinegar and mild detergent respectively.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Bowl

1
Wipe down the bidet regularly, at least once a week. Use vinegar or a mild household detergent squirted onto a damp cleaning cloth. Wipe over the bidet with the cloth and leave to air dry. Rinse the cleaning cloth immediately after use with hot water to keep it clean.^{[1]
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- Keeping a cleaning cloth and pack of disposable gloves near the bidet can help encourage all those using the bidet to keep it clean.
- Use gentle cleaning materials. Because the bidet’s ceramic surface can be easily scratched or damaged, it’s important to use vinegar or a mild detergent and soft cleaning cloth.
2
Clean underneath the bidet seat with a mild detergent. If your bidet has a seat, clean beneath it at least once a year. Lift the seat by pressing the button on the side of the seat near the electrical cord and pulling up with your hands. If there’s no button, lift the seat by pulling it up and forward. Clean beneath the seat with a mild detergent.

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3
Replace the carbon air deodorizer. Unlike aerosols, which block smell with another (more pleasant) odor, carbon air deodorizers filter the air, leaving it free of unwanted odors. To ensure a fresh, clean scent, replace the carbon air deodorizer when it has stopped being effective.
- Most carbon air deodorizers last a few years and some are designed to last as long as your unit.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Nozzle

1
Use the self-cleaning feature if applicable. Many bidet nozzles have a self-cleaning feature, making their maintenance very simple. To activate it, twist the knob to “Nozzle Cleaning.” If this feature is used regularly, you may never need to clean it manually.
2
Use vinegar and a toothbrush to manually clean the nozzle. For all other bidets, clean the nozzle at least once a month by pressing the cleaning button for 3 seconds until the nozzle comes forward for cleaning. Then use water mixed with vinegar and a soft toothbrush to clean the nozzle. ^{[2]
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- If your unit has a second nozzle, press the button again to extend and clean it.
3
Soak a removable nozzle tip in vinegar to unclog it. If the nozzle has low water pressure, chances are it’s clogged.
- Extend the nozzle using the cleaning button and then unplug the unit so that the nozzle doesn’t retract while you’re still cleaning the nozzle tip. Carefully remove the nozzle tip by gently wiggling or twisting the nozzle.
- Leave it in vinegar for 2-4 hours, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush to remove all the water deposits.
- Reattach the nozzle tip and plug the unit back in.
4
Unclog a non-removable nozzle tip with a Ziploc bag of vinegar.^{[3]
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Research source} If the nozzle doesn’t have a removable tip, extend the nozzle and unplug the unit, then attach a vinegar-filled Ziploc bag to the nozzle with a rubber band or tape, making sure the nozzle tip is completely submerged in the vinegar.
- Remove the bag after 2-4 hours clean the tip with a toothbrush, and plug the unit back in.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Removing Tough Stains

1
Soak the opening at the bottom of the bowl in vinegar overnight. If there’s water inside the bowl, sop it up with an old towel, and then pour a generous amount of white vinegar inside the bidet bowl. Leave the vinegar in the bowl overnight.^{[4]
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2
Use toilet paper dipped in vinegar to remove stains from the edges of the bowl. Dip wads of toilet paper or paper towels into the vinegar and stick them to the stained areas around the edge of the bowl, or any location where the vinegar does not reach directly. Let them sit overnight.^{[5]
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3
Scrub the bowl with a cleaning cloth to finish removing the stains. Remove the toilet paper and scrub the inside of the bowl with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Then, rinse the bowl with water. Repeat the process if necessary.^{[6]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

Are you supposed to wipe before using a bidet?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

The bidet can be used however it best works for you. However, typically the bidet is used in place of toilet paper. Some bidets will have a "dry feature" on the bidet, or if you feel more comfortable, you can use toilet paper after using the bidet to dry off.
Question

Is a bidet for a man or a woman?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

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People of all ages and genders can use the bidet! It's not made specifically for a certain gender.
Question

Can you pee in a bidet?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

No, if the bidet is a stand-alone unit, you are not supposed to use the bidet to flush any human waste. The stand-alone unit is solely meant to rinse and clean off. However, some bidets are built into a toilet seat. In that case, you would use the toilet and the bidet all in one.

Warning

Avoid using abrasive materials. Scrubbing pads and powdered cleaners can scratch the ceramic or hard plastic surface of the bidet. Strong chemicals, such as bleach, acidic or alkaline cleansers, thinner, and benzine could also damage its surface.
Always unplug the bidet before cleaning it.