A Look at "Washlet" Toilets

Just when you thought everything was good the way it was, things are made better. A revolutionary toilet has been made in Japan: Washlet. Not only does this use a splash of water and a dryer to clean your bottom, but they are looking at having future models even test glucose levels or even pregnancy.

60% of Japanese households all ready have a washlet, so if you are going to be visiting any body over there any time soon, don't be surprised if you can't find any toilet paper.

Toilet paper has made quite a few changes. Back in the 6th century of medieval China was where the first human history of toilet paper was made. For many centuries after this, people have been using all different forms of toilet paper. In the 1700s, many people used their newspapers as a use of toilet paper since they were starting to become a common household item.

It wasn't until 1879 when Scott Paper company actually sells paper on a roll. Decades after this, toilet paper even begins to be advertised as "splinter free".

It seems like in this day and age, we are absolutely spoiled, but I'm not complaining.

The magic behind toilet paper verses regular paper is that it is pretty absorbent, but it also dissolves in the septic system when flushed. Could you imagine the mess made by actually throwing newspaper scraps or phone book pages in the toilet, like what was used long ago. However, in the times that people used these, they also had outhouses which was basically just holes in the ground.

Other alternative forms of toilet paper have been corn husks, cloth, and leaves. It has also been said that people use to wipe with their left hand, and that is why we shake with our right hands.

So what method would you prefer?

I find the thought of using a washlet, fascinating. It seems like it could really do the trick with cleaning, without having to 'do it yourself'. I think what a better way to add more confidence in your day than to come out of the bathroom feeling clean.

Sounds kind of embarrassing to talk about, doesn't it?

Well it kind of is, in the United States culture. Many people (and I don't mean every one) do not like to talk openly about toiletry habits. Grabbing a magazine or newspaper (or even your Gameboy) and heading to the bathroom to do your duty is something people won't come back to the office and discuss. Why would we? Then again, I'm sure some of people's greatest ideas come from there.

Some have described the washlet to be a very pampering thing. Well, we all like to be pampered. This is essentially another bidet spray that was used in other countries, but part of your toilet.

There are standard models of the washlet that would only cost someone a few hundred dollars. There are also better models that could cost someone up to $5,000. There are features where it actually have a sensor on it, so when you walk away it will shut the lid for you and flush.

Now for you women out there who have men in your lives that don't like to put the lid down, this could be something to smile about. Or maybe you just live with people that refuse to flush. Yuck.

Well this washlet is taking care of all that filth. Not only is it keeping you as an individual clean and fresh, but also your bathroom clean. It also has a built-in computer that remembers your habits so that it can go between energy saving mode or a higher powered cyclonic jet to help save on water.

Now what's the verdict?

I would openly say that I would definitely be up for trying this. It could be a really strange experience at first, but if 60% of Japanese households all ready have it, then that is telling you that this is catching on pretty quick.

It would save on the headache of being ready to grab the toilet paper, to realize you are all out or that it is too far away to reach! We all know those moments, I am sure.

As of now the washlet has been installed mostly in wealthy homes. But believe it or not, this has been around for a long time. I have yet to see one though.

Perhaps in the future when people become more open to the idea, we'll see them popping up in homes everywhere.