Just a few years ago, the average American might have scoffed at the idea of installing a bidet. The very mention of it might have drawn puzzled looks, jokes, or a quick flush of disinterest. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and toilet paper flew off store shelves faster than hand sanitizer, millions of Americans were forced to consider a cleaner, more efficient solution: the bidet.

Today, bidets are no longer just a European novelty or a luxury hotel amenity. Thanks to a combination of necessity, curiosity, and word-of-mouth, bidets have carved out a solid place in U.S. households. And companies like Eco Air are helping to lead the movement with modern, easy-to-install, and affordable options — like The Jon Bidet Toilet, a sleek model that blends comfort, hygiene, and technology in one simple upgrade.

A Pandemic Sparked a Hygiene Revolution

Before the pandemic, the bidet industry in the U.S. was relatively niche. Most Americans relied solely on toilet paper, with many having never even seen a bidet outside of a foreign hotel. But when toilet paper became scarce, interest in alternatives skyrocketed. Online retailers like BidetKing saw every unit sell out. The demand was so intense that air freight shipping became necessary just to restock products.

Some brands, like Tushy, experienced meteoric growth — reportedly jumping from $8 million in revenue in 2019 to $40 million in 2020. It was a signal that Americans were ready for a change, even if it was spurred by crisis.

While the toilet paper market eventually stabilized, the bidet didn’t fade away. Unlike masks and home workout equipment, bidets became a lasting fixture. According to industry estimates, the U.S. bidet market has continued growing by at least 20% annually, with even higher growth in 2023.

Options for Every Bathroom and Budget

What’s helped the industry thrive is the sheer variety of bidets available. From simple, cold-water attachments for under $50 to advanced models like Toto’s washlets — complete with heated seats, customizable water pressure, wireless remotes, and even warm air dryers — there’s something for everyone.

The Jon Bidet Toilet from Eco Air offers a perfect balance between practicality and performance. Designed to work with standard toilets, it’s ideal for those new to bidets as well as veterans seeking an affordable yet feature-rich model.

For many Americans, one bidet leads to more. Once converted, users often advocate for them to friends and family. Some even upgrade to advanced models after experiencing the convenience of basic attachments.

Even more surprising are the creative ways Americans have adopted bidets. Take Joe from Michigan, who repurposed a bidet discarded on the curb, sanitized it, and hooked it up with a simple adapter hose. His only regret? “Gosh, I wish I would have known about it sooner.”

Changing Perceptions: From Taboo to Trend

The hesitation around bidets in the U.S. has deep cultural roots. During World War II, American soldiers returning from Europe associated bidets with brothels, giving them an unseemly reputation. In the booming post-war housing era, U.S. homes were built without plumbing for separate bidet fixtures, unlike homes in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia.

But that perception is changing. More Americans are learning that bidets are standard in countries from Japan to Jordan. In fact, in many Muslim, Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures, using water for cleaning after bathroom use is not only preferred — it’s essential for religious and hygienic reasons.

Dr. Eyad Atieh, a resident physician in Illinois, explained how growing up in Jordan meant bidets were the norm. In his medical training, he also learned how bidets benefit people with conditions like hemorrhoids and hernias. “A big part of our culture is using water to clean,” he said, “otherwise you can’t be considered clean Islamically.”

The Environmental Angle

Beyond hygiene and comfort, many Americans are now recognizing the environmental advantages of using a bidet. Each roll of toilet paper requires water, trees, and chemicals to produce. Over time, switching to a bidet can drastically reduce household paper waste.

With climate change and sustainability on more people’s minds, bidets have become an eco-conscious choice. As one Green Matters article notes, using a bidet can reduce toilet paper usage by up to 75%, cutting down on deforestation and pollution associated with paper production.

A Cultural Shift in the Making

Toilet paper has long been ingrained in American culture. The Charmin bears, TPing houses, and jokes about “two-ply” have all reinforced the product’s hold on the public. But as more Americans travel, experience bidets abroad, and get recommendations from trusted friends, this perception is starting to shift.

Many new bidet users describe their first experience as eye-opening. Some, like Chicagoan Mikaela Koelzer, tried bidets in Japan before the pandemic and were instantly intrigued. When lockdowns and toilet paper shortages hit, she saw an opportunity to invest in her comfort — and hasn’t looked back since.

Final Flush

The bidet revolution isn’t just a pandemic fad — it’s a cultural and environmental shift. Americans are embracing the benefits of water-based hygiene, and the stigma is finally starting to wash away.

If you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom, explore the range of easy-to-install options at Eco Air. Whether you’re new to bidets or upgrading your current setup, models like The Jon Bidet Toilet offer a simple path to a cleaner, more comfortable life — no toilet paper panic necessary.