Many tourists end up in Italy and are very confused about what to do with the odd bidet sitting next to the toilet in their hotel room or Airbnb.
If you are traveling or invited to somebody’s house with a stand alone bidet, here is a list of what to not do with one:
Wash your feet
Coming back from the beach, your feet are surely sandy so what better way to clean them off than in the bidet. Well, no, that is not what it is for and you risk clogging the drain with any sand or dirt from your feet. Also, unless you’ve personally washed the bidet, how certain are you that it’s clean?
Bathe a pet
It may look like the perfect size and height to double as a pet bathtub, but don’t attempt to clean your pet in one. An Airbnb host in Italy confided in me that he often has to clear out the drain of the bidet due to many tourists bathing their pet in the bidet. This is rude and inconsiderate of your host if you attempt this.
Use it as a trash bin
Another complaint from this host is that he often finds the bidet full of used tissues and other trash after American and British tourists stay in his apartment.
Never throw anything in the bidet. Use the trash bin in the bathroom or put a bag in there if one hasn’t been provided.