Bidet vs Toilet Paper: Which is the Better Choice

Bidets clean better than toilet paper by using water instead of just wiping, and they save money, trees, and water over the long run, but toilet paper is cheaper upfront and needs no installation.

For most people looking for better hygiene and lower long-term costs, a bidet is the better choice, while toilet paper remains the simpler option if you don't want to install anything.

Toilet Paper vs Bidet: An Overview

From bidet toilet seats to fully integrated bidet toilets, there are key differences between bidets and traditional toilet paper. (Read more about the differences between a bidet toilet and a bidet seat).

No matter which you choose, these water-based cleaning systems promise:

✅ Better hygiene
✅ Cost savings
✅ Smaller environmental footprint

There’s growing support for bidets as the greener choice over traditional methods. However, not everyone is so eager to give up their long-trusted toilet tissue.

In this article, we’ll explore:

1. Hygiene
2. Environmental impact
3. Cost
4. Practicality
   

We will spotlight top-tier bidets available at Premier Bidets, like one of the best-sellers, the TOTO Washlet S7A. By the end, you’ll have the info to decide for yourself.

Bidets vs Toilet Paper: Which Is Cleaner?

The biggest question in this debate: hygiene.

Do bidets clean better? A bidet uses water to clean more effectively than toilet paper, which can potentially leave behind bacteria and residue. Water cleansing can be gentler and more thorough than wiping.

The result? Reduced risk of irritation and even infection.

Is a bidet cleaner than toilet paper? We say yes. Bidets can even help prevent UTIs, hemorrhoids, and skin irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin. The TOTO Washlet S7A (pictured above), for instance, includes Ewater+ sanitization to keep the water hygienic every time.

The key difference is that water cleansing can be gentler and more effective than wiping.

Is using a bidet better than toilet paper? We think it wins on this count. A bidet offers a deeper clean, reducing the spread of germs.

Bidet vs Toilet Paper: Environmental Impact

Which is more sustainable: toilet paper or a bidet? Do bidets really save toilet paper? The numbers are eye-opening.

Toilet paper usage in the U.S.:

❌ 36.5 billion rolls per year
❌ Requires about 15 million trees annually
❌ Uses 3.7 billion gallons of water per day – Based on the fact that one roll takes 37 gallons of water to produce.
❌ Each person’s lifetime toilet paper use cuts down ~4 trees (U.S.) or ~3.84 trees (global average)

Even recycled toilet paper and other recycled paper options require significant processing and water resources.

Bidets, on the other hand:

✅ Reduce toilet paper use by up to 75%: Many bidet users nearly eliminate TP use.

✅ Saves up to 2,000 gallons of water per person annually: Based on bidet vs. toilet paper production.

✅ Could save millions of trees if widely adopted: Would cut paper demand

✅ Can use as little as 0.125 gallons of water per use: Significantly lower than the 37 gallons per toilet paper roll.

✅ Electric bidets have a lower carbon footprint than toilet paper production: TP manufacturing requires deforestation, chemicals, and heavy water usage.

For the eco-friendly, bidets like the TOTO Neorest LS (pictured above) are designed with sustainability in mind. It features a highly efficient dual flush system, allowing users to choose between a lower or higher water volume per flush, significantly reducing water waste while maintaining powerful performance.

Bidet vs Toilet Paper: Cost Comparison

What costs more: bidet toilet seats or toilet paper?

A bidet has a higher upfront cost, but its long-term savings make it a smart investment.

With toilet paper expenses averaging $50–$100 per person yearly, lifetime costs can exceed $3,000. (Based on $50 per year and an 80-year lifespan)

A high-quality bidet seat, like the Eco-Nova Bidet Seat, can reduce toilet paper use dramatically and may pay for itself in just a few years, especially in larger households.

What about the installation costs? Most electric bidet seats, like the Bio Bidet BB-2000, just need a nearby outlet and can be set up in minutes. High-end models like the TOTO Neorest LS might need professional installation, but they replace your traditional toilet entirely, upgrading your bathroom fixtures completely.

Practical Considerations When Using a Bidet Seat vs. Toilet Paper

Are you supposed to wipe after a bidet? It depends. High-end models like the TOTO Neorest line are bidets with warm air dryers, eliminating toilet paper entirely.

Some users prefer the air dryer to avoid a wet backside, while others don't mind using a small amount of dry paper to pat dry.

Other options without air dryers may require a quick pat dry. Some users opt for reusable bidet towels to cut waste even more. Reducing waste is easier with a bidet than with toilet paper.

What’s an Alternative to Toilet Paper?

There are several options for alternatives to toilet paper, with bidet toilet seats being one of the best. Consider using:

• Bidets (electric or non-electric)

• Reusable cloths

• Biodegradable wipes

In places like Japan and Italy, bidet toilet seats are standard and seen as more hygienic. It’s a straightforward answer and solution to choosing an alternative to toilet paper.

Bidets and Reduced Plumbing Issues

Toilet paper can clog pipes, leading to costly repairs, especially in homes with older plumbing fixtures. We've all worried about this, especially those with kids.

Bidets can reduce toilet paper use by 75%, resulting in fewer clogs and the need for a plunger. The TOTO Neorest RS could be a great fit if that’s your concern.

Why Choose a Bidet Toilet Seat Over Toilet Paper?

Health and Comfort Benefits of Bidets

Bidets are gentler, more hygienic, and may reduce irritation, making them perfect for those with mobility issues, sensitive skin, or hemorrhoids. Models like the TOTO Washlet S7A add comfort with heated seats, warm water cleansing, and air drying.

Environmental and Cost Savings with Bidets

Switching to a bidet toilet attachment or bidet toilet combo can mean:

• Saving up to 15 million trees for the U.S. per year
• Using around 18 pounds less toilet paper
• Potential savings of $3,000 or more over a lifetime, depending on the bidet model, household size, and reduced toilet paper use
  

Here's what that looks like broken down per person each year:

Global Adoption: Bidets as a Time-Tested Solution

Bidets are used by 80-90% of people in Japan. Here in the West, the TOTO Washlet S7A brings that tradition forward with modern tech inspired by Japan’s bidet revolution.

Final Verdict: Toilet Paper vs. Bidet Sanitary — A Cleaner Winner?

For exceptional bathroom hygiene, bidets deliver a superior clean.

For the environment: Bidets save trees, water, and energy.

For cost: Toilet paper is cheaper short-term, but a bidet pays off in the long run.

So, are bidets better than toilet paper? Our take is that bidets are the cleaner, greener, smarter choice. Ready to switch? Explore this bidet collection for the ultimate bathroom upgrade.

Need help picking the right bidet?

Check out our Bidet buying guide for tips on finding your perfect model or call 707-297-3991 to talk to our bidet experts!