We've all heard talk about toilet paper being an ineffective way to clean. And let's face it, you can't beat a good wash.
But while some people prefer to have a bidet in the bathroom, they do take up extra room, and then there's the cost factor.
An alternative presented by several leading manufacturers is the "shower toilet". No, it's not a toilet in the shower. It's a special toilet that has an extendable wand (or arm) that comes out at the touch of a button to squirt you with a jet of warm, clean water.
If you have stayed in a smart hotel in Asia, you will most likely have had the opportunity to experience this yourself – Japanese manufacturer Toto has been making "washlets" since 1980. They just haven't been called shower toilets.
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One acquaintance staying in a hotel in Taiwan recently found herself in the uncomfortable position of not being able to turn off the spray function, and didn't want to stand up for fear of the spray going all over the bathroom. It was just a question of trying all the push buttons, in the right order – it took 10 minutes work it out.
Geberit has also been working on the idea over the past three decades. The Geberit AquaClean is a good example of a modern shower toilet. The company says you get a good, hygienic clean all while "sitting comfortably". There is even a "soft lady" wash.
You can adjust the intensity of the water that comes out – with a remote control of course. And you can rest assured that the wand is automatically cleaned with water before and after you use it. On some models you can even have a blast of warm air dry you off.
If you want to buy one online, you will probably have to spend $6500 plus shipping.
Kohler offers the Veil toilet, which is described as a toilet and bidet in one, and that's a pretty good definition of a shower toilet. But the price could still set you back. Mico Bathoom retails this one for $4319.
But that is not the most expensive option. Plumbing World retails the Toto Neorest for $9500, which has a washlet, plus a heated seat and water, special lighting and sanitising systems. Jaik Stone of Plumbing World in Grey Lynn says in 20 years as a plumber he has only ever put in three such toilets. "The price scares off a lot of people. But sometimes there are special needs requirements.
Inside the @hamptondesignershowhouse, this bathroom by @mfrederickdesign brings both mixed metals and the Veil Intelligent toilet to the forefront. #HamptonsDesignerShowhouse #KohlerIdeas
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The Kohler Veil also has a self-closing seat and lid - it can sense you approaching and automatically do what's required.
"I used to install high-end bathrooms and there were only one or two of these installed in Remuera homes, but Europeans living here do look for them. But again, the price scares them off. They would only ever go into homes where people were spending $25,000 to $30,000 on their bathroom."
Stone says conversion kits for standard toilets are another option, but these still cost around $4000. And then there is the cost of all the extra plumbing.
But just to keep it real, the United Nations says there are still approximately 4.5 billion people living in households without any toilet – yesterday was World Toilet Day, which is held to raise awareness of their plight.