How to Use a Bidet Spray: A Beginner’s Guide
3 min read
If you have never used a handheld bidet spray before, the prospect can feel a little intimidating. But once you get the hang of it, you will wonder how you ever managed without one. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to using the most common type of bidet you will encounter in Singapore’s public restrooms.
What You Will Find
The handheld bidet spray (sometimes called a bum gun, shattaf, or health faucet) looks like a small shower head attached to a flexible hose. It is usually mounted on a wall bracket next to the toilet, connected to the water supply via a T-valve on the toilet’s water pipe.
The spray has a trigger or lever on the handle. Squeezing the trigger releases water; releasing it stops the flow. The water pressure varies by installation — some are gentle, others surprisingly powerful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Stay seated. Remain on the toilet seat for the entire process. This keeps everything contained within the bowl.
- Pick up the spray. Take the spray head from its wall bracket with your dominant hand. You can optionally wipe the handle with toilet paper first for hygiene.
- Test the pressure. Before aiming, point the spray into the toilet bowl and gently squeeze the trigger. This lets you gauge the water pressure without any surprises.
- Position and spray. Reach behind or between your legs (whichever is more comfortable) and aim the spray head at the area you want to clean. Keep the spray pointed downward into the bowl. Squeeze the trigger gently and adjust the angle as needed.
- Pat dry. After washing, use a small amount of toilet paper to pat the area dry. The combination of water cleansing and light drying provides the best hygiene outcome.
- Return the spray. Hang the spray head back on its wall bracket. Make sure it is not dripping onto the floor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Squeezing the trigger too hard. Start gently. Some bidet sprays have very strong water pressure and a full squeeze can splash water outside the bowl or cause discomfort.
- Aiming before testing. Always test the spray into the bowl first. The last user may have adjusted the valve to a different pressure setting.
- Standing up to spray. Stay seated. Standing up makes it much harder to keep water in the bowl and almost guarantees splashing on your clothes or the floor.
- Leaving the spray dripping. After use, give the trigger a quick squeeze over the bowl to clear residual water from the hose, then hang it back up. This prevents dripping on the floor.
Etiquette Tips
Using a shared bidet spray in a public restroom comes with some basic etiquette considerations:
- Leave the cubicle dry. If you accidentally splash water on the seat or floor, wipe it up before leaving.
- Return the spray to its holder properly — not hanging loose or resting in the bowl.
- If the bidet spray appears broken or leaking, report it to building management so it can be repaired for the next user.
Ready to Try?
Use Bidet Beacon SG to find the nearest bidet-equipped restroom. With 584 locations across Singapore, there is likely one within walking distance right now. For more detailed information about the different types of bidet installations you might encounter, check out our comprehensive guide.