Why You Need A Bidet Seat – Toto Washlet Review

Let’s Talk About Bathroom Upgrades, Clean Butts, and How I Accidentally Peaked as a Gift Giver

I don’t know about you, but I like to think I’m decent at gift-giving. I’ve had some solid wins, but when I gifted my husband (then boyfriend) a Toto Washlet bidet seat for our first Christmas together, I unintentionally set a bar I may never reach again. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Literally, every day.

The truth is, I love it just as much as he does, which is why I’m sharing this review. If you’re still wiping with toilet paper like some kind of barbarian, it’s time for an upgrade. The Toto Washlet is the bathroom luxury you didn’t know you needed, because once you’ve been introduced to the warm-water magic, normal toilets are basically outhouses.

First Things First: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Now, let me tell you: when I gifted this to my now husband, I knew he would be excited because he had mentioned wanting one. What I didn’t expect was that this seat would become the standard against which every future gift is judged. It’s been so life-changing that he actually contemplated taking it with us on vacation this year. Yes, seriously. We had a full-on debate about how much room it would take in our luggage and whether it was worth the hassle. We left it at home (barely), but that’s the level of devotion we’re talking about here.

I always do my research before making a purchase, and buying a bidet was no different. I looked into all the brands and all the models, and decided on the Toto Washlet C5. It has all the features, an excellent reputation, great reviews, and costs about $400. This seat, it doesn’t just spritz water and call it a day. There’s the classic rear wash (yes, a dedicated bootyhole-cleaning feature), and it even comes with a setting for the ladies, which is a game-changer for, well, obvious reasons. It’s like a spa for your most delicate parts, every time you sit down. It also comes jam-packed with other features, and we’re going to talk about all of them.

And just FYI, this post isn’t sponsored in any way. Toto has no idea who I am, and I paid full price for the seat. I’m really just here to have a conversation, and answer some questions about talk about a potentially embarrassing subject. Let me assure you though…once you own a bidet, the only embarrassing part will be thinking you ever lived without it.

The Main Event: Warm Water Cleansing (a.k.a. Butthole Washing Magic)

I don’t like cold showers, or cold swimming pools, or really any cold water that’s not in a cup. If my bidet seat sprayed me with cold water, I would be writing a very different blog post right now. Fortunately, that is not the case because the Washlet doesn’t hit you with cold water – it’s a perfectly warmed stream that cleans you better than toilet paper ever could. The C5 model that we own has a warm water tank, and gives you about 60 seconds of warm water before it slowly transitions to cool water. So, while it’s not unlimited hot water, I have never come close to running out. (If you want unlimited hot water, you want the K300 or an “S” model).

Also? The water spray is fully customizable. You can adjust the water temperature, pressure, and even the position of the spray so it hits just right. And yes, there’s a setting specifically for cleaning lady parts, which, let’s be honest, makes life a whole lot more comfortable.

A Heated Seat – Because A Warm Butt is A Happy Butt

The heated seat feature deserves its own standing ovation. Imagine this: it’s winter, you’ve just woken up, and the house is still cold. Normally, sitting on the toilet would send a jolt of uncomfortable cold through your body, but with a bidet? That seat is heated, my friends, and it’s glorious. It’s like being wrapped in a cozy blanket, except it’s your toilet seat. I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but once you experience it, you’ll never want to go back to a cold toilet again. You can adjust the seat temperature, too, so if you want it warm but not too warm, it’s all in your control.

I know the water spray is supposed to be the favorite bidet feature because that is what this whole thing is about…but deep down, it’s the heated seat for me. I’ve had moments where I’ve genuinely sighed with relief when sitting down because of that heated seat. It’s one of those things you don’t think you need, until you have it.

Drying Fan: Meh

Okay, here’s the truth: the drying fan is probably the one feature that doesn’t quite live up to the hype. It works, sure, but it’s not exactly speedy. Unless you’ve got an extra 3– 5 minutes to sit there waiting for your bum to air dry, you’ll probably still reach for some toilet paper.

But hey, it’s still better than nothing, and if you’re in no rush, it’ll eventually get the job done. Just think of it as a leisurely part of your bathroom routine, if you’ve got the time. The fan is more of a “nice to have” rather than an essential feature.

The Air Deodorizer: Your Bathroom’s Best Friend

This bidet seat has an air deodorizer, which is basically a little fan that kicks on as soon as you sit down. It works silently in the background, eliminating any odors and keeping things fresh. It’s not a fake-smelling air freshener; there’s no scent. It’s literally just fresh air. I’m honestly not exactly sure how it works; I just know it works. It’s subtle, effective, and one of those features you appreciate more every day.

The Self-Cleaning Wand and EWATER+: Because Cleaning Things Yourself is Overrated

Let’s talk about the wand, which is the part that sprays the water. First of all, it’s retractable, so when the seat isn’t being used, its not there. In the picture below, it’s the little trap door on the left (the one on the right is the drying fan).

I can’t get you a photo of the wand because if it’s extended, it’s spraying water. However, here is a photo I borrowed from the Toto website –

Here’s the great part though. The wand? It’s self-cleaning. So you don’t have to worry about any, um, issues. It uses EWATERr+ and cleans itself before and after each use, so it’s always ready to go. No one wants to think too much about this part, but it’s nice knowing it’s taken care of.

What is EWATER+? It stands for electrolyzed water, and instead of trying to explain it myself, here it is straight from the Toto Website –

EWATER+ is created by passing an electric current through tap water to break down sodium chloride ions. This process produces a solution of sodium hydroxide and hypochlorous acid, which is a powerful cleaning agent.

The bidet seat sprays the toilet bowl with a mist of electrolyzed water before you even sit down, then mists it again after you flush. This keeps things sanitary, chemical-free, and makes your toilet scrubbing a whole lot easier.

The Remote Control: Power at Your Fingertips

Now, let’s talk about the remote control. Yes, this thing comes with a remote because why not? You can control every aspect of the Washlet without ever leaving your seat – water temperature, spray position, seat warmth… it’s all right there at your fingertips.

Installation Is a Breeze (Except That One Outlet Thing…)

Let’s start with the practical stuff. Installing the Toto Washlet is extremely easy. You just remove your current toilet seat and pop this one on. It connects directly to the water supply at your toilet…no major plumbing is necessary, and no sweating or swearing required.

However, there’s one small catch: it needs to be plugged in. You’ll need an outlet nearby, which we didn’t have at first. So, in true DIY fashion, my husband ran an extension cord across the bathroom. Was it ideal? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Eventually, we got an outlet installed, but for a few months, we embraced the ‘cord chic’ look. No shame in that game.

So, fair warning: if you’re planning on getting one of these, check your bathroom for an outlet. If you don’t have one, you might want to factor in the cost of having an electrician come install one…unless you’re like us and are okay with an extension cord being part of your bathroom aesthetic for a while.

Why You’ll Never Go Back

In case it’s not obvious by now, the Toto Washlet is the kind of purchase that changes your life. I don’t say that lightly. Once you’ve experienced the warm water, the heated seat, and the overall cleanliness it provides, you will actively avoid any bathroom that doesn’t have one. (Trust me, public restrooms become a real disappointment after this.)

And let’s talk about toilet paper for a second. You’ll use so much less of it. It’s better for the environment and your wallet, not to mention, you just feel so much cleaner. Side benefit – next time a national disaster threatens and there is a run on toilet paper; you can pass on the panic attack. Toilet paper anxiety is for other people, but not for you.

Final Thoughts

Yes, the Toto Washlet is a bit of an investment. It’s not the cheapest bathroom upgrade, but in my opinion, it’s one of the most worthwhile. I honestly can’t imagine living without it now. If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading to a bidet, let me save you some time: do it. The Toto Washlet is worth every penny and then some. Sure, you might have to deal with a few logistical issues (like making sure you have an outlet nearby), but once it’s installed, you’ll never look back.

Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting it to someone else (and peaking as a gift-giver in the process), this is one purchase that will pay off every single day. Just don’t be surprised if you start planning how to pack it for your next vacation.