Are the hoses in toilets in Asia something I should know about?
I have noticed random bits of hose without proper fittings before I think for example in India and just assumed they are for use by the cleaners or for filling the water jug in squat toilets.
But Now I'm travelling in Malaysia and Singapore and there are more western toilets than squat toilets in the places I've been yet proper hoses with proper fittings are very common in toilets:
(Hose next to a Western style toilet in my hostel in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur.)
At one place in Singapore there were even signs on each cubicle door stating whether it contained a western or squat toilet, but also whether there was a hose! (I didn't take a photo of the sign, unfortunately)
This makes me think there is a use for the hose for clients, not just cleaners. But for what purpose? Should I know how to use it as a tourist? Please tell me it's not a kind of alternative to a bidet!
Possibly related is the fact that many toilet floors are awash with water. This can be a big problem if you're not wearing waterproof shoes or have to lower your trousers and keep them dry. Other than this toilets are pretty clean and I've seen both the hoses and the wetness in what I would regard as somewhat "fancy" places.
Best Answer
You're convolving two independent Western traditions: toilet paper and sit-toilets. Even when using a sit-toilet, there are many ways to clean yourself.
So you can clean yourself with water (rather than toilet paper) no matter what toilet you're using, and indeed that's what these hoses are for.
As for the wet floor, the reason is twofold:
- It is hygienic: someone recently cleaned the bathroom, but didn't bother to completely dry it (I actually find the water rather comforting for that reason).
- In many cases, the room is an all-purpose wet-room: the shower is in the same room as the toilet, so the floor gets wet. It seems pretty efficient to me.
Pictures about "Are the hoses in toilets in Asia something I should know about?"
What is the hose near the toilet for?
A bidet shower is a hand-held triggered nozzle that is placed near the toilet and delivers a spray of water used for anal cleansing and cleaning of the genitals after using the toilet for defecation and urination. The device is similar to that on a kitchen sink sprayer.How do they poop in Asia?
For many in Asia, doing the \u201cnumber two\u201d involves sitting in a position the Western world is not quite used to. While sitting on toilets have become quite common in Asian households these days, the squatting is still the preferred way of defecating in many homes and public toilets in the region.What is an Indian hose?
You see, in India, most toilets have a hose-sort-of-looking thing attached that you're supposed to stick under your butt to wash yourself.Is bidet common in Asia?
In northern Europe, bidets are rare, although in Finland bidet showers are common. Bidet showers are most commonly found in South-East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.Why Chinese usually use squat toilets in public restrooms?
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Answer 2
Well just when I thought this had all been settled years ago, along comes a curveball!
These are not very common in Taiwan. I have a feeling I might have seen one before this one but I'm not sure.
But this one in Kaohsiung is clearly labelled "just for cleaning"!
Well I guess the English could be a little ambiguous but if they mean "just for cleaning yourself afterwards" why would they post a sign. Maybe somebody can see if the Chinese is clearer?
Anyway the moral of the story is if you're used to these being hand-bidets in other countries and your travels bring you to Taiwan, if you chance upon one it might not be best to use it in the manner to which you are accustomed.
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Images: Jimmy Chan, Ihsan Adityawarman, Jo Kassis, Quang Nguyen Vinh