Washlet

A washlet is a combination of toilet and bidet, which allows intimate hygiene ( anal and genital ) with water. Here, the genital area is cleaned at the touch of a water jet, can be so that dispensed with toilet paper. A washlet is also called Toilettenbidet, washing toilet or hygienic toilet. A distinction must be complete shower toilets and shower-toilet papers, which are mounted on conventional toilet bowls.

Washlets are mainly in Asia (Japan and Korea), there under the name Washlets, disseminated (see Toilets in Japan). Increasingly widespread is the shower toilet in Europe and Switzerland ( there 's usually called Closomat ), where they were invented. The share of installed washlets in Japan is about 80 percent, Korea 30 percent, in Europe, less than 5 percent ( Germany about 1 percent) and in Switzerland about 10 percent.

History and manufacturers

The washlet was originally from the Swiss Hans Maurer (1918-2013) developed and marketed since 1957 under the name Closomat. Until the bankruptcy in 2007 as a result of a failed product development, the company sold around 100,000 units. Today washlets the brand Closomat are manufactured and sold by the Closemo AG, which focuses on the care sector. The German Closomat GmbH has its headquarters in Hemer. Also in Germany Closomat focused with his shower toilets and lifts for toilets on the care and rehabilitation area. Closomate found and are found primarily in hospitals and homes. The first competitor came from Switzerland: In 1960 the top box Sanett the same company, which was liquidated in 2008.

1978 launched the company Geberit essay donor Ella and the complete system Geberit -O -Mat. Geberit is the European market leader. The washlets the brand Geberit Aqua Clean (until 2009 Balena ) are actively promoted and marketed by the Geberit Group in more than 10 countries and are available in other countries. The shower toilets by Geberit Aqua Clean are particularly suitable for the end consumer. Furthermore, these devices are recognized as medical devices in Germany and approved by all health and care funds.

The market for washlets in Europe is developing dynamically. In recent years, design-oriented and user- friendly models were brought to market increasingly. In this context, it is now represented in various media also of the view that washlets represent the future standard toilet, and will replace bidets. It is also argued that cleaning with water ensures both a thorough personal hygiene, as well as provides more comfort than traditional methods.

Many manufacturers are represented in the European market. The market leader is followed by Duravit and Toto Geberit. Due to the large potential also increasingly ceramic manufacturers such as Villeroy & Boch, in this market are active. Furthermore, many smaller manufacturers, especially shower-toilet papers. There were just made for the German market technical adaptations to the rules and standards.