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An Intro to the Toto Washlet

Toto Washlet

Let’s be honest: until now, going to the bathroom has been a little bit of a barbaric experience.

 

The seat’s always cold, the paper’s always rough, and chances are slim you’ve ever experienced the wonders of a warm air-dry feature.

 

Good news, though: the Toto Washlet is here to change all that.

 

A simple addition designed to retrofit your existing toilet, the Toto Washlet is one of the forerunners in modern bidet toilet seat technology.

 

Here’s what you need to know.

The History of the Toto Washlet

The Toto brand was born in 1917 when a man named Kazuchika Okura came up with an idea for convenient, easy-to-use bidets that integrated with American-style toilet seats. This reduced the need for an additional fixture, as was the prior history of the bidet up to this point.

 

By 1980, the brand had introduced the first Washlet model. While the design would eventually become the signature product of the Toto brand, the first model only offered three basic (yet groundbreaking) functions: rear cleansing, a heated seat, and an air-dry feature.

 

Throughout the next few years, the Washlet spread throughout Japan before eventually making its way to America in 1990. By 1995, Toto had announced the release of a model it called the ZOE, which upped the ante on the features, offering both an adjustable cleaning function and a deodorizer, in addition to the model’s standard features.

 

Fast forward a few years to 2000, and Toto released the JASMIN. A slight deviation from older, chunkier models this one offered a sleek, compact design and the undeniable perk of continuous water heating.

 

In 2012, Toto began adding water technology to some of its Washlet models. Models with this feature released electrolyzed water after each use. This water misted and cleaned the bowl and want to help keep everything clean, without the need for harsh chemicals.

 

By 2016, Toto had sold more than 40 million Washlet units worldwide!

The Features of the Modern Toto Washlet

The modern Toto Washlet maintains many of the features of the original designs, with some exciting new addition. While features vary depending on the model, most electronic bidets and Washlets share the following functions:

 

  • Automatic Lid Opening and Closing. Most modern versions of the Toto Washlet offer a sensor-operated lid, which opens automatically when you walk into the room and closes when you’re finished. Perfect for households where the position of the seat is a constant argument, this feature is one of Toto’s best-loved.
  • Heated Seats. Never chill your buns on a cold porcelain seat again! The Toto Washlet offers a uniquely designed, contoured seat, which features an integrated sensor designed to keep the seat at your desired temperature - anywhere between 82F and 97F.
  • Self-Cleaning Wands. One of the most significant concerns people have about using a bidet or Washlet is the cleanliness of the wand. Most versions of the Toto Washlet feature a self-cleaning wand, though, which means the wand is sanitized before and after every use for ultimate cleanliness and hygiene.
  • Premist. The premist feature wets the interior surface of the toilet bowl before use, cutting down on cleaning and streamlining the elimination of waste. In fact, a premisted bowl operates about 80% more efficiently than a dry bowl.
  • Various Cleansing Options. The Toto Washlet offers a rear and front cleanse feature to ensure cleanliness for everyone in your household. Each option offers various cleansing strengths, wand positions, and oscillation settings, for a uniquely comfortable experience.
  • Dryer. Enjoy the comfort and simplicity of hands-free drying with the Toto Washlet warm-air dryer. Adjust the temperature to your liking and say goodbye to toilet paper forever!
  • Deodorizer. Get rid of problematic bathroom odors with the Toto Washlet. Each unit uses ionized carbon filters to draw air through a filter and rid it of odors.

 

The Toto Washlet: A Welcome Addition to Any Home

The Toto Washlet stands out for its sleek design, various features, and easy installation. If you’ve been looking for a simple way to upgrade your washroom, take your bathroom habits out of the stone age, and enjoy all the benefits of a bidet seat, the Washlet line is a great place to start.

 

If you’d like to learn more about the Toto Washlet or purchase one for your home, shop our selection of Toto units today.