The One Big Difference Between a Bidet and a Washlet

How the Electronic Bidet Evolved

If you’ve been researching bidets, you’ve probably come across the word Washlet. Some people seem to use bidet and Washlet interchangeably, while others insist they’re different. So which is it?
Are they the same thing or not?

Today, we’ll clear up all the confusion—in the easiest way possible, with real-world examples you’ll recognize right away.

What is a Bidet?

Let’s start simple: A bidet is a device that uses water to clean your lower body—especially after using the toilet.
It could be:

• A traditional stand-alone bidet (like a small basin next to the toilet),

• A handheld sprayer,

• Or an electric seat attachment.

The key here is that “bidet” is a generic term. It describes a function, not a brand.
So just like “car” includes everything from a Toyota to a Mercedes, “bidet” includes all kinds of products with that cleansing function, no matter who makes them.

What is a Washlet?

Now let’s talk about Washlet. This is not a general term—it’s a brand name.

Washlet is the name of a product line made by TOTO, a Japanese company that specializes in bathroom equipment. In 1980, TOTO released the very first electric bidet seat designed for home use and named it the Washlet.

It came with now-common features like:

• Warm water spray

• Heated seat

• Adjustable pressure

• Self-cleaning nozzles

• Dryer functions

So think of it this way:

• Bidet = the category

• Washlet = one famous brand within that category

Just like:

• Coffee is the drink, Starbucks is a brand.

• Smartphone is the product, iPhone is a brand.

• Detergent is the item, Tide is a brand.

In the same way:

• Bidet is the cleansing device,

• Washlet is TOTO’s version of that device.

Why Do People Call All Bidets “Washlet”?

In Japan, TOTO’s market share is so dominant that many people just say “Washlet” when they mean “bidet.”
It’s similar to how people say “Kleenex” for tissues or “Google” for searching something online—even if they’re not using Google.

This happened because TOTO’s Washlet was one of the first electronic bidets available to the general public, and it quickly became the gold standard.
Their massive ad campaigns, including thermal imaging comparisons in the 1980s, made it a household name.

Other Brands Also Make Bidets

Although TOTO is a major player, many other companies make bidets too, including:

• Brondell (USA)

• Coway (South Korea)

• Panasonic, INAX (Japan)

• BioBidet, Kohler, Villeroy & Boch, and more

All of their products are still bidets.
But only TOTO’s products are called Washlets.

So, if you walk into a hotel and see a high-tech toilet seat, it might be a Washlet—or it might just be another bidet brand with similar features.

Quick Summary

Let’s put it all together in a simple chart

So remember

All Washlets are bidets, but not all bidets are Washlets.

Now you know the difference!
In our next post, we’ll compare popular Washlet models with other electric bidet brands and help you choose the best one for your bathroom and budget.

Have a brand or product you’d like to compare? Drop a message—we’ll break it down for you!

How the Electronic Bidet Evolved