[BK001]

I am interested in having a bidet installed. I got a phone number/referral from this forum and, before I call, I am interested in knowing if you have a bidet and are you satisfied? Dissatisfied? Why?

But then I decided that before I have a bidet installed, I should deal with the horrible ring that seems to be omnipresent on my toilet bowl. I kill myself (not literally) but I do work hard on a regular basis to remove the black ring. DH says it’s the water but we did have a Nova whole house water filter system installed. Our house is 13 years old so I’m assuming the toilet is the same age and that perhaps a newer toilet will not “hold” the stain? Maybe some of the porcelan has worn away? But it doesn't look worn. Any thoughts? Do those of you with newer toilets have the ring? Any ideas would be much appreciated since I would hate to replace the toilet and wind up with the same situation.

[Brandy4]

I too inherited an older toilet with a "black ring" which could be as a result of not being flushed when house not used for months by previous owners (minerals in the water?).
I've just read a possible solution which I will try before replacing the toilet. Reduce water level, soak a paper towel in vinegar and wrap around ring, leave overnight - may need to repeat if not completely gone. Good luck to both of us!

No experience/opinion with bidets.

You can also try a pumice stick. It feels like you are scratching the porcelain with it but it does no harm. You can get them pretty much everywhere they sell cleaning supplies.

[graciegirl]

Another question............does a bidet have COLD water? OOOOOOCH!!!

And if the water is warmed doesn't that encourage bacteria?

American Girl.

[champion6]

Originally Posted by fw102807

You can also try a pumice stick. It feels like you are scratching the porcelain with it but it does no harm. You can get them pretty much everywhere they sell cleaning supplies.

I have done this and it works like a charm.

[Brandy4]

If my vinegar suggestion doesn't work 'll also try the pumice stick - good to know!

[BK001]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I bought the pumice stick from Ace Hardware. WOW -- absolutely great. Easy to use and the toilet looks brand new. Also from ACE I bought a product called "The Works" -- a spray toilet cleaner which seems to be very good. I will use it for maintenance.

Now for my next step ... a bidet. Do you have one? Any comments re the good, the bad, the ugly, so to speak. Really appreciate any comments out there.

As always, thank you.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Another question............does a bidet have COLD water? OOOOOOCH!!!

And if the water is warmed doesn't that encourage bacteria?

American Girl.

Bidets have two faucets -- hot and cold.

I assume you don't do your dishes with cold water.
If bacteria was encouraged by warmed/hot water, that would mean your glassware and dishes weren't fit for food!
Also -- hot water is the main ingredient for a dishwasher to operate properly.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by BK001

Thank you all for your suggestions. I bought the pumice stick from Ace Hardware. WOW -- absolutely great. Easy to use and the toilet looks brand new. Also from ACE I bought a product called "The Works" -- a spray toilet cleaner which seems to be very good. I will use it for maintenance.

Now for my next step ... a bidet. Do you have one? Any comments re the good, the bad, the ugly, so to speak. Really appreciate any comments out there.

As always, thank you.

If you have the room in your bathroom for a bidet, go for it!

I was fortunate enough to have a bidet for a number of years and it is the best thing since Dixie cups!
Since that time, I have always missed having one.

The bonus is if you have a big dog, you can fill the with water when you aren't using it and Fido has fresh water at his level!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Robinson

Bidets have two faucets -- hot and cold.

I assume you don't do your dishes with cold water.
If bacteria was encouraged by warmed/hot water, that would mean your glassware and dishes weren't fit for food!
Also -- hot water is the main ingredient for a dishwasher to operate properly.

I didn't know that. Two faucets! I am afraid to ask if you can adjust to get just the right temperature.

I think I'll wash mine in the shower.

Gross Gracie.

[BK001]

I just found this video:

View From The Bay - YouTube

So I am taking the plunge today and will call the referral I got from this forum of Paul, a man who supplies and installs bidets. So that will be another item off my bucket list! LOL.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by BK001

I just found this video:

View From The Bay - YouTube

So I am taking the plunge today and will call the referral I got from this forum of Paul, a man who supplies and installs bidets. So that will be another item off my bucket list! LOL.

Enlightening BK. Now I am not so ignorant.

[BK001]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Enlightening BK. Now I am not so ignorant.

Yes, well I am learning too.

I am looking at some upcoming surgery and somehow I think I may be happy to have this as an option.

Everything I have read points to this hygiene method as far more sanitary than TP alone.

[Carla B]

If "Paul" is who I'm thinking of, he installs one over the existing toilet. I have seen it and I think it is well worth it. My husband has rigged up what I call a "faux bidet" in our last two residences. A hose with a sprayer comes off the intake water line. Not fancy but it works well.

[Dan9871]

Originally Posted by BK001

Thank you all for your suggestions. I bought the pumice stick from Ace Hardware. WOW -- absolutely great. Easy to use and the toilet looks brand new. .

Just picked up a pumice stone at ACE yesterday and it really works... the ring is gone!