The science behind the hyped-up cleansing tool for your b-hole.
One would think that wet wipes are an effective way to clean your bum because they’re basically toilet paper on steroids. I know plenty of “stay ready” bottoms who always have wet wipes stuffed in their wallets, medicine cabinets, or glove compartments for spontaneous sex. But what many people don’t know is that these products can do more harm to your body than good—and that other tools can get the job done more safely and just as effectively.
According to butt doctor extraordinaire Dr. Evan Goldstein, CEO of Bespoke Surgical, wet wipes are “unbelievably detrimental to your ass.” Your body possesses a natural microbiome consisting of good and bad bacteria that is typically in homeostasis, meaning everything is balanced. Using wet wipes regularly eliminates much of the good bacteria and disrupts the balance within your body, which can cause irritation, rashes, and various infections to your booty hole.
“This alteration of the microbiome allows the bad bacteria or fungus or viral particles to overpopulate,” Goldstein tells NewNowNext. “When you engage in anal play (douching, lubrication, and condoms are all factors), the friction caused by repeated penetration further irritates an already aggravated area. You’re—literally—fucked.”
Although the fabric in wet wipes is no good for your bum, the biggest factor here is the moisture. After using a wet wipe, you pull up your underwear and essentially trap the moisture in your crack and continue on with your day. While this area isn’t damp enough to sprout mushrooms, anal warts can develop, as can other ailments such as redness, blotchy spots, and chronic fissures. Even “all-natural” wipes are no good, though the occasional one-off use is fine. As Goldstein puts it, “Wipes suck. All of them.”
Luckily, there is a physician-approved solution to this shitty situation: bidets, which famously experienced a rise in popularity amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent fear of a toilet paper shortage. Paired with some proper wiping technique, this tool can work wonders, Goldstein says: “We’re taught to wipe until the toilet paper is clean, but we should be blotting or dabbing. The up-and-down blotting motion causes less irritation and gets rid of the bigger pieces of lingering stool. Then, you use a bidet or pop in the shower for a final cleanse.”
Goldstein also recommends using a blowdryer to ensure the area is super dry, adding that if you do feel irritation in the area, you can apply moisturizer as long as it dries quickly and doesn’t leave excess residue.
He isn’t the only outspoken bidet advocate out there. Miki Agrawal, founder of TUSHY, says bidets are favorable because they remove all of the fecal matter from your derriere, whereas toilet paper leaves behind residue and bacteria.
“All you have to do after you finish your business is turn the knob and it will spray your bum with clean water,” Agrawal tells NewNowNext. “The wash can range from a gentle spritz to a full-on power wash if that’s what you’re into. The water does all the work here and cleans your rear for 30–60 seconds. Once you’re done, just pat your bum dry with some toilet paper or a towel.”
Since the pandemic began, TUSHY’s have sales sky-rocketed due to the aforementioned panic over TP. “Our numbers were 10-times our normal figures, and we had our first million-dollar sales day in March,” Agrawal adds. “People were spreading the gospel of TUSHY and realized that a bidet is not only economical and environmentally friendly than toilet paper, but cleaner too.”
What’s more, bidets do cut down on a shit-ton of toilet paper. The average American uses 57 sheets of TP every day, which equates to about 36 billion rolls a year and accounts for 15% of global deforestation. If everyone used a bidet, there would be 15 million more trees in the world. While a TUSHY bidet does use one pint of water for a proper wash, comparatively, it takes 437 billion gallons of water and 253,000 tons of bleach to make toilet paper annually. Not to mention they also clog your plumbing system.
Essentially, a bidet is self-care. Since a large number of gay men engage in anal sex, which already irritates the area and microbiome, we should be especially kind to our behinds. So put that peach on a pedestal, invest in a bidet, and pat dry using toilet paper. Your b-hole will thank you.
It could become the No. 2 dating app in the country.
Bidet company Tushy will launch a service centered on users' poop.
Cheek2Cheek, which is pitched to “fecal aficionados,” will invite people to upload pictures of themselves, their toilets and their poop, according a press release from Tushy.
Other than its poop-centric options, Cheek2Cheek will function like any other dating app, the release said. Tushy said it will pay up to $20,000 for any couple’s wedding if they meet on Cheek2Cheek.
“With Cheek2Cheek you will be able to meet someone with a similar comfortability level about pooping as you,” Tushy founder Miki Agrawal said in the release. “You can also find someone with the same sized/shaped poops as you, bathroom etiquette as you or just someone experiencing similar gut/butt health issues.”
Agrawal noted that niche dating apps have become more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This isn’t Tushy’s first stunt; in 2018 the company’s subway ads were rejected by the MTA.
As Tushy put it, “Love is in the derriere.”
Tushy is a bidet startup which aims to replace toilet paper, Tushy was founded by Miki Agrawal.
A few months ago, something weird started happening on Instagram: tucked in alongside aspirational flat lays of dainty jewelry and cabincore imagery of bougie bougies, I started noticing toilets. Not just any toilets, these were particularly stunning pictures of celebrity-status commodes that were fully tricked out with bidets. For the uninitiated, a bidet is a tiny water fountain that lives inside your toilet for the sole purpose of shooting a steady stream of water up onto your butt to cleanse it post-poop. Yeah. Surprisingly, I was less alarmed by the sight of these number-two devices and more intrigued by their taboo promise. Following a rabid spree of buying up ALL the toilet paper, a global pandemic with stay-at-home orders seemed as sensible a time as any to me for bidets to make their big mainstream debut.
Finally, I caved and committed to testing one out in the name of journalism (and because, come on, you definitely want to know what it feels like to use one). After looking a lot at one particular brand appropriately named Tushy, I was offered a gratis press sample of its bestselling Spa bidet. If bathroom talk (including, but not limited to, butts and/or poop) make you squeamish, then this is your fair warning to click away. Otherwise, for those who live by the “everybody poops!” motto, scroll on for my very detailed description of what it’s like to wash your bum with a bidet.
The backstory (heh)…
Being half Japanese, I felt uniquely prepared for my bidet test run. Japan is famously known for toilets that look like they’re straight out of The Jetsons — and, for as far back as I can remember over 20 trips to Tokyo, every single bathroom from public to private was outfitted with various panels, dials, or knobs controlling a mini fountain that blesses your booty-hole with a targeted stream of water. (As a child, this once led to a scarring Three Stooges-like scenario where I pressed a bunch of buttons on the Japanese Washlet in my grandmother’s house and couldn’t figure out how to turn it off.) As a much more sophisticated adult, I now understand that the Toto Washlet is the Rolls-Royce of commodes — and, as they say, you ain’t shit if you haven’t used it. But, unless you’re down to drop three grand on a fully outfitted toilet (or approximately $1,000+ on a Washlet bidet attachment), the Tushy is a much more accessibly priced booty-cleaning buy at $89-$109. It works with pretty much any toilet — plus, I personally appreciate that the company has a charitable component: for every bidet sold, Tushy helps bring clean toilets to urban and rural underserved communities.
The installation…
I’m well aware of my strengths (making lists, planning, organizing), and home improvement is not one of them. Shelves are always askew, plumbing and/or electrical issues cause me to revert to a 10-year-old version of myself, and assembling IKEA furniture turns me into the Incredible Hulk of profanity. That said, when the rectangular box arrived at my doorstep I took some deep zen breaths and inwardly prepared myself to do this. Right off the bat, I was happy that the packaging itself was minimal and had little to no filler. The cardboard shipping box snugly nested itself around another box that contained the unit itself — and that was about it, no excess fluff or packing-peanut nonsense. Inside it contained the legendary Tushy units (I received both the classic and spa bidets for testing, but more on that later), along with the necessary hardware for installation: a cold water hose, warm water hose, adapters, plus extras like a roll of Teflon tape, rubber pads, and an extra nozzle cap. Since I own exactly zero power tools, I was pleased that the installation didn’t require any (save for an optional but recommended wrench that loosens and tightens the hose to ensure that the toilet doesn’t flood my tiny bathroom).
I channeled my inner HGTV star and followed the instructions — which included diagrams, thank god — to fasten the bidet to my toilet seat. (Pro tip: You’ll want to clean every visible surface of your toilet before getting the party started — what you will unearth may frighten you, so consider wearing gloves during this process, too.) All in all, installation took about an hour, which included me almost unscrewing the wrong bolt (gasp!) and reaching my arm all the way behind the base of my commode to maneuver around the hose in the very tight space behind (seriously, who knows what lurks there). The main draw of the Spa is that it has an option for temperature control (aka a button for warm water caressing your booty) while the Classic only hooks up to the cold water source that goes directly to your toilet (aka the little oval-shaped knob you use to turn the toilet water on and off). The Spa is also designed to connect to the warm water hose under the sink — however, you need to have access to the underside of your sink in order for this to work. I, very sadly, do not. Theoretically, I could drill a hole in the side of the cabinet to create a path for the hose — but I also eventually want my security deposit back. After positioning the Tushy onto the back of the seat and securing it in place with the grippy rubber ring things, I screwed the seat back on and waited for mother nature to bless me with my next bowel movement.
Using it…
Again, as someone who’s used bidets before, I wasn’t going into this totally blind. But, the unique sensation of lukewarm water jetting straight for where the sun doesn’t shine is not really a feeling you get used to after a few family jaunts to Japan. After successfully taking a number two, a simple turn of the bamboo dial was all I needed to start the stream of water. I didn’t even need to lift a single cheek to adjust the angle of the nozzle (a nifty switch on the panel does it for you), it just hit me right in the perineum. I’m not entirely sure if there’s a minimum amount of time to keep the stream on for, but I probably sat with it for about 30 seconds. Although it felt slightly alarming, using the Tushy was a thoroughly seamless experience — I’d even go as far as to say that it felt strangely luxurious and (true to the name) spa-like. The sensation was refreshing and, honestly, I found peace of mind in knowing I was 100% free of rogue poo crumbs on my nice undies (yes, I went there). And, depending on how clean your dookie comes out (again, I went there — also eat your fiber), you may not even need to wipe after. However, for insurance, for now, I do. If you’re new to bidets, then this may be the first time you’ve ever felt your butt so fresh, so clean. Is there a difference versus using paper alone? My answer: it’s the difference between hand-rinsing a very dirty dish without soap or a sponge vs. using your dishwasher’s extreme-clean power cycle.
On both the Spa and the Classic, you can control the water pressure to ease yourself into the whole butt-power-washing experience. Unless you’re a rip-off-the-bandaid type, I wouldn’t recommend going full throttle until you’ve eased into it first; the lower pressure is about as strong as a bubbling creek while all the way turnt-up feels like a concentrated and intense power-washing. If you turn the dial in the opposite direction, you will also see a “nozzle wash” option, which can be used to flush out the bidet by positioning the stream directly into the toilet bowl. I found this function really helpful after using toilet bowl cleaner to ensure that no excess product is left on my Tushy (both the bidet and my own).
Although the Tushy motto reads, “Stop wiping. Start washing,” I still wipe after a month of using my bidet (just in case). It’s not ideal since water plus TP equal soggy TP, but I haven’t gotten to the point in my bidet journey where I feel totally safe letting water alone be responsible for my après-poop care. Tushy (likely in full awareness of itself and its novice American market) also makes sustainable bamboo toilet paper (warning before you click through — 36 rolls come at the steep price of $69), keeping your butt wiped in just about every which way. So maybe one day, I’ll take the full TP-less plunge — but, in the meantime, I’m happily embracing #bidetlife. And if this past month of testing has taught me anything, then it’s that my butthole is a delicate and highly sensitive part of my body that deserves much more TLC than it gets.
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Tushy is a bidet startup which aims to replace toilet paper, Tushy was founded by Miki Agrawal.
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My bathroom is my palace, and tbh, yours should be too. My bathroom is a place where I spend a lot of time getting ready, taking long baths, and obviously, “using the bathroom,” whatever that actually means. I’ve invested time and money to make my bathroom super comfortable and super convenient so that when I’m in there I feel good—even if I don’t, you know?
Whether you’re looking to overhaul your bathroom so it’s a place where you feel like royalty or just want to find some simple upgrades you hadn’t thought about, here are 20 purchases everyone in your home will appreciate.
1. The ultimate toilet attachment
Bidets have long been ignored in the United States, and Tushy, a company that makes attachable versions you can easily put on any toilet, is trying to change that. At just $89, the most basic version of the Tushy is a great introduction to bidet life. It only takes 10 minutes to install and is non-electric, so there are no electrical cords to deal with. Once it’s all set up, simply use the nozzle adjuster and pressure control knob to find your perfect setting. Even better, installing a Tushy can help you reduce toilet paper usage by up to 80%, according to the company.
The Squatty Potty has one simple mission: make it easier for you to go number two. Propping your feet up on the Squatty Potty helps unkink and relax the muscle that helps you go, meaning that the colon can quickly empty. The device is FDA-registered and recommended by doctors, according to the company, and has thousands of positive reviews from satisfied Amazon customers. Plus, one of our writers is obsessed with her Squatty Potty.
If you’re going to invest in your toilet, also make an effort to keep it clean. If there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s don’t take Clorox for granted, especially its disposable ToiletWand system. With this handy device, you can clean the bowl with disposable scrubbing pads preloaded with a disinfecting mixture Clorox claims will kill up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. The long handle helps you keep your distance from the potty germs and when you’re done scrubbing simply press the button to dispose the pad into the trash and return the handle to the storage caddy.
You’ve probably heard of Poo-Pourri by now—it’s everywhere. But if you haven’t had the pleasure, let me introduce you to a handy invention that helps you start masking the scent of your movement before you even go. It’s simple: spritz the toilet bowl before you go, do your business, and voila, a mixture of natural Essential Oils (and “other secret ingredients”) have you—and the room—covered. Available in a handful of scents and designs, there’s a Poo-Pourri perfect for every bathroom.
5. A new type of toilet paper you can feel good about
Everyone knows there’s good toilet paper and bad toilet paper. But besides the thickness or softness, there are still other things to consider when buying your next roll—like what it’s actually made from. Bamboo toilet paper is better for the environment and much more sustainable because bamboo is easier to grow and harvest than trees. No. 2 makes 3-ply bamboo toilet paper that’s “strong and silky” and “butt crumble free.” It’s clog and septic safe, comes in plastic-free packaging, and each roll is wrapped in fun, recycled paper you won’t mind leaving out.
Gone are the days where stepping on a scale simply told you your weight. This high-tech scale from RENPHO connects to your phone via Bluetooth to tell you 13 different measurements, including weight, BMI, body fat percentage, metabolic age, and more simply by stepping on it. Record your measurements in RENPHO app or connect it to your favorite fitness tracker like Apple Health, Google Fit, or Fit Bit. One scale can also have unlimited users so everyone who shares the bathroom can take advantage of this handy tool.
7. An aromatherapy shower head that’s basically a Keurig
If you love k-cups to make your morning coffee, you’re sure to love this incredible new shower head that uses little capsules filled with essential oils to infuse your shower with relaxing scents. You simply slide in the pod, select how long you want the scent to diffuse (up to 10 minutes), and enjoy. A hand shower connects magnetically to the base, offering six different wash settings for the most customizable shower you’ve ever experienced.
8. Vanity lights so you can actually see how your makeup looks
A savior for folks with bad bathroom lighting, these LED lights can change any mirror into a Hollywood-worthy vanity. The 60 waterproof lights are easy to install by simply sticking to the mirror, and they can be dimmed to get the exact light you need to see yourself. With thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon, the people agree this product will change your life for the better.
There’s nothing I hate more than getting out of the shower and stepping onto cold tile. If you’re the same, it’s time to drop $25 bucks for this insanely absorbent microfiber shag bathroom mat set. The two mats—shower and toilet—are anti-slip and machine washable, and come with a lifetime warranty so you know you’ll be covered if they start to fall apart.
Available in a handful of colors in men’s and women’s sizing, this New York Threads fleece bathrobe is as cozy as it is soft. Made with ultra-soft fleece, it’s machine washable and quick to dry so it’s perfect for putting on when you hop out of the shower. It also has two large front pockets, a belt tie, and a shawl collar for the ultimate combo of comfort and utility.
11. Towels that are so soft you’ll want to sleep in them
One of the best ways to upgrade your bathroom is by ditching your ratty, old towels for something more luxurious. Brooklinen, a company that makes popular items like sheets and comforters, also makes ridiculously soft plush towels. Available in three different sizes (ultra-light, classic, super-plush) and a handful of colors, these quick-drying towels will spruce up your bathroom and daily shower routine.
12. A cute over-toilet shelf to add storage to your bathroom
Some bathrooms are seriously low on space, and if that’s your situation why not add this practical and stylish shelf over your toilet. Made with kiln-dried mahogany wood, it has three shelves and mounts to the wall at the top for security. Install and organize your towels and washcloths, favorite beauty products, or simply decorate to make your bathroom feel brand new.
13. An affordable shower caddy that’s actually cute
Finding the right way to organize your shower can be tricky and expensive. Luckily, you can easily find a practical and attractive solution. This shower organizer has two adjustable, self-draining baskets on a stainless steel rod that can be hung from a shower head or curtain rod. The baskets are nice and big so they can store your biggest shampoo bottles for easy access and a cleaner shower.
Look, if you have a dog or you have company, your bathroom trash can should have a lid—otherwise, people or pets are going to inspect it. West Elm’s Yamazaki step trash can is the perfect solution; it’s stylish, practical, and comes in two different colors. The step-to-open lid means you don’t have to get down and dirty, and its compact size means it can fit in even the tiniest of NYC apartments.
15. A luxury towel warmer to really transform your bathroom into a chic space
Have you ever wrapped up in a warm towel after a spa treatment or nice bath? If you have, you’ll understand why this large bucket towel warmer needs a permanent spot in your bathroom ASAP. This large towel warmer can hold two oversized towels at once, but can also be used for pajamas, sheets or blankets, or your favorite robe. A built-in timer gives peace of mind that you won’t forget to turn it off, and since it’s portable you can easily use it in different rooms around your house.
Bath bombs are the perfect upgrade to any bath, and nobody makes them better than Lush. No Lush bath bomb is created equal. Though all contain the perfect mix of essential oils and other natural ingredients great for your skin, some contain dried flowers or glitter, while others can have a rainbow fizz effect that’s basically like a magic show in the tub.
Nécessaire is a brand that’s dedicated to luxurious, clean beauty—and while all of its products are sensational, its body wash is super luxe. Imagine if you could wash your skin in silk or velvet, and that’s what you get here. Available in three scents (sandalwood, bergamot, and eucalyptus), these soaps provide the necessary daily vitamins your skin needs while providing an aromatherapy-like sensation to your shower.
Another place to seriously up your bathroom game—and save a lot of time—is by upgrading your blow dryer. Dyson is one of the world’s leading innovators in air technology, so it makes sense that they also have a near-perfect hairdryer. It has a v9 motor and actively works to protect against heat damage and give your hair a healthy shine and glow. It’s also acoustically tuned so you can say goodbye to the annoying sounds of a regular ole’ hairdryer.
I’ve waxed poetic about GilletteLabs’ luxurious heated razor before. For a lot of people who shave their face, investing in a top-quality razor has never been top of mind, but that needs to change. This luxurious razor heats up near-instantly to provide what feels like a hot-towel experience every single time you shave. The razor blades provide a very close shave and the “Flexdisc technology,” makes it easy to get those hard-to-reach places like under the ear and along the jaw-line.
20. A bathtub tray so you can have a moment to yourself in the tub
This bamboo bathtub desk takes soaking to the next level. Fill up the tub, add some bubble bath, and grab this handy tray to hold a glass of wine, your iPhone to finally catch up on The Queen, or read a book with one of the tray’s three different reading angles. The multiple slots and panels on the tray make it easy to securely bring your favorite relaxing items—like a nice scented candle—to the tub with you. And if you have a larger tub, don’t fret, the sides extend to fit your needs.
