How to use a Japanese washlet toilet (and find the Stop button)

What a washlet is

A washlet (a trade name of the maker TOTO) is a toilet seat with a bidet function. It is common in homes, hotels and many public restrooms. The buttons are on a panel beside the seat, on the wall, or on a remote.

Buttons you will often see

TOTO lists these functions on its official page. Names and symbols can differ by model:

• Rear cleansing: washes the rear.
• Front cleansing: a gentler spray for the front.
• Stop: stops the current operation.
• Warm air dryer: dries the area with warm air.
• Flush and light flush: two flush sizes.
• Privacy: plays a sound to cover the sound of use.
• Water pressure and wand position: adjust to your comfort. TOTO says its models have five pressure levels.

How to use it safely

• Sit down first, then press the button.
• Find the Stop button before you press anything else.
• Start with low pressure, then raise it if you like.
• If the spray feels too strong, press Stop and lower the pressure.

If the buttons are in Japanese only

Look at the symbols. If you are not sure what a button does, do not press it, or press Stop. You can also ask the hotel staff, or check the manual for your model.

FAQ

Sources

• TOTO: Try WASHLET
• TOTO Europe: WASHLET instruction manual (example model)

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