Every Italian bathroom has one. Most tourists don't know what to do with it. Here's the straightforward answer.
Plan your Italy trip →The bidet is the low porcelain basin next to the toilet that looks like a second toilet or a very low sink. It's for washing yourself after using the toilet. Italians consider this essential hygiene — like washing your hands, but for your other end. An Italian without a bidet is like an American without a shower: technically possible but culturally unthinkable.
After using the toilet, straddle the bidet facing the faucet (or facing away — both work, personal preference). Turn on the water and adjust the temperature. Use your hand and water (with soap if you like) to clean. Dry with a dedicated small towel (usually hanging near the bidet, NOT the hand towel). That's it.
Most bidets have a standard faucet with hot and cold controls. Some have a vertical spray from the basin center — turn it on gently first to check the pressure, otherwise you'll hit the ceiling. Modern ones may have a mixer tap. The water should be warm, not cold and not scalding.
Don't use it as a foot bath (it's not). Don't wash your clothes in it (tempting in a small apartment, but no). Don't use the towel next to it to dry your face — that towel has a specific purpose. Don't skip it entirely and then wonder why Italians seem so fresh.
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