Flushable Wipes vs Bidet Seat: What Should Go Down the Toilet?

Flushable wipes in Australia are one of the options people look at for their bathroom routine, along with toilet paper and a bidet seat. A common rule for what can you flush down the toilet is the 3Ps: pee, poo and toilet paper. This Conor guide explains what the 3Ps rule means, how flushable wipes compare with a bidet seat, and how to answer the question "bidet vs toilet paper which is better" for your own bathroom.

As you read, you can compare each option in the Conor range of toilet & bidet seats, from a bidet seat and smart toilet to the best portable bidet for your routine.

What Can You Flush Down the Toilet?

The short answer to "what can you flush down the toilet" is the 3Ps:

•       Pee

•       Poo

•       (Toilet) paper

As a general rule, only flush the 3Ps. Other sanitary or household items go in the bin. For any wipe, follow the product labelling and your local guidance.

When people ask what can you flush down the toilet, the 3Ps list is a short rule to remember.

What Should Not Go Down the Toilet

These items should go in the bin, not the toilet:

•       Wet wipes and baby wipes, unless the product labelling says otherwise

•       Make-up wipes and cleaning wipes

•       Tissues and paper towel

•       Cotton buds, cotton balls and cotton pads

•       Sanitary pads, tampons and their wrappers

•       Nappies and nappy liners

•       Dental floss

•       Hair

•       Cooking fats and oils

•       Medicines

If you are unsure, use the 3Ps test. If it is not pee, poo or toilet paper, put it in the bin, or check the product labelling and your local guidance.

Flushable Wipes Australia: What the Label Means

Flushable wipes in Australia are sold as an alternative or add-on to toilet paper. Before you flush any wipe, check the product labelling and follow your local guidance. If you are unsure, the 3Ps rule is the one to fall back on.

Ordinary Wet Wipes: Bin, Not Toilet

Ordinary wet wipes are not toilet paper, so they belong in the bin. Keep a lidded bin in the bathroom so each wipe has somewhere to go.

When people search for flushable wipes in Australia, they are often looking for something more than dry toilet paper alone. A bidet seat or portable bidet gives you a water wash instead, without adding wipes to the toilet.

Flushable Wipes at Home: A Simple Rule

If you keep using wipes, check the packet and follow the product labelling and your local guidance. Ordinary wet wipes go in a lidded bin in the bathroom. If you would rather use water, compare a bidet seat or a portable bidet from the Conor range of toilet & bidet seats.

Flushable Wipes vs Bidet: The Difference

Flushable wipes and a bidet seat are both used after the toilet, but they work in different ways.

•       Flushable wipes: A disposable wipe that you use once. Wipes are an ongoing purchase, and whether one can be flushed depends on the product labelling and your local guidance.

•       Bidet seat: A seat that replaces your existing toilet seat and adds a water wash. A bidet seat uses water from your toilet's water supply, so there is no wipe to put in the bin.

•       Portable bidet: A handheld bidet that holds its own water. A portable bidet needs no plumbing installation, so it can go with you when you travel.

If you are comparing flushable wipes vs bidet options, the main question is whether you want a disposable product or a water wash. A bidet seat keeps wipes out of your routine, which also keeps them out of the toilet.

Bidet vs Toilet Paper: Which Is Better?

"Bidet vs toilet paper which is better" is a question to ask when you first look at a bidet seat. The honest answer is that it depends on you. Here is how the two compare.

How Toilet Paper Works

Toilet paper is the third P in the 3Ps. It is familiar, and it works in any bathroom.

How a Bidet Seat Works

A bidet seat adds a water wash to the toilet you already have. After the wash, some people pat dry with a small amount of toilet paper, and some use the warm air dryer on a smart bidet seat. How much toilet paper you use after a bidet seat is your choice.

Bidet vs Toilet Paper Which Is Better: Questions to Ask

To answer "bidet vs toilet paper which is better" for your own home, ask yourself:

1.    Do you want a water wash? A bidet seat or portable bidet gives you one. Toilet paper alone does not.

2.    Do you use flushable wipes now? If so, a bidet seat can replace the wipes in your routine.

3.    Do you want warm water? A smart bidet seat heats the water. A non-electric bidet seat uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it.

4.    Is there a power point near the toilet? A smart bidet seat needs one.

5.    Do you rent or travel? A portable bidet holds its own water and can come with you.

You can use both: a bidet seat for the water wash and toilet paper to pat dry. That way, only the 3Ps go down the toilet, and there is no wipe to check or put in the bin.

Toilet Paper After a Bidet Seat

If you add a bidet seat, you do not need to stop using toilet paper. You can keep a roll beside the toilet to pat dry after the wash. Because toilet paper is one of the 3Ps, it can still go down the toilet as normal. Wipes, tissues and paper towel still belong in the bin.

If you want to use less toilet paper, a smart bidet seat with a warm air dryer gives you another way to dry. A non-electric bidet seat and a portable bidet do not have a dryer, so toilet paper is used to pat dry.

Choosing a Bidet Seat

A bidet seat replaces your existing toilet seat and keeps your toilet bowl and cistern in place. There are two main types of bidet seat in the Conor range of toilet & bidet seats.

Smart Bidet Seat

A smart bidet seat is an electric bidet seat with a warm water wash, a heated seat and a warm air dryer. You can compare each smart bidet seat in the Conor smart bidet seat collection. When you compare, look at:

•       Controls: A remote, a side control panel or a side knob.

•       Lid: A lid you open by hand or an automatic lid.

•       Settings: Water temperature, water pressure, seat temperature and nozzle position.

A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Non-Electric Bidet Seat

A non-electric bidet seat runs on household water pressure, so it needs no power point. It uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it. A non-electric bidet seat is usually controlled with a lever on the side of the seat. Compare the options in the Conor non-electric bidet seat collection.

Bidet Seat Fit: What to Check

Toilet shape is only one fit factor. Before you order a bidet seat, check:

•       Shape: Look at your toilet from above to see whether it is D-Shape or O-Shape.

•       Water inlet: Facing the toilet, check whether the water connection is on the left or the right.

•       Mounting holes: Check the position and spacing of the holes at the back of the toilet.

•       Space: Check the space between the mounting holes and the cistern or wall.

•       Power point: For a smart bidet seat, check for a power point near the toilet.

If you are unsure which bidet seat fits, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering.

Best Smart Toilet Australia: What to Compare

A smart toilet is different from a bidet seat. A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one unit. If you are renovating, you may be searching for the best smart toilet Australia has for your bathroom.

There is no single best smart toilet in Australia for every home. The best smart toilet for your bathroom is the one that matches your layout and the features you want. You can compare the options in the Conor smart toilet collection. When you compare the best smart toilet Australia options, look at:

•       Controls: How you operate the wash and the other settings.

•       Automatic features: Whether you want features such as an automatic lid or automatic flushing.

•       Water pressure: The water pressure in your home.

•       Layout: The position of the waste outlet and the space around the toilet.

•       Power: A smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet.

If you want to keep your current toilet, a bidet seat is the option to compare instead of a smart toilet. A bidet seat gives you the water wash without changing the toilet. Whichever you choose, the 3Ps rule still applies: only pee, poo and toilet paper go down the smart toilet or the toilet with a bidet seat.

Smart Toilet or Bidet Seat?

•       Smart toilet: Replaces the whole toilet suite. Suits a renovation or a new bathroom.

•       Smart bidet seat: Replaces only the toilet seat. Suits a bathroom where you want to keep the toilet.

•       Non-electric bidet seat: Replaces only the toilet seat and needs no power point.

When you look for the best smart toilet Australia buyers can choose from, compare it side by side with a smart bidet seat, so you can see which one suits your bathroom and budget.

Best Portable Bidet Australia: What to Compare

A portable bidet is a handheld bidet that holds its own water. It requires no permanent plumbing connection or installation, so it can be used in many bathrooms, at home or away. If you are searching for the best portable bidet Australia has for travel, renting or a second bathroom, start with what you need it for.

There is no single best portable bidet for everyone. The best portable bidet for you is the one that matches where you will use it and how you want to fill and power it. You can compare the options in the Conor portable bidet collection. Portable bidets come in different styles:

•       Portable bidet bottle: A compact bottle you fill and squeeze or press.

•       Battery or rechargeable sprayer: A handheld sprayer with a small reservoir.

•       Portable bidet with a larger tank: A sprayer with a bigger tank for camping, caravans or home.

When you compare the best portable bidet Australia options, look at:

6.    Power: Batteries or rechargeable.

7.    Water capacity: A compact reservoir for travel or a larger tank for camping and home.

8.    Spray settings: The number of spray modes.

9.    Size: Whether it fits in your bag or toiletry case.

10.  Use: Travel, renting, camping, a second bathroom or a family member who needs a hand-held option.

Portable Bidet and Flushable Wipes

A portable bidet is a swap for people who carry wipes when they travel. You fill the portable bidet with water, aim the nozzle and press. Afterwards, only toilet paper goes down the toilet, and there is no wipe to check or put in the bin.

Empty the reservoir before travel and check your airline and airport requirements for rechargeable devices and liquids.

Best Portable Bidet for Travel

For travel, the best portable bidet is usually a compact one that fits in your bag. For camping or caravans, a portable bidet with a larger tank may suit you better. Compare each model on the Conor portable bidet collection page to find the best portable bidet for your trip.

Flushable Wipes Australia: Bin, Bidet or Toilet Paper?

When you search for flushable wipes Australia results, you will find wipes sold for adults, children and cleaning. Whichever you choose, follow the product labelling and your local guidance, and put ordinary wet wipes in the bin. That leaves three ways to handle your routine after using the toilet:

•       Toilet paper only: The third P in the 3Ps.

•       Toilet paper and wipes: If you keep using wipes, check the product labelling. Ordinary wet wipes go in a lidded bin in the bathroom.

•       A bidet seat or portable bidet with toilet paper: A water wash, then toilet paper to pat dry. Nothing but the 3Ps goes down the toilet.

If you want to move away from flushable wipes in Australia, a bidet seat is the home option, a smart toilet is the renovation option and a portable bidet is the travel option. Compare each one in the Conor range of toilet & bidet seats, and use the best smart toilet Australia checklist and the best portable bidet Australia checklist above to narrow your choice.

Flushable Wipes Australia: Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Before you buy another packet of flushable wipes, ask yourself:

11.  What does the label say? Check the product labelling and follow your local guidance. If it is an ordinary wet wipe, it goes in the bin.

12.  Is there a bin in the bathroom? If not, add one, or switch to a water wash.

13.  Would a bidet seat replace the wipes? A bidet seat gives you a water wash at home, so you may not need wipes in your routine.

14.  Do you travel often? A portable bidet can replace the wipes you carry in your bag.

How to Switch from Flushable Wipes to a Bidet

If you use flushable wipes now and want to switch to a water wash, here is a way to start.

15.  Pick the type: A bidet seat for home, a smart toilet for a renovation, or a portable bidet for travel and renting.

16.  Check your toilet: Shape, water inlet side, mounting holes and the space behind the seat.

17.  Check your power point: For a smart bidet seat or smart toilet.

18.  Keep a small bin in the bathroom: For any wipes, tissues or sanitary items while you change your routine.

19.  Follow the 3Ps: Only pee, poo and toilet paper go down the toilet.

Once your bidet seat or portable bidet is part of your routine, you may find you no longer buy flushable wipes at all.

Using a Bidet Seat

20.  Sit on the bidet seat as normal.

21.  Choose rear or front wash on the remote, side panel, side knob or side lever.

22.  Adjust the water pressure, and on a smart bidet seat, the water temperature and nozzle position.

23.  Stop the wash, then pat dry with toilet paper or use the warm air dryer on a smart bidet seat.

Using a Portable Bidet

24.  Fill the portable bidet with water.

25.  Aim the nozzle and press to start the spray.

26.  Pat dry with toilet paper.

27.  Empty the portable bidet after use and let it dry.

Read the manual that comes with your bidet seat or portable bidet for the full steps.

Toilet & Bidet Seats for Every Household

Different households want different things from toilet & bidet seats. Here is a general guide:

•       Shared bathrooms: A smart bidet seat with a remote, so each person can choose their settings.

•       Guest bathrooms: A bidet seat with simple controls on the side of the seat.

•       Hands-free lid: A smart bidet seat with an automatic lid.

•       No power point: A non-electric D-Shape bidet seat or O-Shape bidet seat.

•       Renovations: A smart toilet that replaces the whole toilet suite.

•       Travel and renting: A portable bidet.

Browse all Conor toilet & bidet seats to compare each bidet seat, smart toilet and portable bidet side by side.

Caring for Your Bidet Seat

Looking after your bidet seat keeps it ready to use. These steps apply to a smart bidet seat and a non-electric bidet seat:

•       Wipe the bidet seat and cover with a soft, damp cloth and a mild cleaner.

•       Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaning products.

•       Use the self-cleaning nozzle function where your bidet seat has one.

•       Clean around the hinges and the back of the bidet seat.

•       If you use a cleaning wipe on the bidet seat, put it in the bin, not the toilet.

•       For a portable bidet, empty the water after use and let it dry.

Follow the care steps in the manual that comes with your bidet seat, smart toilet or portable bidet.

Flushable Wipes vs Bidet: Summary

•       What can you flush down the toilet? Only the 3Ps: pee, poo and toilet paper.

•       Flushable wipes in Australia: Follow the product labelling and your local guidance, and put ordinary wet wipes in the bin.

•       Bidet vs toilet paper which is better? It depends on you. You can use a bidet seat for the wash and toilet paper to pat dry.

•       For a water wash at home: A smart bidet seat or non-electric bidet seat.

•       For a renovation: Compare the best smart toilet Australia options in the Conor smart toilet collection.

•       For travel and renting: Compare the best portable bidet Australia options in the Conor portable bidet collection.

Compare the Conor smart bidet seat collection, the non-electric bidet seat collection, the smart toilet collection and the portable bidet collection to choose the right option for your bathroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flushable wipes safe to flush in Australia?

Not all wipes are the same. Check the product labelling and follow your local guidance. Ordinary wet wipes should go in the bin.

What can you flush down the toilet?

As a general rule, only the 3Ps: pee, poo and toilet paper. Ordinary wet wipes, tissues, paper towel, cotton buds, sanitary items, nappies, dental floss, hair, fats and medicines belong in the bin. For any wipe, follow the product labelling and your local guidance.

What does "only flush the 3Ps" mean?

It is a short rule for what goes down the toilet. It means the only things that should go down the toilet are pee, poo and toilet paper.

Bidet vs toilet paper: which is better?

It depends on you. A bidet seat adds a water wash, and toilet paper is used to wipe or pat dry. You can use both: a bidet seat for the wash and a small amount of toilet paper to pat dry.

Can a bidet seat replace flushable wipes?

Yes. A bidet seat gives you a water wash, so you do not need flushable wipes in your routine. You can pat dry with toilet paper or use the warm air dryer on a smart bidet seat.

What is a bidet seat?

A bidet seat replaces your existing toilet seat and adds a water wash. It fits onto the toilet you already have, so your toilet bowl and cistern stay in place.

What is the best smart toilet in Australia?

There is no single best smart toilet for every bathroom. A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite, so compare the controls, automatic features, water pressure, layout and power point needs in the Conor smart toilet collection.

What is the difference between a smart toilet and a bidet seat?

A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one unit. A bidet seat replaces only your toilet seat and keeps your toilet bowl and cistern.

What is the best portable bidet in Australia?

The best portable bidet is the one that matches where you will use it. Compare the power, water capacity, spray settings and size in the Conor portable bidet collection.

Does a portable bidet need installation?

No. A portable bidet holds its own water and requires no permanent plumbing connection or installation. Some portable bidets are rechargeable, and some run on batteries.

Can I take a portable bidet when I travel?

Yes. Empty the reservoir before travel and check your airline and airport requirements for rechargeable devices and liquids.

Does a smart bidet seat need a power point?

Yes. A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Does a non-electric bidet seat heat the water?

No. A non-electric bidet seat uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it.

How do I check if a bidet seat fits my toilet?

Look at your toilet from above to see whether it is D-Shape or O-Shape. Toilet shape is only one fit factor, so also check the water inlet side, the mounting holes and the space behind the seat.

Where can I buy toilet & bidet seats in Australia?

You can order Conor toilet & bidet seats online from conors.com.au, including each bidet seat, smart toilet and portable bidet, with details and photos on each product page.