A hose: the strange device next to every Finnish toilet
It’s been a long time since I wanted to write about the hose that exists next to each Finnish toilet. Something like this:
A strange apparatus to have in a bathroom: a hose. Source: Oras
The first time I arrived in Finland, many years ago, I was surprised by this strange apparatus. I didn’t have time to test it during my first days, so I didn’t know what was it for. I continued ignoring the hose on the following days, but with a veil of suspicion: I was afraid to know. Finally I gathered the courage and, after testing the hose, I still had my doubts.
There are several theories of its use, from what I could gather asking other people. From being the hose the substitute of the bidet, to it being used as a tool for an easy bathroom cleaning operation (this theory is mine and I’d like to think it is used for that).
Threatening the WC
As I said I used it mainly for cleaning the entire bathroom. The after-shaving operation leaves the sink clean, and the floors are clean in an instant thanks to this hose or shower-head. You can also clean the toilet with it, but let’s not get into details here.
All the power in your hands
If you want to activate this Finnish WC shower or hose, you have to open the tap of water from the sink and press the button that the hose has. In this way, the water stream starts coming out of the hose with good water pressure. Personally I think the button-activated mechanism supports everyone elses’ theory of the toilet shower as a substitute of the bidet, but I prefer not to adopt this version. For the moment.
I have seen this hose not only in private toilets – at friends’ houses – but also next to toilets in bars, restaurants, bus and train stations, and other places, although not in each and every one of them.
What’s your experience with the Finnish toilet hose? It is definitely one of the things that surprise foreigners in Finland.
Update 2018: The secret is revealed. Unveiled. If you want to know for sure the use of the toilet shower, you can find it here.
Update 2020: I found this amazing gallery of photos from the Finnish company Oras, which manufactures it. Its commercials seem to be legendary and, after seeing them myself, I don’t disagree.
Topics: Curiosities |
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this is common in asian countries and middle east. It is used for cleaning genitals/anus ..
true. it’s used in asian countries often as a substitute for bidets.
Hi! I share your passion for Finland! I was too very intrigued by the hose next to the toilet! So I went to check it out on the Internet and found your description and I couldn’t stop smiling because all you discribe is what I thought! But down deep the true use for it I had thought about it, but as you did I tried to ignore it. Thank you.
I am wondering what should that be used for, too!! Had to google and found your blog… I would love to know wether there is some government disision in order to keep all the Finns healthy so they won’t need to pay their health care, or…? I think I will ask a Finn 🙂
Three things I want to get rid of: 1. AM/PM. 24-hour time. The time here in Bangkok is 11:34 NOT 11:34 PM! OK?
2. Toilet paper or “TP”. It’s messy and totally unhygienic.
3. Fucking Helmut von Fahrenheit. Use Celsius. Also get rid of Inches, Miles, Gallons (US and Imperial) Pounds and Stones. OK?
Keep up the good work. John Koistinen -Lindgren
Cheers,
Jomppa
I hope this picture answers your questions:
http://manki1.mbnet.fi/mainoksia/Alapesu.jpg
WTF? Why don’t you ask a Finnish person what they use it for?
Exactly! I miss them. After 12h flight and 6h to go in a car when you got no showers available. Finnish airport is the perfect stop.
I think there’s something wrong with the Finnish toilet. I find it more sticky than the states so usually after use, there’s too much residual and you have to clean it. Does that seem to be the case for you?
This also explains why there’s always a toilet brush and hose next to the toilet because the toilet here sucks or people’s poop stick too much. What do you think?
Hi ! Just got back from Luosto where we stayed in a chalet ( kabine) and the toilets were equipped with the hose and this was the case of all toilets in the hotel in the safari centre in word everywhere !! Great for hygiene. Where can we buy this kind of hose online (name of DIY brands?). I live in France .
Finland is a surprising country we only got a glimpse of it and hope to visit again ( not only for the hose!!!)