WASHLET from TOTO – a revolution in the bathroom

In 2009, Japanese sanitary expert TOTO gave visitors to ISH, the world’s leading trade show for the bathroom industry, a warm welcome – this was the brands first time at the Frankfurt show, and it had a decisive product in their portfolio: WASHLET. It disrupted the industry!

WASHLET, or shower toilet, combining the toilet and bidet in one, was practically unknown in Europe at the time. In Japan, however, the design was already a part of everyday life for some years. Just about every child is familiar with TOTO products, and most households have a shower toilet. Thanks to TOTO, WASHLET is a trending product today and the greatest innovation in European bathrooms in the past several years. It is considered an important element of any bathroom designed with comfort and well- being in mind.

Image credit: TOTO

Many innovations that have changed the world were initially ridiculed, viewed with scepticism or rejected altogether. People thought that the first automobiles were mere toys for the wealthy, the internet a passing fad for tech enthusiasts, and AI just science fiction. WASHLET has a similar story. Adding an intimate cleansing feature to a toilet was also totally new to Japan – but people throughout the country quickly caught on. The feeling of cleanliness from fresh, warm water cleansing reflected the strong need for hygiene that sets Japan apart from other countries. This phenomenon also holds true today – no country on earth has public toilets as inviting and clean as Japan.

It makes perfect sense that Japan was the birthplace of a project like THE TOKYO TOILETS. The Nippon Foundation asked renowned international architects to build 17 public toilet facilities in Tokyo, all of them equipped with TOTO products. These toilets, designed by design luminaries such as Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma and Shigeru Ban, have attracted international attention.

Image credit: TOTO

Once WASHLET arrived in Europe, TOTO was highly responsive to this market’s specific needs. The Japanese company aimed to eliminate the initial scepticism with which the product was received. The various models fully reflect European standards for exclusive bathroom furnishings and fixtures. Timeless designs in rounded or angular versions complement bathrooms of all styles.

WASHLET is also becoming more significant in high-end hotels. This segment quickly realised the entirely new wellness experience the product has to offer – and having these installed sets a hotel apart from the others. The recently opened Marriott Hotel City West in Munich has nearly 400 rooms with WASHLET models.

“From the outset, we considered TOTO products to be differentiators that give the hotel a unique quality, setting it apart from other properties on the market,” explained Joern Siebke, Interior Designer and Founder of Studio Lux Berlin, describing the reason to install TOTO WASHLET throughout the hotel. Many hotel guests experience WASHLET for the first time there and then decide to bring one into their homes.

Image credit: TOTO

WASHLET has become more widely accepted over the years. Today, it’s a ‘must have’ for any modern bathroom. TOTO remained unfazed by the initial hesitance, always expecting the product to take off in Europe over time. The company attended every ISH trade show, having in-depth conversations with plumbers, wholesalers, planners and interior designers. They wanted to bring Japan’s life- changing experience with WASHLET to Europe as well, allowing people to make it part of their everyday routines. As soon as 2011, just two years after the TOTO market launch, competitors started showing more shower toilets at their trade show exhibitions. Together, everyone helped make this product a success.

Another special feature is that TOTO always positions the wand for intimate cleansing above the toilet bowl: This protects the wand from waste. A protective flap also keeps the wand clean. This placement also prevents the wand from coming into contact with flush water or faeces, keeping the technical components clean if the toilet ever clogs. Another unique cleansing technology developed by TOTO is ewater+. It is based on electrolysed water, which has an antibacterial effect. Bacteria-reducing ewater+ cleans the toilet bowl and wand, helping them stay cleaner longer.

TOTO can claim to have initiated this development. The expertise gained over decades of hygiene and comfort technologies is often imitated – even today. Founded in 1917, the company has extraordinary expertise in ceramic production, having developed both the innovative rimless toilet bowl and Tornado Flush system.

TOTO is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: TOTO