Originally posted on Skoy Enterprises LinkedIn.
Any international traveler has had one of those moments walking into a bathroom or kitchen in a different country. That “huh, that’s different,” moment. It’s something inevitable that happens when traveling; spotting those cultural differences.
What is normal in a German or Japanese home would not be found in the States, and vis versa! Most of them are minor and forgotten by the time your plane touches back down on American soil. But there are some cultural differences that shouldn’t leave an American’s mind so quickly.
Here are the international ways of cleaning we think should become standard in every American home.
A Water Fountain For Your Other End
Bidet’s were first invented in France in the 1600’s, earning the name “bidet” from the French word for “pony” as a nod to the straddling position one takes when using one. For those of you who are unaware, a bidet is used to clean your behind after using the restroom.
The bidet is now commonplace throughout most of Western Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of South America. The benefits of using a bidet are obvious: they are more hygienic, better for the environment (less toilet paper being wiped down there), reduce plumbing issues, and save you money.
But this bathroom tool never gained much prominence in America. We turned our heads away from the water spout and toward the flushable wipe solution—which is problematic for many reasons including plumbing issues, terrible for the environment, and more expensive.
However, in the past year and a half since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in America, bidets have seen an impressive uptick in sales here. Blame it on the empty shelves in grocery stores or the overall need for more hygiene, but bidet companies have seen at least 10 times more sales since 2019.
Perhaps, the golden age of the bidet in America is finally arriving.
A Paper Towel You Don’t Throw Away
The Swedish dish cloth was invented by a Swedish engineer in 1949. The cloth is made of wood cellulose and cloth, making it a fabric that dries hard and lasts long. They are reusable time after time after time. And, they often come with a cute little design to make you smile while wiping up your kid’s spill for the 3rd time this morning.
Just one single Swedish dish cloth can easily do the work of 17 rolls of paper towels. They are incredibly popular throughout Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway but have gained popularity in the rest of Europe, Australia, and parts of Latin America too.
And yet, Americans are still primarily reaching for the 6-pack of tear-a-squares.
Swedish dish cloths have certainly gained momentum in this country, but paper towel sales have also increased in the past few years. Swedish dish cloths are better for the environment, last months longer, are easier on your wallet, and (most importantly) look cuter in the kitchen. For us, it’s a no-brainer. America, keep up.
Hang it all up to dry!
An average American abroad is likely quick to notice an odd placement of one particular appliance. The washing machine’s home in many countries is in the kitchen! And its partner-in-crime likely isn’t in the home at all.
The clothes go into the washer and dry out on the line. Although this may seem old-school, time-consuming, and unrealistic for humid climates, it is unquestionably the smarter choice for the quality of your clothes, the environment, and your wallet.
We Americans are so quick to jump to the most convenient option, usually with disregard for the negatives of that choice. Hang-drying is a way of the past that should be a part of our future.
The Best Plate Cleaner
In all of our research, the best cleaning product we found was in Italy. Rather than scrubbing away the remaining contents and sauce off a plate at the end of a meal with a sponge, Italians have an easy, delicious alternative.
Grab one more piece of bread. Use it to scoop the remaining sauce. Eat.