Smart toilet hygiene: UV sterilisation, self-cleaning and antibacterial seat

One of the first questions about a toilet with an integrated bidet concerns the nozzle: how does it stay clean, if the same one is always used for washing? Smart toilets tackle the problem in several ways, which add up: the nozzle rinses itself, on many models it is treated with UV light, and the most frequently touched surfaces are made of antibacterial materials. Here is how these solutions work in the Keliss range.

The nozzle that cleans itself

On many models the nozzle is self-cleaning: before and after washing it is rinsed with clean water. On the bidet seats in the Keliss series the nozzle is stainless steel and is described as antibacterial; on floor-standing models the specifications refer to self-cleaning of the nozzle wand, and on some, such as the NeoWash 0018, AeroLux 706 and NeoWash Ultra, self-cleaning is carried out with foam.

Sterilisation with UV light

Ultraviolet light, in particular in the UV-C band, has long been used to reduce the bacterial load on surfaces. In smart toilets a small UV source lights the nozzle automatically, usually after every use.

In the Keliss range UV sterilisation is present on almost all wall-hung toilets, on the AussieLux wall-mounted models, on most of the Sanova line and on some floor-standing models such as the U5 and the T16, which explicitly state UV-C sterilisation. For the Sanova S005F the specifications describe a three-minute UV-C cycle after every use. Some wall-hung models, such as the AeroFlush 710 X and the AeroLux 704, add an infrared treatment of the stainless steel nozzle.

Sterilisation is automatic: you do not have to remember to start it, as it starts by itself according to the cycle set for the model. This is one of the reasons why the integrated bidet is also suited to bathrooms used by several people, at home as well as in hospitality settings.

Two common-sense points: UV light acts where it reaches, so it helps keep the nozzle hygienic but does not replace normal cleaning of the bowl; and, like any UV light source, it should not be looked at directly.

Antibacterial seat and surfaces

The seat is the surface with which you are most in contact. On Keliss floor-standing models it is made of polypropylene with antibacterial silver ions, and several models state that both the nozzle and the seat ring are antibacterial. The Sanova I7 declares SIAA antibacterial certification for the most frequently touched surfaces.

An antibacterial material slows the proliferation of bacteria on the surface, but regular cleaning with gentle products remains worthwhile.

Less contact with your hands

Automation also contributes to hygiene, because it reduces the points that are touched. On many models the proximity sensor opens and closes the lid, the foot sensor operates the flush and, where present, automatic flushing avoids touching the button. On Sanova models you can use your voice. Fewer hands on the lid and buttons means fewer surfaces to clean.

Then there is personal hygiene, which is the very reason for the integrated bidet: washing with warm water, followed by warm-air drying, replaces toilet paper wholly or in part. It is something you do without moving, which is also useful for those with mobility difficulties or for those caring for an older person.

Foam, deodorisation and standing water

Other functions help keep the bowl itself clean. On several models, before use, a layer of foam forms automatically to reduce splashing. Deodorisation removes odours after use; on many bidet seats it uses an activated-carbon deodoriser. Finally, the Sanova I7 automatically renews the standing water in the bowl every 72 hours, which is useful in second homes and in flats used only at certain times of year.

Features vary from model to model: the smart toilets page lets you compare them. For advice on your choice, contact us.