LIXIL, a global leader in water management and housing products and innovations, has released the latest findings from the "Spalet Clean Survey" conducted in Thailand. The survey gathered data from over 1,000 participants across Bangkok, its suburbs, and other provinces to delve into personal hygiene behaviors and trends, as well as the hidden concerns people have when using bathrooms.

This survey helps LIXIL's brands, including American Standard, GROHE, and INAX, to openly discuss personal hygiene. The interesting data from the Spalet Clean Survey reveals unexpected aspects regarding health and personal hygiene, particularly the concerns and limitations stemming from traditional bidet usage. Consequently, these three renowned brands have collaborated to present smart sanitary solutions and versatile toilet seats under the name 'Spalet' to directly address these issues.

Bathrooms: A Space for Wellness and Personal Relaxation

The Spalet Clean Survey confirms that the role of bathrooms has evolved beyond mere daily utility. Today, bathrooms reflect the pride of residents and serve as a refreshing space that rejuvenates the mind each day.

  • A New Standard for Housing: 97% of Thai consumers* believe that a clean and hygienic bathroom directly reflects the cleanliness of the entire home, making it a universal standard that instills pride in residents.
  • A Private Space for Mental Relaxation: Over 9 in 10 respondents (or 91%*) view their time in the bathroom as a valuable personal moment and a space for mental relaxation.
  • Cleanliness Affects User Mood: The quality of personal cleaning directly impacts confidence in daily life. The survey indicates that about 70%* of respondents associate the feeling of cleanliness after using the bathroom with feelings of calmness, relaxation, and readiness to start anew, while 51%* state that cleanliness genuinely enhances their sense of refreshment.

Hidden Concerns with Traditional Bidet Usage

Although traditional bidets are a household necessity for many Thais due to their preference for cleaning with water over toilet paper, the survey reveals that this bathroom fixture often causes daily discomfort and deep-seated concerns for users.

  • Inconsistent Water Pressure: 48%* of users constantly worry about unpredictable water pressure. Additionally, 55%* fear encountering excessively strong water pressure that could be uncomfortable or messy, while others worry that weak water pressure may not clean effectively. This concern is particularly prevalent among Thai consumers aged 44 and older.
  • Moisture and Splash Issues: More than half of respondents (53%*) indicated that traditional bidets often lead to messy bathrooms, whether due to wet floors or water splashes on the toilet seat, increasing the risk of germ spread and contamination.
  • Concerns About Shared Usage: 42%* of respondents, and 51%* among women, feel uncomfortable handling bidets that have been touched by many people.

Overcoming Experiences and Breaking Old Beliefs About Maintenance

The survey also highlights the gap in Thai consumers' perceptions regarding special features that provide convenience in the bathroom. Before experiencing Spalet, many consumers who had never used it viewed premium functions as luxurious rather than practical. Only 17%* expressed initial interest in heated water systems, and just 12%* were interested in heated toilet seats.

However, consumer perspectives and needs changed dramatically once they experienced the product firsthand.

  • Key Factors in Purchase Decisions: Nearly 3 in 4 consumers (74%*) revealed that experiencing the relaxing comfort of the heated water and gentle drying air was the primary reason they ultimately chose to switch to Spalet.
  • A Personal Relaxation Space: 58%* of Thai users define their time using Spalet as a moment of relaxation and self-care that traditional toilet paper or bidets cannot provide.

Additionally, the survey clarifies concerns regarding maintenance and installation. Less than half of those who had never used Spalet were worried about complicated long-term maintenance, and about 1 in 3 hesitated due to the belief that installation would require a complete bathroom overhaul. However, actual users unanimously confirmed that their experiences were vastly different from these initial concerns.

Nearly 9 in 10 daily users (or 87%*) affirmed that using and maintaining Spalet is much easier than they initially thought, thanks to its smart innovations and automatic systems that keep the toilet clean. The survey found that 48%* of consumers were very impressed with the odor elimination system within the toilet, and 42%* appreciated the automatic cleaning of the bidet nozzle before and after use, significantly reducing the burden of self-cleaning.

Elevating Modern Living

In an era where living spaces in Thailand are continuously evolving, changing hygiene behaviors in daily life has become a crucial step toward enhancing lifestyle quality. The Spalet Clean Survey clearly reflects this, with 77%* of Thai respondents agreeing that Spalet is a modern choice that better reflects the contemporary style of users compared to traditional bidets.

LIXIL invites all Thai consumers to transcend the limitations of traditional cleaning methods and discover a new dimension of health and touchless comfort with Spalet, the smart sanitary solution and versatile toilet seat that offers superior hygiene. Explore interesting insights and learn about the ease of experiencing Feel Spalet Clean at the official website www.spalet.com.

*Based on the Spalet Clean Survey 2026, more information can be found at Spalet.com

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About LIXIL

LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) is a pioneer in innovative sanitary ware and housing solutions, addressing everyday challenges and creating better homes for everyone, everywhere. LIXIL builds on the Japanese legacy of creating world-class technology and high-quality innovations to transform homes. What sets LIXIL apart from other brands is its design approach that combines value, spirit, and dedication to development, ensuring everyone can access these products. With approximately 53,000 employees operating in over 150 countries worldwide, we take pride in creating products that over a billion people experience every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com.

About American Standard

American Standard is a trusted leader in bathroom and kitchen products for over 150 years, known for its outstanding quality and innovation. The brand is passionate about enhancing everyday life, whether through small improvements or significant changes, from innovative toilet seats to world-class kitchen faucets. American Standard is committed to inspiring people to design homes they love and live happily every day.

About GROHE

GROHE is a leading global brand offering comprehensive bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. Since 2014, GROHE has been part of LIXIL's strong brand portfolio, pioneering products for water management and housing. With the concept of "Pure Freude an Wasser" (Pure Joy of Water), every product adheres to the brand's values of quality, technology, design, and sustainability.

The brand is dedicated to providing products that enhance quality of life and services that meet needs through specialized product lines like GROHE QuickFix, GROHE Professional, and premium brand GROHE SPA, all designed to meet the specific needs of business partners and diverse target audiences.

As water usage is central to the business, GROHE participates in LIXIL's corporate social responsibility strategy through a resource-saving value chain, from carbon-neutral production to eliminating unnecessary plastics from packaging, and developing water and energy-saving technologies like GROHE Everstream, a recirculating shower system.

*Including CO2 compensation projects. Learn more at grohe-x.com/sustainability.