Many consider the hand shower, or bidet spray, to be a purely Finnish invention, but the truth is more complex. Similar devices have been in use around the world for a long time, but Finnish engineers in the 1960s realized how to integrate it into the toilet and faucet combination. This made it an everyday hygiene product, now found in almost every Finnish home.
Despite its international background, the hand shower is so commonplace for us that we rarely stop to think about its ingenuity. However, it is much more than just a tool for intimate hygiene. We have compiled four facts that will change your perception of this bathroom multi-tool.
1. A Finnish innovation, not an invention
Although the credit for the actual invention belongs elsewhere – for example, separate shower devices were sold in the United States decades earlier – the Finnish insight was a true breakthrough. Oras engineers developed a model where the hand shower was connected directly to the sink faucet.
The solution made installation easy, lowered costs, and paved the way for the mass adoption of hand showers in Finnish homes. The success story of the hand shower is a clear example of excellent product development and understanding the market. We didn't reinvent the wheel, but we made it significantly better and accessible to everyone.
2. The most effective cleaning tool in the bathroom
The primary function of the hand shower is personal hygiene, but its effectiveness in cleaning often goes unutilized. The targeted and powerful water jet makes it an unbeatable helper in many situations.
For example, use it like this:
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Cleaning the toilet: Rinsing detergent from the rim of the toilet bowl is done in an instant.
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Filling aid: Effortlessly fill large buckets and watering cans that don't fit under the tap.
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Washing muddy shoes and pets: Wash muddy boots or dog paws directly over the floor drain, so dirt doesn't spread throughout the apartment.
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Rinsing cloth diapers: In families with children, it is an invaluable aid for pre-washing cloth diapers.
It's a tool that saves time and effort every week.
3. Water quality is crucial – a filter protects the shower and skin
If your hand shower's pressure is weak or it starts spitting water in different directions, the culprit is almost always limescale and dirt detached from the piping. Water in many parts of Finland is hard, meaning it contains minerals. Limescale, in particular, effectively clogs the small holes in the showerhead.
Metals and rust also inevitably detach from old pipes. These impurities not only impair the shower's function but can also irritate sensitive skin.
The solution to the problem is a hand shower equipped with a filter. An effective sediment filter captures all particles over 5 microns from the water, such as limescale, metals, and sand. The filter extends the shower's lifespan and simultaneously makes the water softer and gentler on the skin. Cleaner water also feels fresher.
4. The hand shower can be part of your skincare routine
Modern hand showers are capable of more than just washing and filtering. There are models on the market where a nourishing aroma gel cartridge can be installed in the showerhead. It's not just about a pleasant scent, but genuine skincare.
The effectiveness of the cartridges is based on Korean cosmetic expertise and natural, moisturizing ingredients, such as:
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Aloe vera: Soothes and moisturizes.
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Snail serum: Renews and repairs the skin.
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Milk protein: Nourishes and softens.
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Vegetable glycerin: Effectively binds moisture to the skin.
Water flows through the cartridge and picks up the nourishing ingredients. This transforms a regular washing moment into a skin-moisturizing treatment, which particularly alleviates symptoms of dry and sensitive skin. It's an easy way to combine essential hygiene with a small everyday luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hand shower mandatory in Finland?
The law does not mandate the installation of a hand shower, but it has become standard equipment in almost all new construction and renovation projects. Current building regulations favor hygienic and practical solutions, and the hand shower is an excellent example of this.
Why is my hand shower pressure weak?
Usually, the reason is nozzles clogged by limescale and other impurities. First, try cleaning the showerhead thoroughly. If the pressure doesn't improve, the fault could be a clogged filter, an old hose, or problems with the water supply network.
Can I install a hand shower myself?
Mostly, yes. If the sink faucet has a ready connection for a hand shower, installation can usually be done by yourself by screwing the hose into place. If the connection is missing or installation requires plumbing work, it's best to leave the job to an HVAC professional.
Does a hand shower consume a lot of water?
No. The hand shower is only used for a moment, so its water consumption is a fraction of a regular shower. Modern models are also designed to save water.
