Installing Bidets and Adopting New Habits
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has officially moved into Gracie Mansion, the historic 18th-century residence on Manhattan’s Upper East Side that has served as the mayoral home since 1942. His relocation from a modest, rent-controlled apartment in Queens to an 11,000-square-foot landmark property signals more than a change of address—it’s the beginning of a chapter in which a progressive mayor introduces his personal culture and political identity into one of New York’s most symbolic spaces.
During the move-in on January 12, Mamdani, 34, was asked by reporters what changes he planned to make to the 227-year-old mansion built in 1799. His answer sparked attention.
“One thing that we will change is we will be installing a few bidets into Gracie Mansion,” Mamdani said. “That’s an aspirational hope. We’ll see if we can get it done.”
The installation of bidets—bathroom fixtures commonly used for washing with water—stands out in a country where toilet paper remains standard. Yet for many who have lived in Europe, Asia, or South Asia, bidets are familiar and preferred for hygiene.
As the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor in New York City’s history, Mamdani’s bidet installation reflects cultural norms shared in many South Asian and Muslim households. Comedian Mo Amer once joked about how surprising it was that bidets weren’t already standard in the West.
While retrofitting historic buildings in New York can be complex, aftermarket bidet products and portable bidet attachments are widely available and simple to install. A City Hall spokesperson did not immediately comment on how the modifications would be handled.
The idea quickly gained traction online. Social media users noted the surge in bidet purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the city’s Department of Environmental Protection even celebrated the announcement, posting:
“More bidets = fewer wet wipes.”
with heart emojis and the hashtag #TrashItDontFlushIt
Environmental authorities have long warned that flushing wet wipes causes serious sewage and infrastructure issues. The city spends millions each year fixing sewer backups and maintaining wastewater facilities clogged by wipe-related debris.
As Mamdani settles into Gracie Mansion, the bidet installation symbolizes not only personal comfort but also a cultural and environmental shift that resonates with many New Yorkers.
WHAT IS A BIDET?
A bidet is a cleaning system commonly used in Islamic cultures for hygiene purposes. This system, located in the toilet, allows water to be used directly in the toilet to meet cleaning needs. The bidet is often preferred for post-toilet cleaning and is considered a hygienic solution.
