Self Cleaning Toilet?! Illuminating the TOTO NEOREST NX2’s ACTILIGHT System
Written By Meghan Oliver | Created October 14, 2024 | Updated October 14, 2024
If you’ve been looking for the best all-in-one bidet toilet money can buy, you’ve probably heard of the TOTO NEOREST NX2. This ultra-modern smart toilet comes equipped with every bidet feature you could dream up. And even better? With TOTO’s innovative ACTILIGHT system on board, the NX2 cleans itself. But what exactly is ACTILIGHT, and more importantly, is this “self cleaning toilet” worth the premium price tag?
What is ACTILIGHT?
TOTO’s ACTILIGHT cleaning technology keeps your toilet clean and germ-free without you having to lift a finger. (This is great news, since we’ve yet to meet anyone who actually likes cleaning their toilet.) ACTILIGHT doesn’t use any harsh chemicals to get the job done – its cutting-edge approach uses only water, oxygen and light to keep the toilet spic and span.
A self cleaning toilet sounds too good to be true – so how exactly does it work?
When you open the NX2’s lid (or rather, when it automatically opens itself for you as you approach the toilet), you’ll notice a light tucked underneath. But it’s not just any bulb – ACTILIGHT uses ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization. Also used to sanitize drinking water and medical equipment, UV light messes with the genetic material of bacteria, viruses and fungi, stopping them in their tracks.
The light interacts with a specialized zirconium coating on the bowl to break down dirt and residue. The next time you flush, the mess simply washes away, eliminating one of the grossest parts of cleaning the toilet. The best part? ACTILIGHT automatically runs overnight, so you wake up to a sparkling toilet with absolutely zero effort.
Is the TOTO NX2 with ACTILIGHT Worth the Price?
There’s no denying that the NX2 is one of the best bidet toilets on the market. It delivers the most luxurious bidet experience we’ve ever tested, and its sleek design makes it a showpiece in any bathroom. But is the NX2 truly a self cleaning toilet? And more importantly, does the ACTILIGHT system justify its deluxe price?
One of our testers installed the NX2 in a busy bathroom three years ago. In addition to really enjoying its good looks and top-of-the-line bidet functions, they’ve barely had to do any cleaning. Not having to clean a toilet for three years sounds like a dream, but there’s one thing to keep in mind: While the ACTILIGHT system does a great job keeping the bowl pristine, it doesn’t tackle the rim of the toilet or the underside of the seat. ACTILIGHT certainly makes the cleaning process a whole lot easier, but you will still have a bit of work to do.
So is it worth it? That’s a question you’ll have to answer for yourself. The bigger question: Do you want the best bidet toilet on the market? If so, the NX2 is hands-down the way to go. It delivers a truly pampering bidet experience and cuts down on the time you’ll spend cleaning.
If you can’t quite swing the cost, the NEOREST NX1 offers a fantastic compromise. It mirrors the NX2’s exquisite design and has all the same high-end bidet functions. The only thing you’ll miss out on is the ACTLIGHT functionality.
Whichever option you choose, both your decor and bathroom routine will get a major upgrade. If you have more questions about ACTILIGHT or aren’t sure which NEOREST to pick, reach out to one of our bidet experts for answers on all things TOTO.
Meghan Oliver
Meghan Oliver is a writer and content manager with Many Bidets. Her work has appeared in Nonprofit World magazine and on Psych Central, but she specializes in behind-the-scenes content for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Meghan is passionate about conservation, creatures of all kinds and the Oxford comma. When she's not writing, she's probably at the barn, on a hiking trail, in her native garden bothering the pollinators(,) or curled up with a book and a cat.