How to Wash Your Vagina

Your vagina is a delicate part of the body that needs proper care to stay clean and healthy. The vagina itself (the internal opening that leads to your cervix) is self-cleaning and doesn’t need to be washed. However, it’s important to wash your vulva (the outer part of your genitals) and the area around your anus to help prevent infections and irritation in the vagina. Establish a daily washing routine to keep the area around your vagina clean. You can also keep clean by adopting good hygiene habits, such as wearing breathable cotton underwear and wiping front to back when you use the bathroom.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating a Daily Cleansing Routine

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1
Wash the area around your vagina at least once a day. Throughout the day, sweat and moisture can build up in your genital area, providing a good environment for bacteria and yeast. Wash the area daily as part of your regular bath or shower routine to prevent vaginal infections and unpleasant odors.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}^{[2]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.}
- If you are on your period, it’s a good idea to wash more than once a day when you're menstruating.
2
Use plain, unscented soap to wash your genital area. When you wash yourself, use warm water and a gentle, unscented soap, feminine wash or body wash. Harsh, perfumed soaps can irritate your vulva and vagina and alter your vagina’s natural pH balance, possibly leading to infections.^{[3]XResearch source}^{[4]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.}
- Some people can use lightly scented soaps without any problems. However, if you are prone to infections and irritation, try switching to an unscented or hypoallergenic soap.
- You can use your hand or a very soft washcloth to wash your vulva, but don’t use a harsh washcloth or loofah. Scrubbing the area can cause irritation.^{[5]XResearch source}
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3
Spread your outer labia and clean the folds around your clitoris.^{[6]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.} As you wash, be careful to clean all the creases and folds around your vagina. Gently spread your outer labia (the large, fleshy pads or “lips” on the outside of your vulva) and wipe around the skin folds inside, making sure to wash around the hood of your clitoris and the area outside the entrance to your vagina.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Try not to get any soap inside your vagina itself, since this can be drying and irritating.^{[8]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
  Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.}
4
Cleanse your anal area last. Once you’re done washing your vulva, move to your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) and then your anus and the area between your buttocks. Always move from front to back while you are washing so that you don’t spread germs from your anal area into your vagina.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Washing from back to front can increase your risk of developing a vaginal infection or urinary tract infection.
5
Rinse away all the soap when you’re done. After you’ve washed your entire genital area, rinse yourself thoroughly with plain, warm water. Make sure to wash away any remaining soap suds, since leaving it there could dry out or irritate the delicate skin around your genitals.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If you rinse with a handheld shower jet, take care not to get any of the spray inside your vagina. Forcing water into your vagina can cause irritation, upset your vagina’s natural pH balance, or push unwanted bacteria up into your uterus.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceUS Office on Women's HealthU.S. government agency providing resources for women's healthGo to source}
6
Pat the area dry with a clean towel after you rinse. Once you’re done washing and rinsing yourself, use a clean, dry towel to pat your genital area dry. Don’t rub the area, since doing so can cause irritation.^{[12]XResearch source}
- You can also gently dry your vulva and groin area with a blow-dryer on a low, cool setting.
7
Stay away from douches, scented wipes, and deodorant sprays.^{[13]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.} There are a variety of products on the market that claim to promote good vaginal hygiene and keep you smelling fresh. However, these products can cause irritation and wash away good bacteria, potentially leading to infections. Never use perfumed products on your vulva or vagina, and don’t use any type of douche unless your doctor recommends it.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Avoid using scented bath oils or bubble baths, since these can cause irritation or vaginal infections.^{[17]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
  Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.}
Did you know? A healthy vagina has a population of beneficial bacteria that can help keep yeast and bad bacteria under control. When the population of good bacteria in your vagina is disrupted, unwanted organisms can move in and cause an infection.^{[15]XResearch source}^{[16]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Maintaining Good Vaginal Hygiene

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1
Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. Whenever you use the toilet, gently wipe from front to back—even if you’ve only urinated. Wiping from back to front can move bacteria from your anal area into your vagina or urethra, putting you at risk of developing a vaginal or urinary tract infection.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Avoid toilet papers that contain perfumes, dyes, or lotions, since these can irritate your vulva and vagina. Stick to plain white paper.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
2
Clean up with mineral oil after stubborn bowel movements. Doctors don’t recommend using wet wipes—even unscented ones—to wipe yourself. If you have trouble getting fresh and clean after a bowel movement, you can make wiping easier by adding a little mineral oil or unscented soap (such as Dove or Cetaphil body wash) to your toilet paper. Rinse off with a little water when you’re done, and pat yourself dry.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Studies show that using feminine wipes can not only cause pain and irritation, but may significantly increase your chances of getting a urinary tract infection.^{[21]XResearch source}
3
Try a baking soda soak to reduce excess odor and discharge. Mild odors and most vaginal secretions are natural and healthy.^{[22]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.} However, if they bother you, you can use a baking soda soak to cleanse your vulva and minimize odors. Fill a bathtub partway with lukewarm water and stir in 4-5 tablespoons (58-72 g) of baking soda. Soak in the tub 1-3 times a day for 10 minutes at a time.^{[23]XTrustworthy SourceSeattle Children's HospitalHealth information provided by Seattle Children's hospital.Go to source}
- A baking soda soak can also help reduce itching and burning if you’re dealing with irritation or an infection.
4
Wear cotton underwear to prevent irritation and reduce moisture.^{[24]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.} Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester keep in moisture and heat around your genital area, creating an environment that’s good for harmful bacteria and yeast. To prevent this, opt for more breathable cotton underwear, and change into a fresh pair daily (or more often, if your underwear gets damp or sweaty).^{[25]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.}
- Avoid thongs and tight-fitting leggings or pants, since these can trap heat and moisture and irritate your vulva.^{[26]XResearch source}
- Try sleeping without underwear or wearing loose cotton boxers at night.
5
Launder new underwear before you wear it. New underwear may have harsh dyes or chemical residues that can irritate your vulva and vagina. Always wash your underwear before wearing it for the first time.^{[27]XResearch source}
- When you wash your underwear, use a mild, unscented detergent. You can also use an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the detergent is rinsed out.
6
Get out of wet clothes immediately after swimming or exercising. After you swim or exercise, change out of your wet clothing right away and dry yourself off thoroughly.^{[28]XResearch source} Staying in wet or sweaty clothing can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast in and around your vagina.
- It’s also a good idea to shower as soon as you can after exercising or swimming to wash away sweat, grime, or chlorine.
7
Change your tampons and pads often during your period if they are your choice of menstrual product. If you use tampons or pads when you have your period, change your pads or tampons frequently.^{[29]XResearch source} Never wear a tampon for longer than eight hours to prevent potentially deadly toxic shock syndrome. You should also try to change your pads at least every 3-4 hours, even if you’re not bleeding that much.^{[30]XResearch source}
- Don’t use scented pads or tampons, and stick to products made from 100% cotton if you can.^{[31]XResearch source}^{[32]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
  Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.}
8
Use condoms or protection during sex and urinate afterwards to prevent infections. If you have sex, you can reduce your risk of getting an STI (sexually transmitted infection) or a bacterial infection by protection every time.^{[33]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Ask your partner to use protection, or use an internal condom to protect your vagina.
- It’s also a good idea to urinate and shower immediately after sex.^{[35]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} This can help rinse away bacteria, sweat, and other bodily fluids that might contribute to a bacterial or yeast infections.
Caution: While washing up after sex can help prevent problems like urinary tract infections, it won’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. If you are having penetrative sex with partner, using a condom is one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs.^{[34]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source} Condoms are also a good birth control method, especially when combined with other forms of contraceptives, such as hormonal birth control pills.

How Do You Wash Your Vagina?

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How to keep the vagina from smelling?
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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It's natural for your vagina to have a mild odor. The best thing you can do is wash daily with mild soap and water and wear breathable cotton underwear and loose, comfortable pants to prevent sweat from building up in the area. If your vagina has a very strong, unpleasant odor, talk to your doctor to find out what might be causing it.
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My vagina feels irritated after penetration. Can that be a result of yeast infection?
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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There are a lot of reasons your vagina might feel irritated after penetration. It's possible you have an infection, in which case you might see other symptoms, like redness, itching, and unusual discharge. If you don't produce a lot of natural lubrication, that could also lead to soreness and irritation. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist about your concerns--they can help you figure out what's going on.
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My vagina color is so very dark. How can I lighten the color?
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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If you are concerned about the color of your vagina, there are private clinics that offer chemical or laser bleaching procedures. However, please be aware that these procedures can cause harmful side effects, such as blistering, scarring, redness, and irritation. There is a huge range of natural variation in the color of women's genitals, so there's nothing harmful or abnormal about having dark pigmentation in your vagina.
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If you notice any strong or unpleasant odors from your vagina, or if you see signs of infection such as redness, itching, burning, or unusual discharge, make an appointment with your doctor or a gynecologist.^{[36]XExpert SourceCindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified UrogynecologistExpert Interview. 14 July 2023.} They can determine what’s causing your symptoms and treat it appropriately.^{[37]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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While many people choose to shave or trim their pubic hair for hygienic reasons, studies show that removing your pubic hair does not have any clear health benefits aside from preventing pubic lice. If you do choose to remove your pubic hair, it’s safest to use trimmers rather than to shave, wax, or use chemical hair removal products.^{[38]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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