How to Wash Your Vagina

Co-authored by Cindy Basinski, MD and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: March 12, 2025 Fact Checked

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.^{[1]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} In this article, we’ll explain how to wash your vagina properly and adopt good hygiene habits. We also spoke to board-certified urogynecologist Cindy Basinski, MD, for the best tips to keep your vagina clean.

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 outside of your vagina (vulva) daily as part of your regular bath or shower routine to prevent vaginal infections.^{[2]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Washing your genitals once a day is enough. Overwashing can disrupt the healthy bacteria in your vagina and cause symptoms, such as genital dryness, itching, and irritation.^{[3]
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2
Use plain, unscented soap to wash your genital area. When you wash your vaginal area, use warm water and a mild, unscented soap.^{[4]
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Research source} Scented hygiene products can irritate your vulva and vagina and alter the natural pH of your vagina, possibly leading to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.^{[5]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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- You can use your hand to wash your vulva, but don’t use a harsh washcloth or loofah. Scrubbing the vulvar skin can cause irritation.^{[6]
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3
Spread your outer labia and clean the folds around your clitoris. 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]
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- Do not get any soap inside your vagina, since it can throw off the natural pH balance and put you at risk for infections.^{[8]
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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]
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- If bacteria from the anus spreads to the vagina and urethra, it increases your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI).^{[10]
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  Mayo Clinic
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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.^{[11]
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Research source} Make sure to wash away any remaining soap suds, since leaving it there could dry out or irritate the delicate skin around your genitals.
- If you rinse with a handheld shower jet, be careful 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.^{[12]
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  US Office on Women's Health
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Once you’re done washing and rinsing yourself, use a clean, dry towel to pat your genital area dry. Avoid rubbing the area dry.^{[13]
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7
Stay away from douches, scented wipes, and deodorant sprays. 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,” according to Basinski.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Cindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified Urogynecologist

Expert Interview} Avoid using “feminine” sprays, perfumes, and deodorants on your vulva, and do not douche.^{[15]
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- Avoid using scented bath oils or bubble baths, since these can cause irritation or vaginal infections.^{[17]
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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.^{[16]
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives

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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, always wipe from front to back.^{[18]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} Wiping from back to front can move bacteria from your anal area into your vagina or urethra, putting you at greater risk of developing a urinary tract infection.^{[19]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- Avoid using scented products, such as scented toilet paper, since these can irritate your vulva and vagina.^{[20]
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  
  Go to source} Stick to plain white paper.
2
Rinse with water after stubborn bowel movements. Doctors don’t recommend using baby wipes—even unscented ones—to wipe yourself.^{[21]
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Research source} If you have trouble getting fresh and clean after a bowel movement, rinse the area around your anus with warm water (or use a handheld showerhead for direct target).^{[22]
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tiplus.org/opinions/are-you-sure-you-are-cleaning-your-butt-crack-the-right-way/}
- 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.^{[23]
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3
Try a baking soda soak to reduce excess odor and discharge. According to Basinski, “mild odors and most vaginal secretions are natural and healthy.”^{[24]
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Expert Source

Cindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified Urogynecologist

Expert Interview} If they bother you, however, you can use a baking soda soak to cleanse your vulva and minimize odors. Fill a bathtub part way with lukewarm water and stir in 2 ounces (60 mL) of baking soda. Soak in the tub 2 times a day, for 10 minutes at a time, for 2 days.^{[25]
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Seattle Children's Hospital
Health information provided by Seattle Children's hospital.

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- 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. “Synthetic materials, like nylon and polyester, tend to hold moisture against your genital area, creating an environment that’s good for harmful bacteria and yeast,” says Basinski.^{[26]
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Expert Source

Cindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified Urogynecologist

Expert Interview} To prevent this, opt for more breathable cotton underwear, and change your underwear if you get damp or sweaty.^{[27]
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- Avoid thongs and tight-fitting leggings or pants, since these can lead to microtears in the skin that trap bacteria.^{[28]
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  Go Ask Alice
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- Try sleeping without underwear or wearing loose fitting pajama bottoms at night.^{[29]
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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.^{[30]
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- 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 exercise or play sports, change out of your wet clothing right away and dry yourself off thoroughly.^{[31]
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Research source} Staying in wet or sweaty clothing can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast in and around your vagina.^{[32]
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- 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 regularly during your period. If you use tampons or pads when you have your period, change your pads or tampons at least every 4 to 8 hours.^{[33]
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives

Go to source} If your period is heavy, you can change it more often.^{[34]
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Research source} Never wear a tampon for longer than eight hours to prevent toxic shock syndrome, which can be deadly.^{[35]
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- Avoid using scented pads or tampons, which can irritate the vagina and cause an allergic reaction.^{[36]
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8
Use condoms or protection during sex and urinate afterwards to prevent infections. If you have sex, you can reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD) by using protection every time. Ask your partner to use protection, or use an internal condom to protect your vagina.^{[37]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- It’s also a good idea to urinate within 30 minutes after sex.^{[39]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source} This can help rinse away bacteria, sweat, and other bodily fluids that might contribute to 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 a partner, using a condom is one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs.^{[38]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go 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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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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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, itching, burning, pain, swelling, or unusual discharge, make an appointment with your doctor or a gynecologist. They can determine what’s causing your symptoms and treat it appropriately.^{[40]
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While many people choose to shave or trim their pubic hair for hygienic reasons, there aren’t any health benefits linked to doing so, and it can cause skin infections. If you choose to remove your pubic hair, trimming is the safest option because it doesn’t cut too close to the skin.^{[41]
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