Baking Soda for Vaginal Odor: Does It Work?

Most women will feel some type of way about vaginal odor at some point in their lives. Many of us are brought up to believe that vaginas shouldn’t smell, but the reality is that some amount of vaginal odor is completely normal. But when does vaginal odor signal something that might need attention, and can a home remedy like baking soda help fight vaginal odor? Let’s break down the facts.

What causes vaginal odor?

First things first: some vaginal odor is normal. The way your vagina smells can vary throughout your menstrual cycle, after a workout, or after having sex. 

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that produces discharge to flush out dead cells and bacteria. And guess what? That’s going to smell! The bacteria in your vaginal microbiome are also dynamic and shift, so depending on the makeup of your vaginal flora, your vaginal odor might change slightly. 

That said, there is a difference between normal and abnormal vaginal odor, and knowing the difference will help you judge whether you should do something about it or not.

Normal vaginal odor can: 

• Smell lightly musky or tangy (often compared to fermented foods like yogurt or sourdough bread)
• Changes based on hormones (during ovulation or right after your period)
• Temporary stronger smells after sweating or having sex.

Abnormal vaginal odor, on the other hand, has a fishy, rotten, or foul smell. Common culprits of abnormal vaginal odor include vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. 

If you’re experiencing a strong or unusual odor accompanied by itching, burning, unusual discharge, or irritation, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Common remedies for vaginal odor

For normal vaginal odor, small lifestyle adjustments can prevent things from getting too pungent. 

Firstly, wash your vulva (the external area) daily with warm water. You don’t need to use any scented washes or soaps, but if you feel the need, go for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap. As tempting as it might be, avoid douching as it can disrupt the vaginal microbiome.

Another way to control vaginal odor is to opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing to prevent moisture buildup.

For abnormal vaginal odor, addressing the underlying cause is key. One of the most common causes of unusual vaginal odor are vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, or a sexually transmitted infection like trichomoniasis. Antibiotics can help clear up bacterial vaginosis or other bacterial infections. 

Baking soda for vaginal odor

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a common household product praised for its ability to neutralize odors, and it has been suggested as a remedy for vaginal odor due to its pH-balancing properties. But how effective — and safe — is it?

Baking soda is alkaline, meaning it can help neutralize acidic environments. This property makes it effective in certain scenarios:

• Skin irritation or rashes: Baking soda baths may soothe skin conditions like eczema.
• Yeast infections: Washing your vulva with baking soda could temporarily relieve itching caused by a yeast infection, but it won’t cure the underlying infection. 
• Cytolytic vaginosis: Cytolytic vaginosis (CV) is a condition that occurs when typically good bacteria over-multiply in your vaginal microbiome and cause vaginal discomfort. Baking soda can increase the vaginal pH and decrease Lactobacilli levels to promote balance. 

Sadly, though, no evidence shows using baking soda will treat or prevent vaginal odor. While it can be a temporary fix for itching or rashes, it’s not a cure for underlying conditions like BV or STIs, the main culprits for abnormal vaginal odor. Baking soda’s role is limited to neutralizing pH temporarily (that’s why it’s used to treat CV), but there’s limited scientific evidence supporting its long-term effectiveness for vaginal health. Using baking soda in most cases can alter the vaginal pH and make it less acidic, which can give harmful bacteria and other pathogens a chance to overgrow.

If you experience persistent or recurring vaginal odor, the best course of action is to consult a healthcare provider. They can identify the root cause and provide appropriate treatment. Alternatively, you can take an Evvy Vaginal Health Test to understand your microbiome’s composition and get to the bottom of any recurrent symptoms.

FAQ

Can I wash my private parts with baking soda?

You can, but that doesn’t mean you need to. Baking soda baths (also called Sitz baths) can treat cytolytic vaginosis or help relieve vulvar itching caused by a yeast infection. Other than that, there’s no evidence that baking soda has any benefit for vaginal health. In fact, baking soda can neutralize your vaginal pH level (ie, make it less acidic), which could potentially weaken your microbiome and make you more vulnerable to bacterial overgrowth. The best way to clean your vulva is to use warm water. Opt for a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free soap if you want to use any products. As for your vagina, you don’t need to do anything! The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and using a douche or vaginal wash is not only useless but can do more harm than good. 

Does baking soda cure odor?

There’s no evidence that baking soda gets rid of vaginal odor. Everyone has some amount of healthy vaginal odor, which can range from musky to tangy. Your vaginal odor might smell more intense after working out, having sex, or during certain parts of your cycle. If you have any unusual vaginal odor that smells fishy or rotten, it’s likely a sign of a bacterial infection — which will require treatment. 

What helps to smell better down there?

The best way to smell better “down there” is to maintain good hygiene habits. This means cleaning your vulva with water daily, wearing breathable fabrics (that don’t trap in smells or moisture), and changing your pad or tampon regularly while you’re on your period. If you notice a really strong, foul, or fishy smell and any unusual vaginal discharge, see your healthcare provider.