There’s a lot of conflicting advice about proper vaginal hygiene out there. Let’s set the record straight: your vagina is like a self-cleaning oven. Yes, your body is equipped with its own system designed to keep your vagina clean and healthy. 

However, understanding how this works and how to care for the surrounding area — the vulva — is key to maintaining good hygiene and overall vaginal health. Below is everything you need to know on how to clean your vagina and vulva.

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ

The vagina has a natural cleaning mechanism. It maintains a healthy environment by producing discharge, which helps to remove dead cells, bacteria, and other pathogens. This process is regulated by your body’s natural balance of bacteria, particularly Lactobacilli, which maintain an acidic pH to protect against infections.

When your vaginal flora is balanced, there’s no need to interfere. Interfering with this natural process (with douches, washes, or other feminine hygiene products) can cause more harm than good.

So, the best way to clean your vagina is by doing nothing at all. We know it can be easier said than done, though. Most people are socialized to believe that vaginas are dirty and need special products to stay “fresh”, but the reality is that’s simply not true. While it makes sense on paper to clean the vagina (you wash your hair, your body, your teeth — why not your vagina?), it does that all on its own.  

Why vaginal douching is dangerous

Douching — using water or other mixtures to rinse out the vagina — might seem like a good way to stay "extra clean," but it actually does the opposite. Here’s why you should avoid douching:

  • Disrupts natural pH balance: Douching can disturb the natural acidic environment of the vagina, killing the beneficial bacteria that keep harmful organisms in check.
  • Increases risk of infections: A disrupted pH balance can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and even a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Masking symptoms: Douching might temporarily mask unusual vaginal odor or discharge, but it doesn’t address the root cause. If you notice changes in smell or discharge, consult a healthcare provider instead of resorting to douching.

The same applies to vaginal steaming. Vaginal steaming, often referred to as “yoni steaming,” is an alternative wellness practice where you sit or squat over a pot of steaming water infused with herbs like lavender, chamomile, or mugwort. Advocates of the practice claim that it can cleanse the vagina, regulate menstrual cycles, ease cramps, and even promote fertility. There’s no scientific evidence behind these claims, and it can be harmful to your vaginal health. Aside from having no proven benefits, vaginal steaming can increase your risk of burns and irritation. Not to mention that fungi like Candida (the culprit behind yeast infections) thrive in warm, moist environments.

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How to wash your vulva

While your vagina doesn’t need cleaning, the vulva — the external genitalia around the vaginal opening — does benefit from gentle care. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Use warm water: Plain, warm water is sufficient for cleaning your vulva. If you prefer, you can use unscented, mild soap, but avoid anything heavily fragranced or harsh.
  2. Be gentle: Wash the folds of your vulva gently with your hand or a soft washcloth. There’s no need to scrub.
  3. Avoid internal washing: Don’t insert soap or water inside your vagina. This area cleans itself naturally and doesn’t require additional help.
  4. Dry thoroughly: After washing, pat the area dry with a clean washcloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the sensitive skin around the vagina.

How to have good vaginal hygiene 

In addition to keeping the vulva clean, maintaining overall hygiene and health can support vaginal health:

  • Wear breathable fabrics: Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight, synthetic materials that trap moisture. While synthetic fabrics don’t directly cause infections, they can trap odor and moisture.
  • Practice safe sex: Use protection to prevent STIs and reduce the risk of vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis.
  • Read the label: Avoid scented soaps, sprays, or wipes marketed for feminine hygiene, as these can cause irritation and disrupt the vaginal pH.
  • Wipe front to back: Admittedly, there's not much evidence that wiping incorrectly can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI), but theoretically, it could introduce unwanted bacteria from your anus to the urethra — better to be safe than sorry.

PS. While we're on the topic of intimate hygiene, no, having pubic hair isn't unhygienic!

When to see a healthcare provider

While some changes in discharge, odor, or sensation are normal, significant shifts might signal a problem. If you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice:

Looking after your vaginal health doesn’t require fancy products or extreme measures. Trust your body’s natural processes, avoid unnecessary interventions like douching, and focus on keeping the vulva clean and comfortable. 

FAQ

What is the proper way to clean down there?

Wash your vulva daily with some water, then pat your skin dry. You can use unscented, hypoallergenic soap if you want, but it’s not necessary. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ so it doesn’t need to be cleaned. In fact, it’s better to avoid using any fragrance wipes, washes, or douches.

How do you keep down there fresh all day?

Your vagina cleans itself, so it doesn’t need to be cleaned. To look after your vaginal hygiene, simply rinse your vulva with warm water and wear breathable fabrics to prevent any trapped moisture or odors. 

What home remedies can I use to clean my private parts?

There aren’t any proven home remedies to clean your vulva. Some people recommend essential oils like tea tree or apple cider vinegar, but there’s no proof that they offer any benefits. The best thing you can use to clean your private parts is warm water, and that’s it. If you have a yeast infection or cytolytic vaginosis, you might find that adding some baking soda to warm water can relieve itching or discomfort. That said, baking soda can increase the vaginal pH (make it less acidic), so we wouldn’t recommend doing this unless your healthcare provider has given you the green light. 

Can I use hot water and salt to wash my private parts? 

Warm — not hot — water is enough! Using salt to wash your vulva isn’t recommended, as it can irritate the delicate skin of the vulva and disrupt the natural balance of your vaginal area.