How to Use Intimate Wash (2024)

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Co-authored byLuba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: September 14, 2023References

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   Pick a gentle, natural soap. The inside part of your genitals, known as the vagin*, is self-cleaning—which means you don’t need to wash it. However, it’s a good idea to clean the outer parts, including the folds of the labia (the “lips” that surround your vagin*) and the rest of the pubic area. To avoid irritation, choose the simplest soap possible. Look for white varieties that have the fewest ingredients in them and that don’t contain harsh chemicals.^[1]

   • Soaps with lots of dyes, perfumes, or other harsh ingredients can irritate your vulva or cause allergic reactions and itchiness.
   • Unscented glycerin or Castile soap is a good option.
   • Don’t use soaps, douches, or intimate washes to clean the inside of your vagin* unless instructed by a doctor.
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   Avoid perfumed soft soaps or other liquids to prevent irritation. Fancy soaps with fragrances aren’t healthy to use on your body’s most sensitive parts and can cause itchiness or redness. Read the bottle of soap you’re thinking about picking carefully to see if it contains heavy fragrances or other chemicals that could irritate your body.^[2]

   • Steer clear of antiseptic intimate washes as well. These can disrupt the healthy bacteria that your body needs.
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   See Also

   12 Gynecologist-Approved vagin*l Soaps, Cleansers, WashesThe 12 Best Intimate Care Cleansers for Sensitive SkinSo-Called ‘Feminine' Hygiene Is Important for Anyone Who Has A vagin*Finding the Best Feminine Wash for You: My Top Picks After a Decade of Testing - 33rd Square

   Look out for products with misleading labels. Many intimate washes will have claims on the bottles saying that they help your body maintain healthy pH levels or will keep your vagin* super clean. However, your vagin* is self-cleaning and maintains its own pH level perfectly, so it doesn’t need extra soaps to help it do this.^[3]

   • Products with these kinds of claims on them will likely have harmful chemicals or fragrances in them, making it important to check the ingredients list first.
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   See a doctor if you’re experiencing lasting symptoms. An intimate wash isn’t going to fix itchiness, redness, or worse symptoms that you’ve had for a while, and can possibly make them worse. Visit your doctor if you’re worried about your reproductive health so they can give you directions for how to get better.^[4]

   • If you notice a change in odor, schedule a checkup. This could be because of pregnancy, your menstrual cycle, or a change in diet, but it’s best to check with your healthcare provider to make sure.

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   Use a small amount of mild soap with warm water. It’s easiest to use intimate wash while you’re in the shower. Use a dime-sized amount of soap—since you’re washing such a small area, you barely need any soap at all.^[5]

   • Avoid using water that’s too hot.
   • Pick a basic, unscented soap.
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   Use a washcloth or your hand to clean the area with soapy water. Create a lather with the soap and warm water. Splash the soapy water around your vulva, or use the washcloth to gently pat the area clean.^[6]

   • Avoid using the washcloth to aggressively rub the area or you might cause irritation.
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   Avoid putting soap or sprays in your vagin*. Your vagin* is self-cleaning, meaning it doesn’t need to be cleansed with any products. Putting soaps or sprays into your body to wash your vagin* can mess up its natural pH balance and get rid of important healthy bacteria.^[7]

   • When you get rid of good bacteria, unhealthy bacteria or other organisms, like yeast, can grow in their place and cause infections.
   • While douching and other internal cleansers are heavily marketed, avoid using them to keep your body safe and healthy.
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   Rinse yourself with water thoroughly to get rid of all of the soap. Splash clean water around the area several times to ensure all of the soap is rinsed off of your body. Continue using water that’s not too hot to avoid any irritation.^[8]

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   Pat yourself dry with a soft towel. Use a clean towel to gently pat yourself dry after getting out of the shower. Avoid rubbing the area to prevent irritation or redness.^[9]

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