--- title: "How To Wash It [The Vagina]" date: 2024-02-27T16:49:00-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-wash-it-the-vagina" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# How To Wash It \[The Vagina\] By Colleen Li with updates by Our Bodies Ourselves • Last Updated: May 23, 2026 ![A pink image of a naked woman with black curly hair with pink bubbles in her hair and in front of her vulva.](data:image/png;base64,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) Illustration by Vero Romero from Pussypedia *The following text uses the word “pussy\*” as defined by* [**Pussypedia**](https://www.pussypedia.net/pussy-definition)*.* ## What’s Going On? For decades, there have been an abundance of [products marketed to people with pussies\*, claiming to clean pussies\* and stop their natural odor.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/douches) These products not only contribute to the myth that vaginas need cleaning, they are also associated with serious health risks. Pussies\* have a bit of an odor which can intensify with physical activity and [that’s healthy and normal](https://youngwomenshealth.org/2017/04/19/vulvar-and-vaginal-care-and-cleaning/)! Vaginas clean themselves. Keeping your pussy\* clean and healthy does not involve anything complicated. Your pussy\* is composed of different parts⁠—all of which have different functions and different cleaning needs. We’ll start off by distinguishing them. **Outer parts of the Pussy\*:** The outside of your pussy\* can be referred to as your vulva. The vulva includes: the labia, clitoris, opening of the urethra, opening of the vagina, mons pubis, and some people also include the perineum and anus. **Inner parts of the Pussy\*:** The inside of your pussy\* holds the vaginal canal, a tube that connects the vulva to the uterus. ## How Can I Take Care of My Pussy\*? **Outer parts of the Pussy\*:** You can [wash your vulva](https://youngwomenshealth.org/2017/04/19/vulvar-and-vaginal-care-and-cleaning/) (the outside of your pussy\*) with plain, odorless soap and warm water while you’re in the shower or bath. Avoid scented soaps and make sure to rinse off all excess soap. When you’re finished, pat your vulva dry with a soft towel. **Inner parts of the Pussy\*:** The best way to take care of your *vaginal canal* is to let it take care of itself. Vaginas clean themselves naturally by making mucus, which washes away blood, semen, and other things that shouldn’t be in there. ## Other Tips for Keeping Your Pussy\* Clean and Happy - Stay away from products such as douches, scented tampons, scented pads, powders, and sprays. [These often mess with your vagina’s pH and and disrupt the vaginal bacteria necessary](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29433363/) for keeping your vagina healthy. - Always wipe from front to back. Wiping the other way can transfer unwanted bacteria (poop) to the opening of the urethra (pee hole), leaving your body vulnerable to urinary tract infections. - Choice in underwear also plays a role in keeping the pussy\* clean. 100% cotton or cotton crotch underwear is ideal to keep the vulva healthy⁠—allowing air in while absorbing perspiration/moisture. Underwear with synthetic fibers have been proven to increase temperature and retain heat, increasing the risk of yeast infections. Remember: it’s normal for your pussy\* to have a bit of an odor! That said, If you either have discharge that smells bad or itchiness with thick, white, or yellowish-green discharge with or without an odor, they might be [signs of infection](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/bacterial-vaginosis-bv), so you should get checked out by a doctor as soon as you can. **Author’s Dedication:** To Amber, thank you for always inspiring me. *With special thanks to* [*Bianca Palmisano*](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/people/bianca-palmisano) *and* [*Chitra Panjabi.*](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/people/chitra-panjabi) *This article was previously published in* [**Pussypedia**](https://www.pussypedia.net/articles/how-to-wash-it) *and is reposted and revised with permission.* ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health) - [ getting to know our sexual anatomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/getting-to-know-our-sexual-anatomy) - [vaginal discharge](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vaginal-discharge) - [vagina](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vagina) - [vulva](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vulva) - [UTI (urinary tract infection)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/uti-urinary-tract-infection) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesWatch ## Busting Vaginal Myths Jen Gunter on how female anatomy has been weaponized and how to end myths about our health and sexuality ![Sharon mccutcheon Ag OZ88 Buy MI unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Jen Gunter on how female anatomy has been weaponized and how to end myths about our health and sexuality](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/busting-vaginal-myths) [ResourcesRead ## Self-Exam: Vulva and Vagina The appearance, shape, and size of vulvas vary from person to person as much as the shape and size of other body parts. ![Four people are seen from the chest down. They each hold different painted images of vulvas in front of themselves.](data:image/png;base64,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) The appearance, shape, and size of vulvas vary from person to person as much as the shape and size of other body parts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/self-exam-vulva-and-vagina) [ResourcesRead ## Treating Vaginal Dryness in Menopause Vaginal dryness is a very common in perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. ![Four older women walk outside. They are in a mix of sun and shadow.](data:image/png;base64,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) Vaginal dryness is a very common in perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/treating-vaginal-dryness-in-menopause) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## The Missing Vagina Monologue Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina. ![An image of Esther Morris Leidolf](data:image/png;base64,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) Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/the-missing-vagina-monologue) [ResourcesRead ## The History of the Word "Vagina" Illuminates Our Problem With Sexist Medicine Even our language betrays the sexist bias of reproductive health studies. Elizabeth Hlavinka discusses how we're still being harmed by a long history of ignoring, misperceiving, and discounting women's bodies. ![A woman sits on a desk with her reproductive system exposed](data:image/png;base64,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) Even our language betrays the sexist bias of reproductive health studies. Elizabeth Hlavinka discusses how we're still being harmed by a long history of ignoring, misperceiving, and discounting women's bodies.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-history-of-the-word-vagina-and-sexist-medicine) [ResourcesRead ## Pussy Wetness and Discharge Understanding the different types of vaginal moisture and discharge can help you understand your cycles and health. ![A woman holds out her finger with white vaginal discharge](data:image/png;base64,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) Understanding the different types of vaginal moisture and discharge can help you understand your cycles and health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pussy-wetness-and-discharge) [ResourcesRead ## Decoding Vaginismus This nonjudgmental article offers information on what causes vaginismus, helpful language for speaking with doctors, possible treatments, and more. ![A medical model of a vagina with vaginismus and one without](data:image/png;base64,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) This nonjudgmental article offers information on what causes vaginismus, helpful language for speaking with doctors, possible treatments, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/decoding-vaginismus) [ResourcesRead ## The Racist Legacy of "Feminine Care" Products The complex racist (and misogynist) history of vulvar and vaginal douches, sprays, and washes, as well as racial disparities in their use today ![Lysol](data:image/png;base64,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) The complex racist (and misogynist) history of vulvar and vaginal douches, sprays, and washes, as well as racial disparities in their use today](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-racist-legacy-of-feminine-care-products)