16 Things Every Woman Needs to Know About Staying Fresh and Clean

A woman’s body is a very complex system. There are many delicate parts that require attention and care, and it is not always easy to stay fresh and feel clean! That is why we asked a few experts about how to really clean a woman’s body, especially in her most sensitive spots. Here are some easy hygiene tips to help you keep your body clean. Follow this advice, and you will feel fresh all day!

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.

Do You Need To?

Believe it or not, the vagina is a self-cleaning part of your body. In most cases, you do not have to do anything intensive to keep it reasonably clean. Having a soaking bath or even just going about your day-to-day is enough for most women. With that said, you can still do a little extra.

Avoid Douches

You might have seen scented douches and vaginal wipes on store shelves, but that doesn’t mean they’re a good choice for you. Women’s private parts are very sensitive to changes in pH. Using scented products down there can wreck your pH balance, causing issues like yeast infections or vaginosis.

Ask A Doctor

If you notice an odd smell down there or are concerned about the cleanliness, talk to your doctor to see if she has a product that can help. Douching is best done when suggested by a women’s health professional because of the risks it can pose. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends women do not douche.

Wash With Warm Water

The best way to keep your lady bits clean is to shower daily and gently wipe down the area with a warm, clean rag. Use the towel to get around the folds of your vulva, then your perineum, then your anus. Do not use soaps, just the water rag. Avoid scrubbing, as that can irritate the area around your vaginal opening.

Keeping It Clean: The Practice

Believe it or not, washing yourself down there is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your vaginal cleanliness. More often than not, how you maintain your vaginal cleanliness has a lot more to do with your health habits than it does your cleansing methods. So, let’s talk about the real keys to keeping yourself clean and healthy.

A Word About Toilets

Another major thing to remember is that wiping is a major issue. Because your vagina is so close to your anus, bacteria can travel pretty quickly. It’s made worse by wiping. Doctors suggest wiping front to back when you’re done sitting on the porcelain throne. It can help reduce UTIs and other issues.

Keep It Breezy

While this is technically not part of washing, it’s also essential to know how to prevent excess bacteria growth between your legs. A good rule of thumb is to choose breathable underwear, such as cotton panties. Wearing loose-fitting pants and skirts can also help avoid too much sweat down there.

After Your Fling…

Believe it or not, there is a way to clean your downstairs after a fling. Experts note that it’s best to urinate shortly after intercourse to help flush out any bacteria that may have gotten into your privates after that fling. Healthcare providers believe this can help lower the chances of a UTI, a potential result of poor hygiene.

Switch Condoms

Did you have multiple romps with your partner? Lucky you! Whenever you have a roll in the hay with a condom, make sure to change the condom as soon as your round is done. Using the same condom twice can increase the chance of pregnancy, not to mention the amount of bacteria rubbed around down there.

What’s That Smell?

If you’re worried about smelling a little musky down there, don’t be. Most of the push behind the need to smell floral comes from companies looking to make a quick buck off women’s insecurities. Vaginas are supposed to have a little bit of a smell. It’s natural to have a unique scent down there.

When To Worry

While there are normal aromas that occur downstairs, some are not okay. If the smell is overpowering, rancid, or otherwise alarming, contact your doctor. It can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, an STI, or even cancer. When in doubt, it’s always best to get a checkup.

Get A Check

If you have multiple partners, book an STD test a few times per year to ensure everything is fine. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, this practice will help you stay safe. Luckily, most Western countries now offer this service free of charge, making it extra easy to book an appointment.

To Shave Or Not To Shave?

Whether you decide to shave or not is entirely up to you. However, if you decide to do it, follow a few steps. First, ensure your razor or other tools are clean. Second, shave following the direction of your hair’s growth. Last, take all the time you need and never rush the process, no matter what you do afterward.

Clean Your Tools

Of course, you can shower multiple times daily, but it won’t make any difference if your tolls are dirty. But what do we mean by tools? These refer to everything you use for your hygiene. From your razor to your sponge, your underwear, your reusable pads, your menstrual cup, and so on. Each of these objects should be washed and sanitized from time to time. For instance, boil your menstrual cup in hot water for a few minutes to eliminate all bacteria after every period.

Use Approved Products

There are plenty of soaps and cleansers on the market that were designed to clean a woman’s most sensitive areas. These are fantastic for offering you a deep clean without harsh chemicals. You don’t want to put intense cleaners in those private areas, but rather use hypoallergenic products that are designed for sensitive skin. Look for ones that are nontoxic, natural, and designed for cleaning a woman’s body. These will all be a lot gentler and safe to use.