Women's Health

How Do I Keep My Vagina Healthy? Tips for Cleaning and Self-Care

Written by Sarah Gupta, MD | Reviewed by Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Updated on March 18, 2026

Beavera/iStock via Getty Images

Key takeaways:

To keep your external genitals clean (your vulva), all you need to do is wash regularly with water.
Soaps, deodorants, and douching aren’t necessary — and they can even cause problems.
Basic self-care can also go a long way toward keeping your vulva and vagina healthy.

Your vagina is a part of your reproductive organs that’s tucked up inside your body. It’s a flexible tube connecting your external genitals (your vulva) to your cervix and uterus. And, if you have a vagina, you may be wondering: How can I keep it clean and healthy?

First, some good news: Most of the time, your vagina does a pretty good job of taking care of itself. You don’t need to use soaps or deodorants or to douche to keep your vagina in top shape. But there are also some basic steps you can take on a day-to-day basis to support your vaginal health and prevent problems from popping up.

Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts of caring for your vulva and vagina.

What is a healthy vagina?

Many people use the word “vagina” to mean their whole genital area. But, in fact, your genitals have several parts:

Vulva: This is the outer part of your genitals. It includes your clitoris and your labia (or vaginal “lips”). It also includes two openings: your urethra, where pee comes out, and the opening to your vagina.
Vagina: The vagina is a short tube inside your body that connects your vulva to your uterus. The vaginal opening is where menstrual blood and babies come out and where a penis, tampon, or other item goes in.

In general, a healthy vulva and vagina have a mild smell and discharge. And they don't cause any uncomfortable symptoms like itching or pain.

Vaginal anatomy chart. From top to bottom, the vulva, clitoris, labia majora, urethra, labia minora, vaginal opening, perineum, and anus are labeled.

What does a normal vagina look like?

One way to get familiar with your vagina is by doing a self-exam with a handheld mirror. This can help you know what “normal” is for you. The picture above can help. But, in reality, healthy genitals can look different for everyone. Different people can have genitals of different:

Shapes
Colors
Textures
Sizes

Use the mirror to take a look at the outer and inner lips of your labia, the fleshy folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening. These can vary in color, ranging from pink to dark brown to black.

You can see your vaginal opening, but it’s hard to actually see inside the vagina without a special tool called a speculum. You can also see your urethra, the hole where pee comes out.

How to clean your vagina and vulva

Cleaning your vulva (external genitals) should be part of your daily routine. Here’s how experts recommend washing your vulva:

Use plain warm water.
Avoid soaps and cleansers. These can actually cause problems, by changing the pH of your genitals. They can also be drying and irritating.
Use your fingertips instead of a washcloth, to avoid irritating the skin.
Pat your vulva dry with a soft towel once you’re clean.

Do’s and don’ts for vaginal and vulvar care

Keeping your vulva and vagina healthy isn’t difficult. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

General self-care tips

Here are some self-care things to avoid:

Don’t scratch it when it itches.
Don’t douche.
Don’t leave tampons in for longer than 8 hours.
Don’t use soap on your external genitals: Water works just fine.
Don’t use feminine sprays/deodorants, bubble baths, bath oils, or talcum powder.

And here are some things to make sure you do:

Do use unscented tampons for menstrual bleeding.
Do wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
Do eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet, with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein.
Do keep up with your regular annual exams, to check for other illnesses that could affect your genital health (like diabetes).

Clothing and laundry tips

Here are things to do related to your clothing and laundry:

Do avoid detergents, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners with fragrance.
Do wear 100% cotton underwear and loose clothing.
Do avoid nylon and rayon undergarments.
Do avoid pantyliners and thongs.

Sexual health tips

And here are things to for sexual health:

Do practice safer sex by using condoms to avoid contracting or spreading infections.
Do stay up-to-date with your regular health screenings, including pelvic exams, Pap smears, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing as needed.

What are the symptoms of an ‘unhealthy’ vagina?

Just like other parts of your body, your vagina can have health problems. If this happens, you may notice symptoms like:

Itching
Burning
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pain
Odor
Lumps/bumps
Rashes

These could be a sign that you’re dealing with an infection or another type of health problem. If you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s a good idea to check in with your primary care provider or OB-GYN.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Some vaginal discharge is totally normal. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear or white and odorless. Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge can be thin or thick.

All healthy vaginas have a smell. Each vagina’s odor is unique, and it varies depending on what phase of the menstrual cycle you’re in. It can also be affected by your personal hygiene practices.

A strong smell, or a change in your normal odor, could be a sign that you’re dealing with a health problem.

Vaginal pH is the number that tells you how “acidic” your vagina is. A healthy vagina usually has a slightly acidic pH under 4.5. This acidic environment protects it from infection.

If the pH of the vagina becomes less acidic, this is usually a sign that there aren’t enough healthy microbes in the vagina to protect it from irritants or infection. This can happen for many reasons, including menopause, changes in your menstrual cycle, and douching.

It’s possible. Probiotics are living organisms that may offer health benefits to their host. For some people, probiotics might help maintain a normal and healthy vagina. They can also help in treating changes in vaginal pH.

Vaginal lubricants can decrease pain and discomfort from vaginal dryness, especially during sex. When picking a lubricant, choose one that is free of fragrances or other irritants. And if you’re trying to get pregnant, check with a healthcare professional first to make sure it’s safe.

The bottom line

When it comes to keeping your vagina healthy and clean, it’s best to stick to the basics. This includes washing your vulva with warm water, skipping the soap and other cleaners, and practicing good self-care. And remember: Douching can do more harm than good.

You can also consider doing a self-exam to become more familiar with your vulva and vagina. And, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t be shy about checking in with a healthcare professional. After all, your vagina is a part of you and your overall health.

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Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

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References

American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2025). Vaginitis.

Borges, S., et al. (2014). The role of lactobacilli and probiotics in maintaining vaginal health. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.