Most of us grew up knowing more about how to wash our hair and shampoo types than how to care for our vulvas and intimate washes. We were told what not to do, but rarely what to do and even that advice was usually vague, inconsistent, or wrapped in shame. When trying to answer the question of how to wash your vulva safely, we’re often left piecing together information from Reddit threads, Instagram influencers, or whispered convos in bathrooms. The result? A whole lot of confusion, and even more discomfort. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Vulva care should be intuitive, comforting, and rooted in understanding your own body, not in fear of doing it “wrong.” Let’s unpack this with clarity and care, and make zero irritation vulva washing a new normal.
Why You Need to Wash Your Vulva (and Not Your Vagina)
Your vulva is the external part of your genital area — think labia, clitoris, and the surrounding skin. The vagina, on the other hand, is internal and self-cleaning (yep, she’s got it handled). It maintains an acidic environment with a pH between 3.8 and 5.0, which keeps harmful bacteria at bay and supports the growth of good bacteria, ensuring everything stays in harmony. But your vulva? That part needs a little TLC.
Daily life brings sweat, discharge, period blood, friction from tight jeans, hormonal shifts, and yes, even stress. All of that creates an environment where bacteria can overgrow, leading to discomfort, odour, or infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections or vaginitis. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology, 75% of all women worldwide have had vaginitis at least once in their lives. And according to Global hygiene practices and product usage, daily use of a feminine wash can reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
That’s why understanding how to clean the vulva safely matters. It’s not about being obsessively clean; it’s about being smart, gentle, and intentional with your care.
So, How Often Should You Be Washing?
Once a day is a good baseline. If you’re on your period, post-workout, or after sex, an extra rinse can help. But over washing? Not your friend. It can disrupt the natural pH and strip away the natural oils and good bacteria your skin needs to stay healthy.
If you’ve ever experienced stinging, dryness, or random itching, it might not be something serious, it could just be from using the wrong products or over washing. That’s why gentle cleaning for intimate areas isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a necessity. And we have the perfect recommendation coming up.
How to Wash Your Vulva (Without Causing Irritation)
This isn’t complicated, and it shouldn’t be. Here’s your step-by-step for safe vulva washing techniques:
- Start with clean hands. Obvious, but important.
- Use lukewarm water, too hot or too cold can irritate sensitive skin.
- Choose a gentle vulva wash designed for the vulva. (More on that in a bit.)
- Use your fingers, not tools. Washcloths and loofahs? Too abrasive. Your hands are best suited for this task.
- Focus on the outer areas – the labia majora and minora. No internal cleaning!
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all product.
- Pat dry with a soft towel. No rubbing.
That’s it. No ten-step routine, no drama.
What to Avoid (Seriously, Please Don’t Do These)
- No douching (washing out your vagina – not vulva – with a spray). Ever. It disrupts your vaginal microbiome and does more harm than good.
- No regular soap. It may be convenient, but it’s stripping your skin of its balance.
- No fragrances. If it smells like a body spray, it doesn’t belong near your vulva.
- No antibacterial washes. They wipe out the good bacteria too.
So, What Makes a Good Vulva Wash?
Here’s the checklist:
- pH-balanced: Between 3.8 and 4.5 is ideal for maintaining pH balance for vulva health.
- Soap-free: Yes, that includes “mild” soaps too.
- Sulphate-free & fragrance-free: No SLS, no parabens, none of that harsh nonsense.
- Soothing and hydrating ingredients.
This is our recommendation comes in: Nua’s Foaming Intimate Wash. It’s exactly what intimate hygiene products for vulva should aspire to be. Think clean, non-irritating, and actually beneficial.
Why You Should Swear By Nua’s Foaming Intimate Wash
Okay, let’s talk ingredients. Because Nua didn’t just throw in buzzwords, they curated a formula that addresses real, everyday concerns:
- Lactic Acid: Helps maintain that slightly acidic environment your vulva needs. It’s like a pH bodyguard, crucial for maintaining pH balance for vulva health.
- Aloe Vera: Calms inflammation, moisturizes without residue, and soothes skin especially during PMS or post-shave sensitivity.
- Ashwagandha: This one’s unexpected, but genius. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and calming effects on the nervous system, ashwagandha also soothes skin irritation.
- Licorice Extract: Naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It works quietly in the background to protect your skin barrier.
- Olive Oil: It nourishes without clogging. Your skin stays soft but not sticky.
All of this creates a formula that respects your body’s natural balance and causes zero irritation. That’s the essence of a gentle vulva wash. And Nua’s version? It’s airy, foam-based (read: no friction), and easy to rinse. It’s not pretending to be fancy. It just works.
Vulva Cleansing Isn’t About Shame
Let’s talk mindset. The beauty industry has a way of making us feel like we need to fix things that were never broken. Your vulva is fine. It’s supposed to have a natural musk. It’s supposed to produce discharge (more on that here). Feminine hygiene isn’t about erasing all of that, it’s about supporting what your body already knows how to do.
Cleansing your vulva should feel like a ritual of respect, not a frantic cleanup job. Vulva cleansing becomes empowering when you choose products and practices that align with your body’s needs, not society’s outdated narratives.
Remember: No Two Vulvas Are Alike
Maybe you’re prone to dryness, maybe sensitivity is your norm, or maybe you’re trying to bounce back from a yeast infection and feel like nothing is working. That’s why learning how to clean your vulva is personal. You don’t need a universal rulebook. You need the right tools, the right mindset, and your own experience.
Trust your body. But also support it. Products like Nua’s wash aren’t about changing your vulva. They’re about showing it a little more kindness.
Gentle is Powerful
If there’s one takeaway, let it be this: Skip the harsh stuff. Ditch the fragrance. Prioritize balance.
Use water. Use your hands. Use a gentle vulva wash like Nua’s that understands the assignment. Because your vulva isn’t high-maintenance, she’s just misunderstood.
Have any questions about cleaning your vulva? Leave them in the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer them ☺
