What’s the Difference Between the Vulva and the Vagina (and What Needs Washing)?

The vulva is the external genital area (labia, clitoris, mons, perineum). The vagina is the internal muscular canal that leads to the cervix. Only the vulva needs gentle, external washing. The vagina is self-cleaning—no douching, ever.

TL;DR

• Vulva = external (wash gently); vagina = internal (self-cleaning).
  

• Skip douching, perfumed sprays, and harsh scrubs.
  

• Use warm water or a mild, fragrance-free, pH-considerate cleanser externally only.
  

• See a clinician if you notice persistent strong odor, unusual discharge, pain, or itching.
  

Vulva vs. Vagina—Simple Anatomy (No Shame, Just Facts)

Vulva (external):

• Labia majora/minora: Outer/inner “lips” that protect the opening.
  

• Clitoris & clitoral hood: A nerve-dense organ for pleasure.
  

• Urethral opening: Where urine exits (separate from the vagina).
  

• Vaginal opening (introitus): Entrance to the vaginal canal.
  

• Perineum: The area between the vaginal opening and anus.
  

• Mons pubis: The fatty pad above the pubic bone.
  

Vagina (internal):

• A self-cleansing muscular canal that naturally produces discharge and maintains an acidic pH with help from protective bacteria (like Lactobacillus).
  

• It does not need washing inside.
  

Think of the vulva as the skin you cleanse gently, and the vagina as an organ with its own cleaning system.

What Actually Needs Washing (and What Doesn’t)

• Wash: The vulva only—the skin folds of the labia, the creases where sweat and moisture collect, and the perineal area.
  

• Don’t wash: Inside the vagina. No water jets. No soap inside. No douching.
  

• How often: Daily is plenty for most people. After intense workouts, swimming, or hot days, a gentle rinse is helpful.
  

Over-washing, scrubbing, or using strong fragrance can irritate delicate skin and disrupt balance.

How to Clean the Vulva (Step-by-Step)

• Rinse with warm water. Hands or a soft washcloth are enough.
  
• If you prefer a cleanser: Use a mild, fragrance-free, pH-considerate formula for external use only.
  
• Rinse thoroughly. Don’t leave product in the folds.
  
• Pat dry with a clean towel; choose breathable underwear (cotton or moisture-wicking).
  
• Skip loofahs, scrubs, deodorant sprays, powders, or anything “tingly.” Patch test any new product on the inner thigh first.
  

Prefer a gentle external cleanse? Explore Salt.Xo’s Yoni Washes (Original, Sensitive/Grapefruit, and Seedless)—all for external use only.

Douching & Deodorant Sprays: Why They Backfire

Douching or perfumed “freshness” sprays may mask odor briefly but can disrupt your natural balance, raising the risk of irritation or infections like BV. If odor or discharge suddenly changes, don’t try to “cover” it—check in with a clinician and keep external care gentle.

On the go? Choose individually wrapped, alcohol-free, pH-considerate wipes for a quick external refresh (travel, gym, period days).

What’s “Normal” Down There?

• Discharge: Clear to white, mild scent, and texture that shifts across your cycle = usually normal.
  

• Red flags: Strong fishy or foul odor; green/gray or frothy discharge; intense itch/burning; pain; bleeding not related to your period. Those are clinician time.
  

Quick Guide: What to Wash vs. What Not to Wash

Teens, First Periods & Sensitive Days

• Keep it external—always.
  

• Period days or post-workout: a quick external rinse or a gentle wipe helps you feel fresh.
  

• After shaving or waxing, choose fragrance-free care and add a soothing oil externally to reduce friction (hello, Femme Rejuv Oil, external only).
  

FAQs

Do I need to wash inside my vagina?
No. The vagina is self-cleaning. Only wash the external vulva gently.

Is soap safe on the vulva?
Water alone works; if you use soap, choose mild and fragrance-free, made for sensitive skin, external use only.

Can I use wipes every day?
Yes—if they’re gentle, alcohol-free, and pH-considerate. Don’t overuse, and avoid fragrance if you’re sensitive.

Do leggings or wet swimsuits affect odor?
Tight, damp fabrics trap heat and moisture. Change promptly and rinse externally after workouts or swimming.

When should I see a clinician?
Strong new odor, unusual discharge, itching/burning, pain, bleeding, or symptoms that don’t improve.

Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, consult a qualified clinician.