Cleaning your vagina and vulva properly as a teen | luna app

Keeping clean "down there"

From underwear to panty liners and washing💧

Female health

Quick summary 📝

1️⃣ Wash daily: use unscented soap and warm water for the outside parts – avoid scented products

2️⃣ Underwear tips: change daily to avoid irritation and infections, and choose cotton – it's best for breathability

3️⃣ Panty liners and nightwear: use liners sparingly to avoid irritation – at night, go underwear-free or choose breathable cotton

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Join a community of teens who get what you're going through.

From underwear use to panty liners and washing, there’s so much misinformation about keeping your genitals hygienic!

That’s why luna’s here to break down the big questions and help you care for "down there" in the best way possible ✨

How often should you wash down there?

Wash your genital area once daily 🚿

Avoid scented soaps or "feminine hygiene" products 🙅 as they can disrupt your natural good bacteria.

For the vulva (external parts), use plain, unscented soap and warm water 🫧 This helps prevent irritation and keeps the area healthy.

You don't need to use soap in your vagina (the internal parts) – this is self-cleaning.

How much should you change your underwear?

You should change your underwear every day 📆

If you’re active or sweat a lot, changing it twice a day can keep you feeling fresh 🌸

Daily changes help prevent infections and skin irritation.

Do you have to wear panty liners?

Panty liners are thin, absorbent pads which you stick to your underwear. They can soak up sweat or discharge and help during light period days 🤍

They can keep you feeling comfortable and dry, but don’t overuse them if you can help it!

Wearing panty liners too often and for too long can irritate your skin – use them when needed, and make sure to change yours every 4-6 hours.

Should you wear underwear at night?

Some people skip underwear at night and wear loose pyjamas instead 🎀 This helps your genital area breathe and stay dry.

If you’ve had infections before, going underwear-free can be helpful too.

But ultimately it’s all about what feels right for you.

If you prefer wearing underwear, choose cotton. It’s more breathable and keeps your vagina comfortable while you sleep 💤

How often should you replace underwear?

It’s a good idea to replace your underwear every year, but it really depends on how many you have in rotation.

If you only have a few pairs and wear them often, you might need to replace them sooner 🤷 or if you have loads you might have longer.

If your underwear is torn or worn out, it’s time for a new pair ✔️ Having more pairs means they’ll last longer, so it’s really up to you!

What materials should you choose?

Cotton is the best choice ☁️ It lets your skin breathe and keeps moisture away, helping to prevent irritation or infections.

Other fabrics can trap heat and moisture, which might make you uncomfortable 🥲

Hope this cleared some things up for you ✨

How we created this article:

luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.

Sources:

Devon Sexual Health "Genital hygiene" | Accessed 05.02.25

https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/your-sexual-health/genital-hygiene-our-tips/