How to Have Good Personal & Feminine Hygiene: A Complete Checklist for Girls

How to Have Good Personal hygiene is an essential part of staying healthy and feeling confident. Having a good hygiene routine can help prevent infections and boost your overall self-esteem. It’s especially important to practice strong hygiene habits if you’re a teen or tween because your body is going through changes that can cause you to sweat and smell more.

In this article, we’re sharing the best personal hygiene tips for girls—including skin care, hair care, body hygiene, feminine hygiene, and menstrual hygiene. We also spoke with a board-certified women’s health doctor, as well as nail and hair specialists, to provide expert advice on how to look and feel your best.

Vaginal Hygiene

### 1. Wash Your Vulva Gently with Mild, Unscented Soap

Use mild, fragrance-free soap to clean only the outside

Wash the outside of your vagina (your vulva) with mild, unscented soap and warm water.
Gently spread your outer labia to clean the folds of skin, including the clitoral hood and the area surrounding the vaginal opening.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and allow the area to air-dry or pat it dry with a clean towel.

Outbound references:

ACOG — Vulva & Vagina Care: https://www.acog.org
Cleveland Clinic — Vaginal Health: https://my.clevelandclinic.org

Once a day is enough

Washing your vulva once daily is sufficient. Overwashing can disrupt healthy vaginal bacteria, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation.

Avoid scented products and never wash inside your vagina

“The vagina is a self-cleaning organ,” says board-certified urogynecologist Cindy Basinski, MD.
Avoid scented soap, douches, wipes, or deodorant sprays. These products may disrupt your vagina’s natural pH balance and increase the risk of yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

### 2. Change Your Underwear Daily to Prevent Odor & Bacteria

Wearing dirty underwear increases the risk of bacterial overgrowth, irritation, itchiness, and irregular discharge.
Change into clean underwear at least once a day, and immediately if you become sweaty or damp.

Wash underwear with mild detergent

Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent and wash underwear separately from other clothing.
Add an extra rinse cycle to help remove leftover detergent.

Reference:

Mayo Clinic — Vulvar Care: https://www.mayoclinic.org

### 3. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing to Keep Your Vulva Cool & Dry

Choose breathable materials

According to Dr. Cindy Basinski, synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for harmful bacteria and yeast.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to reduce moisture and irritation.

Let your vulva breathe at night

Try sleeping without underwear or wearing loose pajama bottoms to promote airflow.

Avoid thongs and tight leggings

Tight clothing and thongs can cause friction and microtears in the skin, allowing bacteria to become trapped and increasing irritation.

Reference:

Johns Hopkins Medicine — Vaginal Health: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

### 4. Always Wipe from Front to Back

Wiping from back to front can spread bacteria from your anus to your vagina or urethra, increasing your risk of UTIs.
Always wipe front to back, from the vagina toward the anus.

Avoid scented toilet paper

Use plain white toilet paper to prevent irritation.

Reference:

CDC — UTI Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov

### 5. Eat a Balanced Diet Rich in Whole Foods

Eating a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports your vaginal health.
Foods containing prebiotics and probiotics add healthy bacteria that support your body’s natural defenses.

Vagina-friendly foods include:

Yogurt
Sauerkraut
Pickles
Miso
Legumes
Tofu
Edamame

Reference:

Harvard Health — Probiotics & Women’s Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu

### 6. Exercise Regularly to Support Vaginal Health

Exercise improves circulation, reduces stress, and strengthens your immune system—all of which benefit your vaginal health.

Post-workout hygiene tips

Wear breathable cotton underwear
Shower immediately after exercising
Change into clean, dry clothes right away

### 7. If You’re Sexually Active, Use Protection & Urinate After Sex

Using condoms every time you have sex helps reduce the risk of STIs and STDs.
It’s also recommended to urinate within 30 minutes after sex to flush out bacteria, sweat, and fluids that could contribute to infections.

References:

Planned Parenthood — Safe Sex: https://www.plannedparenthood.org
CDC — STI Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov

56juqingba.com – What's Your Question?

Vaginal Hygiene