How to Clean Your Privates (For Men & Women)

Learn the basics of caring for your "down there" areas

Co-authored by Cindy Basinski, MD

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 Approved

Keeping your private parts clean and well-groomed gives you a fresh feeling that will please both you and your partner. Here are some tips on how to spruce up.

Cleaning Your Groin Area

Wash your privates in the shower with warm water and mild soap.
Always pee after sex.
Wipe your privates from front to back.
Wear fresh, cotton underwear each day.
Don't stay in sweaty or dirty clothes longer than needed.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

For Males

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1
Groom yourself. Trim your pubic hair. Do this before you shower, so that all the trimmings are washed away.^{[1]
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- If you have hair clippers, set it to a depth that suits you—¹⁄₂ to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) suits a lot of people. Trim carefully all the way around and under for a clean look.
- No clippers? Use a pair of sharp scissors, and snip away evenly to a length that suits you.
- Some people have taken to shaving the hair down there. If you and your partner favor this look, go for it!^{[2]
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  - Soak in a bathtub for a bit to soften the hair up. It'll make it a lot easier to shave.
  - Trim with scissors before lathering up the shaving cream and pointing sharp objects at your privates.
  - Be careful. It's easy enough to nick yourself when shaving your face, and shaving is something you do every day!
  - Note that when you shave, within a couple days it could get really itchy. If you're scheduled to give a big presentation to the board then, you might want to think twice, and save the shave till after the meeting. Alternately, use an unscented moisturizing lotion to minimize the itch.
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Soap it up. When you shower, or bathe, don't go light on the soap when you wash your crotch.^{[3]
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- If you're circumcised, taking care of your penis is pretty straightforward. Soap it up, rinse it off.
- If you're uncut, clean under the foreskin. Neglecting this will cause a buildup of a whitish substance called smegma. It's harmless, but not something you want sticking around.^{[4]
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- Scrub (somewhat gently) from tip to tail, and all the parts in between.
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Rinse thoroughly. Who needs soapy buildup, or a soapy smell? For a lot of people, it can be just as unpleasant to smell perfumed soap as eau de nether.
- Some people enjoy a natural (i.e., clean but not overly fragrant) smell from their partner. When in doubt, it's a good idea to favor neutral over perfumed.
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Package the package properly. Wear a fresh pair of underwear daily.^{[5]
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- Keep your clean, unused undergarments in a cool, dry place. Whether you prefer boxers or briefs, make sure you dry them as soon as you wash them. Otherwise, you risk your clothes smelling worse than you (did).

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

For Females

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1
Trim the hedges. If you're going to just clean things up a bit, now is the time to do it.^{[6]
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- If you have hair clippers, set it to a depth that suits you—¹⁄₂ to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) suits a lot of people. Trim carefully for a clean look.
- No clippers? Use a pair of sharp scissors, and snip away evenly to a length that suits you.
- If you're going under the blade, soak in the bath for a bit to soften the skin and hair up. Things will go a lot more smoothly, and you will have a much more pleasant experience.
- Some people have taken to shaving their pubic hair into a variety of interesting shapes and patterns. If you and your partner favor this look, go for it!
  - Note that when you shave, within a couple days it could get really itchy. Apply moisturizing lotion to minimize discomfort.
2
Wash daily. Cleanse and rinse the pubic region thoroughly, taking care to wash the outside of your pubic mound with a small amount of neutral soap.^{[7]
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- Don't use soap on your labia or in your vagina—this can lead to irritation and infections.^{[8]
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- Avoid using creams and deodorisers in your vagina. Unlike the skin, which is exposed to the air that evaporates moisture, that doesn't happen in the genital area. The products end up stuck and can cause health issues.
You want to wash away soapy residue, both to get rid of the perfumed scent, and to inhibit bacterial growth of the unpleasant kind.^{[9]
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If you are on your period, change your pad or tampon regularly, or wear a menstrual cup. Clean and rinse your pubic area after removal, and before replacement.^{[10]
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Wear fresh cotton underwear that are breathable.^{[11]
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- Keep your clean, unused undergarments in a cool, dry place, and care for them well—make sure you dry them as soon as you wash them. Otherwise, you risk your clothes smelling worse than you did.

Community Q&A

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Question

What is the clear stuff I keep finding in my underwear?

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Community Answer

It's vaginal discharge, a normal part of growing up. If it is flowing in large amounts or has a strange color or a pungent odor, please consult a doctor.

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Is my discharge supposed to have a smell?

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There might be a slight scent normally, but if your discharge has a strong odor, you likely have an infection and need antibiotics.

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I am an 11-year-old girl. What is the white discharge I am finding in my panties?

Community Answer

No need to worry about that. It is your normal vaginal discharge that comes out after it's done cleaning itself (yes it does that) so that's just the waste that comes out. If it makes you uncomfortable, wear a panty liner.

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Tips

Wear 100% cotton underwear. This lessens irritation.^{[12]
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Use baby wipes as they are for sensitive skin, and they will prevent odor.

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Use a moisturizer, especially after shaving, to keep your skin soft and smooth.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Trimming or shaving your pubic hair isn't necessary. It's a natural part of your body. To clean it, simply use your regular shampoo or body wash.
To clean foreskin, simply slide the skin back and rinse it with warm water, and wipe it gently with a clean cloth.

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Warnings

Do not use the same underwear for more than one day.

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Remember to stay in a well ventilated area when cleaning the region, as sweat can cause more bacteria to grow.

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Shaving can cause itching and ingrown hairs, so make sure shaving is something you are willing to do.

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