3 Ways To Make Your Vagina Smell Good - WikiHow

Home » How To Make Ur Vagina Smell Good » 3 Ways To Make Your Vagina Smell Good - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make Your Vagina Smell Good PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Practice Good Hygiene 2 Quick Solutions 3 Understand the Causes How Do You Get Rid Of Vaginal Odor? + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: December 15, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 7,574,398 times.

There’s no one “right” way that a vagina should smell—everyone has their own natural odor, and everyone's odor is different. It’s also actually normal for your vagina to put off different odors sometimes, like when you’re on your period or after sex.[1] However, if you’re noticing strong or persistent odors that aren’t normal, that could be a sign that something isn’t right. Keep reading for tips on how to keep your vagina smelling good and what to do if you think something is causing bad smells.

This article is partially based on an interview with Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS, a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Practice Good Hygiene

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wash regularly... 1 Wash regularly. You need to shower and wash yourself regularly to smell good! For most people, a good guideline is to gently wash the area around the vagina every day.[2] Washing yourself will help combat a buildup of bacteria on the skin, which causes odor just like it does anywhere else on the body.
  2. Step 2 Use the correct soaps. 2 Use the correct soaps. Your vagina is very sensitive. Using the wrong types of soap can cause irritation and bad odor. Avoid soaps that are heavily perfumed, contain too many unnatural ingredients, or have antibacterial properties.[3] These upset the natural balance of your body. Instead, use natural soaps which are labeled as being fragrance-free. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Don’t douche. 3 Don’t douche. The only time you should douche (wash out your vagina) is if your doctor tells you to. Douching creates a terrible imbalance of your body’s natural bacteria and will almost guarantee that you end up with some kind of infection. The only cleaning that you will need to do will be with basic soap and water on the outside of your body.
  4. Step 4 Wipe carefully. 4 Wipe carefully. Incorrect wiping after using the toilet can lead to infections. Wipe in the correct direction (front to back) and be sure that you are thorough. It is easy to miss the vaginal area and this can leave residue which leads to infections or overgrowth of bacteria.[4]
  5. Step 5 Use products carefully. 5 Use products carefully. Be careful about the products that you use around your vagina. Using lubricants that are not water- or silicone-based can cause infections, and you should always clean lube off once you’re done using it.[5] Anything with heavy fragrance can cause infections easily, so avoid products which aim to make your vagina smell like flowers. This includes lotions.
  6. Step 6 Wear clean, fresh,... 6 Wear clean, fresh, correctly fitting underwear. This is a very important part of keeping your vagina clean and healthy. Wearing the same set of underwear for more than 24 hours may quickly create an imbalance of bacteria.[6] You will also want to wear the right type of underwear. Your underwear needs to breathe, since an overly moist environment will cause bacterial buildup. Cotton is best. Make sure you do laundry, it can get messy!
    • Change your underwear regularly to help prevent any odors.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Quick Solutions

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use perfume. 1 Use perfume. Yes, using perfume too close to your vagina is a bad idea. However, putting a dab of perfume on the inside of each of your thighs, roughly six inches from the vulva area, is a time-honored way to smell amazing when anyone puts their head down there.
    • Your partner will associate musky smells with sex (since this is the type of smell you have naturally) so try to get a generally musky perfume. Sandalwood and vanilla are common “sexy” smells.
  2. 2 Get regular exercise or use a sauna to help improve body odor. Sweating can help remove toxins from your skin, so it may help get rid of any bad smells. Just be sure to shower afterwards to rinse off any sweat or bacteria that’s still on your skin.
  3. Step 3 Watch your diet. 3 Watch your diet. Your diet can greatly affect your taste and smell. Certain foods tend to affect your body in certain ways, by altering your body’s balance of sugar, bacteria, and chemical compounds. Much like how if you eat a lot of garlic, your skin excretes a garlic smell for several days, you can eat or not eat certain foods to produce a better smell and taste in your vagina. Aim to include some quality sources of protein and fat, as well as a healthy mix of fruits and vegetables.[7]
    • You’ll want to start by eating less sugar. A spike in blood sugar can cause yeast infections and buildup, which will cause bad odor.[8]
    • Avoid eating processed foods or simple carbs, such as pastries, cookies, and table sugar.[9]
    • Try to drink at least 12 glasses of water a day, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
    • Plain yogurt is considered to be a great way to help people keep a healthy vagina, as it contains the bacteria which naturally occurs in our body to maintain a healthy vagina.[10]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Understand the Causes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Watch out for infections and diseases. 1 Watch out for infections and diseases. These are the major causes of serious vaginal odor. Examples of such infections and diseases include yeast and bacterial infections (the most common causes), STIs, STDs, or viruses like herpes. Even much more serious problems like some kinds of cancer or internal ruptures can cause vaginal odor. You will need to monitor your body for other signs of illness and if you really feel that your vaginal odor is unnatural, see your doctor.[11]
    • One thing to look out for is unusual discharge from your vagina. Brown, green, or chunky white discharges are signs of infection and you should go see your doctor as soon as possible. Just remember that some discharge is normal and healthy but it should not smell.[12]
  2. Step 2 Be aware that certain sexual practices cause vaginal odor. 2 Be aware that certain sexual practices cause vaginal odor. Any introduction of foreign bacteria can upset the delicate balance in your vagina and so sexual practices can have an effect. Certain practices, in particular, can set off a reaction, namely anal sex before vaginal sex, oral sex, and the use of objects or food as penetrative methods.
    • If you wish to engage in these practices, use protection (like a condom or a dental dam) and change it in between activities.
  3. Step 3 Check for foreign objects. 3 Check for foreign objects. Foreign objects lodged in the vagina will cause your body's immune response to react and try to attack the object. This can cause bad odor as well. Tampons that have been forgotten or left in for too long, pieces of a broken condom, or objects used in sexual play are examples of such causes for odor.[13]
  4. Step 4 Be careful to... 4 Be careful to practice proper hygiene. Improper hygiene can lead to a buildup of bacteria around your vagina and vulva. This will cause odor, though it may not necessarily cause an infection. If you want to reduce odor, keep yourself and your clothing clean. Loose clothing can prevent smell too.
  5. Step 5 Avoid hot baths and hot tubs. 5 Avoid hot baths and hot tubs. Surrounding your vagina with hot water will kill much of your body’s natural bacteria which preserves the delicate balance of your vagina.
    6. Advertisement

How Do You Get Rid Of Vaginal Odor?

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Should I use soap instead of a pre-shave when I shave my pubic hair? Community Answer Community Answer Try using conditioner, it's less painful and you come out with smooth results. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 43 Helpful 275
  • Question Is it bad if my discharge is slightly yellow? Community Answer Community Answer You should contact your doctor for professional medical advice if you have noticed a change, or if the discharge smells bad. They will be able to provide treatments for you if there is a problem. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 54 Helpful 126
  • Question Is it okay to have white or clear come out from down there with just a little scent to it? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, that is discharge, which is very normal. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 39 Helpful 378
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. icon $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything.

Video

Tips

  • Try to avoid vaginal washes, like fragrant soaps, they tend to be bad for your vagina. Thanks Helpful 60 Not Helpful 9
  • Even if you don’t like the way you or others in general smell, most people usually enjoy the smell. Their brains associate that smell with getting to see you naked and having sex. Therefore, it really isn’t in your interest to smell like flowers. Thanks Helpful 48 Not Helpful 7
  • Change your menstrual pad before bed and right after you wake up. Thanks Helpful 27 Not Helpful 5

Tips from our Readers

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.
  • Use caution when shaving your pubic hair! Carefully trimming is fine, but shaving can lead to nicks and ingrown hairs, which may cause itching, pain, and even infection.
  • Try wearing a panty liner from time to time just to catch discharge—it may help you smell fresher, since you can just remove the panty liner.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Remember that people sometimes lie in order to get what they want. If someone says they don't like the way that you smell (or that you smell really bad), they may just be trying to get out of performing oral sex. If you practice proper hygiene and are free of infection, you shouldn’t have much of a smell at all and either they are lying or very, very sensitive. Consider both possibilities before resorting to any method which may cause more problems than it solves. Thanks Helpful 43 Not Helpful 10
  • Never, ever clean out inside of your vagina using soaps or douching. A little water won't hurt if it gets in while showering or bathing.[14] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Get Rid of Vaginal Odor FastHow toGet Rid of Vaginal Odor Fast Maintain a Clean and Healthy VaginaHow toMaintain a Clean and Healthy Vagina Have a Healthy VaginaHow toHave a Healthy Vagina Wash Your VaginaHow toWash Your Vagina Maintain Feminine HygieneHow toMaintain Feminine Hygiene Reduce Vaginal DischargeHow toReduce Vaginal Discharge Have Good Hygiene (Girls)How to Have Good Personal & Feminine Hygiene: A Complete Checklist for Girls Use Feminine WashHow to Use Intimate Wash Recognize and Avoid Vaginal InfectionsHow toRecognize and Avoid Vaginal Infections Control Vaginal Discharge9 Steps to Curb Excess Vaginal Discharge Stay Clean and Smelling Fresh on Your PeriodHow toStay Clean and Smelling Fresh on Your Period Douche for Feminine HygieneHow toDouche for Feminine Hygiene Smell Good All the TimeHow toSmell Good All the Time Relieve Vaginal BurningHow toRelieve Vaginal Burning Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-odor/basics/causes/sym-20050664?p=1
  2. ↑ https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/care-and-keeping-your-vagina
  3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-healthy
  4. ↑ https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/care-and-keeping-your-vagina
  5. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-healthy
  6. ↑ https://www.health.com/condition/yeast-infection/6-underwear-rules-every-woman-should-live-by
  7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17905-vaginal-odor
  8. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/10-ways-to-prevent-yeast-infections
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513346/
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/10-ways-to-prevent-yeast-infections
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-odor/basics/causes/sym-20050664
  3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/basics/definition/sym-20050825
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279
  5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Co-authored by: Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 7,574,398 times. 337 votes - 90% Co-authors: 82 Updated: December 15, 2025 Views: 7,574,398 Categories: Personal Hygiene | Vaginal Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Read More...

Article SummaryX

To make your vagina smell good, make sure to wash regularly to keep the area clean and get rid of any bacteria. Try to find fragrance-free soaps to avoid any skin irritation and bad odor. You should also avoid using lubricants or other products that are not water or silicone based, since this can lead to infection. Think about your diet, too, since eating too much sugar can lead to bacterial infections. If you want to smell particularly good, try adding a dab of perfume, like sandalwood or vanilla, to your inner thighs. For more tips, including how to recognize the signs of STIs, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages French Italian Spanish German Dutch Russian Chinese Indonesian Thai Arabic Vietnamese Korean Hindi Turkish Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,574,398 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Cecelia

    Cecelia

    Jun 6, 2016

    "I am proud to say that this website helped me a lot. I was worried that because my vagina was smelling, it was not..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Co-authored by: Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Co-authors: 82 Updated: December 15, 2025 Views: 7,574,398 90% of readers found this article helpful. 337 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote Cecelia

Cecelia

Jun 6, 2016

"I am proud to say that this website helped me a lot. I was worried that because my vagina was smelling, it was not..." more Ashley Lofton

Ashley Lofton

May 8, 2018

"I was at work and noticed that my vagina stunk really bad. I showered yesterday and it smelled perfectly fine. When..." more TeTe Leak

TeTe Leak

Jun 6, 2016

"I believe in most of your advice & facts! I get answers from my doctor, mother, Health Channel, and now you..." more Jade E.

Jade E.

Jul 30, 2016

"The water temperature really made a lot of sense to me, also using baby wipes instead of toliet paper is what my..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 23, 2017

"It was very quick, easy to read, which also made it very easy to follow. It was concise without ever using a..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Do I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizDo I Have a Dirty Mind QuizDo I Have a Dirty Mind QuizTake QuizClean or Messy Girl TestClean or Messy Girl TestTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Get Rid of Vaginal Odor FastHow toGet Rid of Vaginal Odor FastMaintain a Clean and Healthy VaginaHow toMaintain a Clean and Healthy VaginaHave a Healthy VaginaHow toHave a Healthy VaginaWash Your VaginaHow toWash Your Vagina

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

What's My Soulmate's Name QuizWhat's My Soulmate's Name QuizPurity TestPurity TestWhich Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Crush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Crush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Rate My Personality QuizRate My Personality QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices Quiz

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Tie a Loop KnotHow toTie a Loop KnotMake Body OilHow toMake Body OilMake Almond MilkHow toMake Almond MilkWash White Clothes by HandHow toWash White Clothes by HandSkin a ChickenHow toSkin a ChickenClean Tile Floors with VinegarHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Trending Articles

Am I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizMy Lookalike GeneratorMy Lookalike GeneratorHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizIf I Had A Baby, What Would It Look Like?If I Had A Baby, What Would It Look Like?Lose Weight FastHow toLose Weight Fast Tell if a Guy Likes YouHow to Tell if a Guy Likes You

Quizzes & Games

What Is My Dosha QuizWhat Is My Dosha QuizTake QuizDo I Have a Dirty Sense of Humor QuizDo I Have a Dirty Sense of Humor QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizOmega Pheromones Quiz: What Would My Scent Be?Omega Pheromones Quiz: What Would My Scent Be?Take Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Health
  • Women’s Health
  • Vaginal Health
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --749

Tag » How To Make Ur Vagina Smell Good