Your Ultimate Female Hygiene Checklist: Down There Care, Made Simple (2025)

Let’s get one thing straight: your vagina is a powerhouse. She’s self-cleaning, wildly intuitive, and a whole lot more resilient than she gets credit for. Still, even superheroes need a little TLC – and that’s where a good female hygiene checklist comes in.

Whether you're rocking lacy panties, living your best commando life, or just wondering what exactly is going on down there, we’ve got you covered with a female hygiene checklist that's easy, judgment-free, and designed to keep you feeling fresh and confident.

From how to keep things clean (without overdoing it) to spotting red flags, this guide is your no-blush-needed breakdown of how to keep your vaginal health on point and your confidence sky-high. Let’s dive into the V-zone, shall we?

Female Hygiene Checklist: Your Go-To Guide for Keeping Things Clean, Cute and Confident

Before we get into the female hygiene checklist, here is a quick note: while this article is intended to be informative, it should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any health concerns, please check with your doctor.

That said, whether you're in the mood for some self-care or just want to stay on top of things, this feminine hygiene checklist will help you feel confident, fresh, and comfortable. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Female Hygiene Checklist #1. Clean, Not Complicated: How to Wash the Right Way

The vagina itself (that’s the internal canal – not to be confused with the external and visible vulva) is impressively self-cleaning and needs very little upkeep. Talk about low maintenance! Simply put, less is more. Staying hydrated and practicing good hygiene are key – and keeping a basic female hygiene checklist in mind can help you stay refreshed, healthy, and self-confident.

During your shower or bath, here’s the best way to cleanse down there without irritating:

• Keep it simple: Use warm water and a mild soap to wash the outside (the vulva), but steer clear of cleaning inside the vagina – no douching needed!
• Say no to scented products: Special “feminine washes” may smell pretty, but that scent can seriously mess up your pH balance and lead to infections.
• Keep it dry: After washing, gently pat dry. Be sure to change out of wet bathing suits and sweaty workout clothes pronto to prevent prolonged moisture exposure, which creates the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to thrive.
• Trim or shave with care: Whether you shave, trim, or let it grow – your choice is totally valid. If you do opt to groom, use a clean razor or sanitized trimmer, go with the grain to prevent irritation, and follow up with a gentle, unscented moisturizer. For more detailed info, check out our post here for all of our top bikini shaving tips and tricks.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: If you wouldn't use it around your eyes, don’t use it down there.

Female Hygiene Checklist #2. Warning Signs to Watch For (AKA When to Call Your Provider)

While the vagina naturally has its own scent and produces some discharge throughout your monthly cycle, there are times when abnormal changes could signal something more. As part of your regular female hygiene checklist, pay attention to any drastic shifts in odor, color, or texture, as they may indicate an infection or imbalance that needs attention.

Here are the signs to watch out for and when to call your doctor:

• Unusual discharge: If you notice changes in color, texture, or odor, like gray, green, or yellow discharge, a fishy scent, or discharge resembling cottage cheese, it's a sign to get it checked out.
• Itching or burning: If the irritation isn’t just from your underwear fabric, it might be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a yeast infection, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or another issue that needs attention.
• Pain during sex or when peeing: A healthy vagina doesn’t feel like it’s on fire. This kind of discomfort could signal a UTI, an STI, irritation from intercourse, or even hormonal changes (pregnancy, postpartum, peri, and menopause).
• Lumps, bumps, or sores: Your body’s way of waving a red flag. This could be a signal of a possible STI (like warts or herpes), cysts, or, in rare cases, cancer.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: When in doubt about anything unusual down there, don’t second-guess yourself – get it checked out. Even if it ends up being nothing, the reassurance is always worth it.

Female Hygiene Checklist #3. What Your Vagina Does Want

While your vagina is impressively self-sufficient, she still needs the right environment to truly thrive (a girl’s got standards, after all). Next up on our female hygiene checklist: easy habits and clothing picks that help keep things healthy and flourishing.

Here are a few things to prioritize for a happy “downstairs”:

• Breathable panties: Cotton is queen for down there, thanks to its breathability and light weight. The key here is to let her air out and stay dry.
• Adequate hydration: Water helps produce natural lubrication and maintain overall balance.
• Healthy diet = happy flora: Probiotics and whole foods keep the PH balance and microbiome just right.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: If you use tampons, opt for organic options like these from our favorite brand, Lola. And don’t forget to change them every 4 to 8 hours to steer clear of TSS (toxic shock syndrome).

Female Hygiene Checklist #4. Common Myths to Ditch ASAP

Despite what ads and pop culture suggest, vaginas aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re unique, ever-changing ecosystems – and it's time to ditch the outdated myths and embrace the facts.

Think of this myth-busting moment as a vital part of your female hygiene checklist – because knowing what’s not true is just as important as knowing what is.

So let’s clear up the confusion on a few things:

• Myth #1: "It should smell like flowers." Not even close. Vaginas have their own natural scent, and that’s absolutely normal and healthy. Unless you’re noticing a strong, fishy, or foul odor (which could be a sign of an infection), there's no need to panic. Forget the floral or fruity fantasy – this isn’t a garden, it’s your body doing its thing.
• Myth #2: "More discharge = bad." Not always! Vaginal discharge is your body’s method of protecting that area and clearing out the junk. What truly matters is that you’re in tune with your own body and understand what the norm is for you. Things like ovulation, pregnancy, and postpartum can all increase discharge, and that doesn’t mean anything’s wrong.
• Myth #3: "Tight = healthy." Not so fast. Your vagina isn’t supposed to be in a constant Kegel crunch. Over-tightening those pelvic floor muscles can actually lead to issues like pelvic pain, incontinence, and uncomfortable sex. A strong pelvic floor is great, but so is knowing when to let it chill. So go ahead and unclench, sis.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Curious if the rumors about pineapple are true? If you’re tempted to taste-test the theory that certain foods can affect and enhance how things taste down there, head over to our perks of pineapple blog post for all the juicy details.

Female Hygiene Checklist #5. Sexy Time & Vaginal Wellness: What to Know

While sexy time is undeniably fun, it can stir up some chaos down below if you're not taking a few smart precautions. That’s why no female hygiene checklist is complete without a few intimacy-specific tips. To keep your vaginal health as happy as your love life, a few simple measures go a long way.

Here’s what to keep in mind before, during, and after the fun:

• Lube love: Reach for high-quality lube during intimacy – preferably one that’s unscented, unflavored, pH-balanced, and glycerin-free to keep irritation and infections at bay. You’ve heard it from us before, and we’ll say it again: we’re big fans of Coconu.
• Toy hygiene: Wash those goodies before and after every use with soap and water. Make sure toys are completely dry before storing them away for next time.
• Partner hygiene: There’s nothing sexier than a freshly showered partner – and it’s not just about the scent. Clean bodies (and yes, that includes hands, under fingernails, and mouths) help you steer clear of unwanted bacteria. Clean is the new sexy.
• After-sex care: Be sure to pee after sex, wipe front to back, and slip into something breathable – like fresh undies paired with a cozy robe – to let your V air out. A silky slip or satin set keeps things feeling comfy while still maintaining the sexy vibe post “grand finale”.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Keep gentle, fragrance-free wipes or a peri bottle nearby for a quick refresh after intimacy – especially if you're not heading straight to the shower. It’s like a mini spa moment for your V.

Female Hygiene Checklist #6. When in Doubt, Talk It Out

Talking about your down-there health might feel a little awkward, but getting informed and tackling any concerns – big or small – is key to feeling your best, both inside and out. That’s why our female hygiene checklist is here: to take the guesswork out and give you the tools to care for your body with confidence.

Here are a few ways to take charge of your care with confidence:

• Ask away (seriously): When it comes to your vaginal health, no question is too weird or too small. Your OB-GYN has heard it all (probably twice), and they’re there to help, not judge. Bonus: Everything you say is totally confidential.
• Speak up about concerns: Even if it feels a little embarrassing, your comfort, health, and peace of mind are always worth the conversation.
• Track changes in a journal or app: The better informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel to care for your body confidently. We love the Flo app for monitoring symptoms and monthly cycles.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Don’t wait for your annual appointment to bring something up. If something feels off, call sooner rather than later – early action can prevent bigger issues and settle any anxiety.

The Glow-Up Your V Deserves

Bottom line? Your vagina is amazing, and taking care of her is the ultimate act of self-love. Keep things clean (but not squeaky), pay attention to what she’s telling you, and never shy away from treating her – and yourself – with care and confidence.

And hey, once you’ve got the health part down, why not celebrate her in something stunning? At Mentionables, we’ve got the lacy, racy, and oh-so-comfy pieces your V will thank you for. Shop any of our stunning collections, including our romantic summer styles in irresistible lemon chiffon and minty julep hues.

What’s one thing you wish you’d known sooner about vaginal health – or one myth you were totally surprised to bust after reading our female hygiene checklist? Tell us below!