While many so-called “feminine washes” claim to clean and maintain the health of your vagina and vulva, gynecologists do not recommend using these products. Instead, experts say that using water and your hands is the safest way to clean the area.

A 2017 review of specialist literature suggested that a person should regularly clean the skin of the vulva with mild, unfragranced, soap-free washes to prevent the buildup of sweat, menstrual blood, dead cells, and other biological material that could accumulate harmful bacteria.