Intimate cleansing is a daily habit that plays a key role in everyone’s wellbeing. Yet it’s often treated as just another routine step, almost automatic, without giving it the attention it truly deserves.

The truth is that the intimate area is a complex ecosystem with a very delicate balance, and it can be easily disrupted by behaviors that may seem harmless. Choosing the right product and respecting your body’s natural physiology are therefore essential for both women and men, and can make a real difference to everyday health.

In this article, we’ll explore the 5 most common mistakes in intimate cleansing and explain why avoiding them is essential for taking proper care of your intimate hygiene. You’ll also find practical, easy-to-follow tips you can apply every day to care for your intimate area in a natural, body-respecting way.

Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll cover:

• Why intimate cleansing is important 
• Mistake 1: Using a non-specific or overly harsh cleanser
• Mistake 2: Washing too often
• Mistake 3: Not changing panty liners, pads, or tampons frequently enough 
• Mistake 4: Using too much product or relying on internal douches
• Mistake 5: Wearing synthetic or overly tight underwear
• Practical tips for intimate hygiene 

Why intimate cleansing is important

Taking care of your intimate hygiene means following targeted habits designed to preserve balance, protection, and comfort.

Although men also need specific care for their genital area, male intimate hygiene is often overlooked. This happens because women’s concerns, such as irritation or infections, are more frequent or more noticeable, so they tend to receive greater attention in the media and educational settings. In addition, many men believe they don’t need specific care, assuming that daily body washing is enough or that the genital area has a natural self-cleansing ability that doesn’t require dedicated products.

This misconception can lead to neglecting small but important habits, increasing the risk of discomfort, irritation, or unpleasant odors, especially in situations involving sweating or after physical activity.

The goals of proper intimate cleansing, for both women and men, are clear and essential for the wellbeing of the genital area. Adequate cleansing helps prevent irritation and infections by reducing the growth of bacteria or fungi that can cause discomfort or other issues. At the same time, it helps maintain the natural balance of pH and the mucosa, which are key factors in protecting against external microorganisms. Finally, correct cleansing helps prevent redness, itching, and dryness, preserving daily comfort and health.

Following a few simple daily habits makes it possible to respect the mucosa’s natural physiology and support the body’s existing defense mechanisms, turning intimate cleansing into a caring routine that is effective, safe, and suitable for everyone.

Mistake 1: Using a non-specific or overly harsh cleanser

Choosing the right intimate cleanser is far more important than many people think, because the genital area is extremely delicate and has its own specific pH that should be respected every day.

One of the most common mistakes is using the same shower gel or soap meant for the rest of the body on intimate areas. Even if these products seem gentle, they are not formulated to respect the physiological pH of the genital area and may disrupt the acidic environment that naturally protects against bacteria and harmful pathogens.

The result of using harsh or unsuitable products is an imbalance in the intimate flora: when the protective barrier is weakened by aggressive ingredients, strong fragrances, or an excess of surfactants, irritation, dryness, and the risk of discomfort or infections increase. It’s important to remember that the intimate area doesn’t need lots of foam to be properly cleansed. In fact, very foamy products often contain agents that can be irritating, especially for more sensitive mucous membranes.

For this reason, it’s essential to choose an intimate cleanser specifically formulated for intimate hygiene, with gentle ingredients that respect the physiology of the mucosa. Ideally, opt for products with a pH between 4 and 5, minimal preservatives, very light fragrance (or none at all), and mild surfactants. A good intimate cleanser shouldn’t “clean more”, it should cleanse gently, preserving the natural balance of the bacterial flora and ensuring everyday comfort.

Intimate cleansers specifically developed for this purpose, such as those by La Saponaria, are designed to respect the intimate environment thanks to a balanced pH and soothing active ingredients, making them suitable even for the most sensitive mucous membranes.

Mistake 2: Washing too often

Many people believe the genital area needs frequent or particularly intense cleansing to stay fresh and healthy, but this is a misleading idea. The intimate area is governed by very delicate balances and has natural defense and self-cleansing mechanisms, thanks to the genital microbiota: an ecosystem of microorganisms that protects the internal environment and supports its wellbeing. Washing too often, or using unsuitable products, can disrupt this precious balance, leading to irritation, dryness, and discomfort.

That’s why it’s important to find the right balance, both in how often you cleanse and in the type of product you use. Washing too rarely may not ensure proper hygiene, but washing too frequently can be just as harmful. Under normal conditions, cleansing once a day is more than enough; a second wash can be added only when truly necessary, for example after sports, swimming, or during your period, always choosing ultra-gentle products. If you often feel the need to wash multiple times a day, it may be a sign of irritation, pH imbalance, or wearing non-breathable clothing.

The idea that “the more you wash, the better” is not only false, but can actually have the opposite effect: excessive washing can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, cause micro-lesions, disrupt the microbiota, and may even worsen unpleasant odors and discomfort. Keeping intimate cleansing simple, gentle, and respectful is the best way to care for your intimate wellbeing, every day.

Mistake 3: Not changing panty liners, pads, or tampons often enough 

A very common mistake involves wearing panty liners, sanitary pads, or tampons for too long. Keeping these products on for extended periods creates a warm, humid environment, ideal for bacterial growth, therefore increasing the risk of irritation, itching, and infections such as cystitis or vaginitis.

For this reason, it’s essential to change panty liners and pads at least every four hours and to limit the use of panty liners to when they are truly necessary. During your period, it’s best to choose cotton pads, which allow the skin to breathe and help reduce bacterial overgrowth. The same applies to tampons: it’s important to follow the recommended replacement times and to prefer products made with safe, biocompatible materials.

Modern and eco-friendly alternatives, such as medical-grade silicone menstrual cups or washable layered cotton period underwear, allow you to maintain intimate hygiene in a more natural way, reducing the risk of irritation and infections. In the same way, it’s best to avoid staying in wet clothing for too long, such as a swimsuit or sweaty gym clothes, as this can create conditions that encourage bacterial growth.

Mistake 4: Using too much product or relying on internal douches

Another common mistake in intimate hygiene is using internal washes or invasive products, often believed to be more effective for cleaning the vaginal area. In reality, these practices can have the opposite effect and disrupt the natural balance of the mucous membranes. The genital area has its own natural self-cleansing mechanisms: secretions and the internal environment help maintain microbiota balance, protecting against external microorganisms.

For this reason, internal washes are generally not recommended. They can disrupt the natural equilibrium, cause irritation, and increase the risk of infections. The safest and most respectful daily routine is to cleanse only the external area gently, using small amounts of product and avoiding excess that could irritate the skin or alter its natural pH.

Mistake 5: Wearing synthetic or overly tight underwear

Another often underestimated aspect of intimate hygiene is the underwear and clothing we choose to wear. Synthetic fabrics, tight-fitting, or overly restrictive garments can trap moisture and create an environment that encourages bacterial growth, increasing the risk of irritation or discomfort. That’s why it’s recommended to choose cotton underwear or natural materials such as silk, breathable and gentle on the skin, which help maintain the natural balance of the mucous membranes.

Anyone with sensitivity or skin issues in the genital area should pay extra attention by choosing comfortable, loose-fitting garments made from natural fibers that haven’t been treated with harsh chemicals. It’s also important to wash underwear thoroughly after each use with gentle, fragrance-free detergents to avoid chemical residue and the growth of unwanted microorganisms. Even at night, whenever possible, it’s best to let the skin breathe by avoiding tight clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton or silk help reduce irritation and discomfort because they allow better breathability and support the intimate area’s physiological balance.

Practical tips for intimate hygiene

Taking care of your intimate area means respecting the delicate natural balance of both the mucosa and the bacterial flora. Here are a few practical tips to do so effectively:

• Avoid excessive hair removal: Full intimate hair removal has become an increasingly popular trend, especially among younger generations, but completely removing pubic hair can have negative effects on health. Natural hair plays a protective role, helping defend the skin and mucous membranes from pathogenic microorganisms and reducing the risk of irritation, infections, or local inflammation. For those who choose to remove hair, it’s important to use gentle methods, such as specific creams or razors, avoiding overly aggressive procedures that could damage sensitive skin..
• Choose intimate cleansers with the right pH: The genital area has a delicate balance that should be respected. Using non-specific, harsh, or heavily fragranced products can disrupt this balance and lead to irritation or discomfort. It’s best to choose gentle formulas, free from fragrance, with a balanced pH specifically designed for intimate hygiene, so they cleanse softly without compromising the natural physiology of the mucosa.
• Change your underwear every day: Wearing clean underwear daily helps reduce the build-up of bacteria and keeps the intimate area fresh and dry. Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton or silk, and wash garments at higher temperatures whenever possible to eliminate unwanted microorganisms..
• Avoid fragranced products or intimate deodorants: Deodorants, scented wipes, or sprays are not necessary and can disrupt the mucosa’s natural balance, causing irritation. It’s also important for women to remember that the vagina has a natural scent—and if you notice unusual changes or strong odors, it’s always best to consult a gynecologist.
• Dry the intimate area thoroughly after showering: Moisture encourages bacterial growth, so it’s essential to dry the intimate area carefully after cleansing. Use a cotton towel and gently pat dry without rubbing, to avoid irritating the mucosa.

In this article, we explored the main mistakes to avoid during intimate cleansing and shared practical tips to help keep the genital area healthy, protected, and comfortable.

The most important thing to remember is that intimate health isn’t measured by visible cleanliness alone, but by respecting the body’s natural balances and being aware of its needs. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean chasing trends or myths, it means listening to your body, choosing gentle products, and adopting respectful daily habits. After all, intimate hygiene doesn’t mean “washing more,” but protecting, supporting, and nurturing what nature has already put in place to keep us healthy.