Can I Use Baby Wipes to Clean My Vagina?

As you know if you read our blog regularly, our content ideas come from many areas. This post came as a result of this reddit post where users were discussing whether baby wipes were suitable for cleaning intimate areas such as the vagina and vulva.

Baby wipes are a staple in households, especially in homes with a new baby. They’re handy for quick clean-ups from sticky hands and faces to nappy changes. But when it comes to using them for personal hygiene, specifically for cleaning your intimate areas, it’s worth a second thought.

But when it comes to using them for your personal hygiene, particularly cleaning your vagina and intimate areas, you might want to think twice.

Here at Cheeky HQ, we've used cloth wipes and water here for cleaning our intimate areas for the last 10 years, both after using the loo, during our periods and just to feel fresh during the day. 

While disposable wipes are convenient, they aren't made with the needs of your vaginal areas in mind. This post will explore if it's safe to use baby wipes down there, uncover the risks they may pose, and suggest better alternatives for keeping fresh and clean.

'Such a good idea to go over to cotton wipes instead of using toilet paper. I love feeling clean. Once you get a routine going with the washing it feels so right. I wouldn't go back to toilet paper again. I also have a bidet spray which makes life even easier. The oils supplied smell fantastic. The bathroom smells lovely.' Trustpilot Review

So, Should I Clean with Baby Wipes?

The Short Answer

No, it's really best to avoid using baby wipes for cleaning your vagina. Baby wipes are meant for general skin cleaning but not for the sensitive needs of your vagina and vulva.

The Detailed Explanation

Often, baby wipes contain fragrances, preservatives and other chemicals to make them clean well and smell nice. 

These ingredients can mess with the natural pH balance of your intimate areas, which should be slightly acidic pH (around 4.5) to keep infections at bay. Messing with this pH can damage the good bacteria in your vulva and lead to issues like urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

Even wipes labelled as gentle or 99% water might not be safe if used regularly.

How Should I Clean My Vagina?

First off, let's clear up any misunderstanding about what we're talking about here as some people use these words interchangeably, but they are quite different.

The vagina is the interior canal which leads to your cervix and uterus. The vulva is the exterior part of your genitals, including your labia (lips), clitoris, vaginal opening and urethra opening where you pee from.

Here's how to clean your vagina and vulva. The vagina is self-cleaning, using natural secretions to maintain a healthy environment. You don't need to do ANYTHING to clean your vagina and douching or anything internal is absolutely to be avoided.

On the other hand, to clean your vulva you need nothing more than water or some mild unscented soap. Always remember to wipe from front to back to avoid bacteria from the anus being transferred to the vagina which could cause vaginal infections.

'I read reviews & ummed & arred for a while I wasn't sure about dealing with the mucky box & throwing them in the washing machine. But I needn't have worried. There are no nasty smells in fact the mucky box smells lovely. I love them. I feel so clean after using them It's like I've come out of the shower so much better than toilet paper & I love turning to flush the loo & there's no paper down there. I wash them & then put them straight back into the clean box to use again. I've been using them for 3 months now. Certainly recommended - a great product' Toilet Paper Kit Review

Avoid Harsh Products

Steer clear of feminine hygiene products including sprays, douches, and scented products as these can further disrupt the vaginal flora and impact vaginal health.

Opt for Gentle Alternatives

The problem with choosing to use baby wipes is that you have no clear idea what you're using on your skin, even those specifically designed for intimate areas. However look for products free from fragrances, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.

Cheeky Wipes offers reusable intimate wipes that are perfect for this use. They are simply used with warm water and provide a gentle, effective way to cleanse without any added irritants. Keep a couple dry in your bag for wetting on the go and simply wash when you get home.

Reusable intimate wipes aren't just a good idea for wiping instead of toilet paper. They're great for sensitive skin as they 'drag' less which means they're great for vaginal discharge and during your period too. Menopausal and post menopausal women find that they help protect delicate skin, especially if you suffer from vaginal dryness.

'I absolutely love these. I bought the pink design because the reason I bought them in the first place was that ordinary toilet paper was shredding my skin down below due to suffering from lichen sclerosus. These are soft and gentle and pretty and from a distance you can't really see what the pattern is. It's a fun joke that makes me smile every time I use them. I love that I'm not in pain any more and I love that I'm using something that isn't burning up the planet's resources. Quick rinse in the sink after use, wash with usual laundry and I hang them up to dry on my octopus over the bath. Job's a goodun! Can't recommend enough.' Reusable Intimate Wipes Review

Consider PH-Balanced Intimate Washes

For those who prefer a bit more than just water, pH-balanced intimate washes can be a safe alternative. These washes are specifically formulated to maintain the natural acidity of the vagina.

Closing Thoughts

Remember, taking good care of your intimate areas is an important part of your overall cleanliness routine, keeping you comfortable, healthy and free of vaginal odour.

Choosing the right products for intimate care is key to keeping your intimate health in check. If you have questions or are looking for the best products for your needs, feel free to reach out to us or dive deeper into our blog.

The team all use our products themselves and chat pee, poo and periods all day. Nothing is TMI and we love hearing about your experiences and answering your questions, helping people ditch disposables.

 Alternatively, explore other blogs which you may be interested in:

• What does a 'normal' vagina and vulva look like?
• Is it normal to smell myself through my knickers?
• Tackling vaginal dryness

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as tampons or menstrual cups were no longer an option for her and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable nappies and reusable sanitary pads.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.