For proper anal hygiene, it’s usually best to wipe from front to back and, when needed, clean your butt with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Enemas can provide a more thorough rectal cleaning.

Typical anal hygiene includes wiping the exterior of your bum or using a bidet after a bowel movement and cleaning it with soap and water when you shower.

However, in some circumstances, you might prefer a more thorough cleaning, such as with anal douching. Experts generally don’t recommend anal douching, as it has the potential to be dangerous. But if you decide to do it, following the guidelines can help you do it safely.

Keep reading to learn how to keep your bum clean, including the right way to wipe and which things you should absolutely never use on or around your bum.

Good anal hygiene requires a comprehensive approach that also takes into consideration the foods and drinks you consume. Here are some basic tips:

  • Eat a fiber-rich diet involving fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. These help to add bulk to your stool and prevent constipation. While you should introduce fiber slowly, aim to ultimately take in 28 to 34 grams of fiber per day. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consult your doctor about how much fiber you should consume.
  • Drink enough nonalcoholic fluids to make your urine pale yellow. Fluids help soften your stool, making it easier to pass.
  • Use soft toilet paper, and wipe gently after a bowel movement.
  • Alternatively, use a bidet, if you have one, and pat your bum dry after a bowel movement.
  • Allow the skin to air-dry after bathing.
  • Avoid wearing underwear that irritates the anal area, such as G-strings. Also, avoid using scented panty liners.
  • Wear undyed cotton underwear to avoid irritation.

The key is to keep the anal area clean, dry, and free of irritants.

Anal douching isn’t something you need to do every day, but there may be some circumstances where you need to feel very clean, like if you’re having receptive anal sex. If this is the case, you can consider anal douching.

Note that anal douching isn’t necessary before anal sex. It’s a personal choice.

Experts don’t generally recommend anal douching because it can be unsafe and increase your risk of:

But if you’re going to do it, there are some guidelines you can follow to do it safely:

Materials you’ll need

  • Fluid: Normal saline is the best option for rinsing out your bum. This is better than tap water, which can affect your body’s balance of electrolytes, such as sodium.
  • Delivery method: You’ll need something sanitary to get the fluid from its container to your bum. One method is a Fleet’s enema. This is a pre-packaged enema that usually has a lubricated nozzle to prevent damage. If you don’t have one handy, an alternative is a bulb syringe. These are also similar to another option called an anal douche bulb, which adult stores may sell.
  • Lubricant: You’ll need a water-based lubricant to ease insertion for your chosen delivery method.

A note about water temperature

The inner lining of your rectum is very sensitive to temperature, so you can’t use the same temperature you would in a shower. The water should be lukewarm. It shouldn’t feel warm when you place it on the inner portion of your wrist.

Steps to follow

  1. Apply lubricant to your delivery method. Some people also may insert a lubricated, gloved finger up their rectum before inserting a Fleet’s enema or bulb.
  2. Slowly, gently insert the delivery method into the rectum. Never force it or insert it quickly. Standing by the toilet with one leg on top of the toilet seat may be a good starting position.
  3. Release the liquid into your rectum slowly. Start with a small amount of water and attempt to hold it in (if possible) for 10 to 15 minutes. If you can’t hold it in, release it into the toilet.
  4. After 10 to 15 minutes, go to the bathroom to allow the water and stool to come out.

A gentle process with lubricated tools is needed to make this procedure as safe as possible.

Stool can be very irritating when it’s on your sensitive anal area. Careful wiping and cleansing of the anal area ensures you’re as comfortable as possible. Some best practices include the following:

  • Wipe front to back. This keeps you from introducing bacteria to your urinary tract.
  • Avoid using scented towelettes or other potentially damaging agents to wipe your bum.
  • Use soft toilet paper, unscented towelettes, or a soft, wet washcloth to wipe your bum.
  • Refrain from vigorous wiping, but instead use gentle motions to cleanse the bottom.
  • Cleanse with mild soap and lukewarm water, and dry your bottom with a soft cloth afterwards.

If your anal area is very irritated, you can apply a water-based cream to it to reduce irritation.

Part of learning how to keep your bum clean is learning what not to do. Take it from all the people who’ve tried and injured themselves before. Don’t use any of these solutions on or around your bum to clean it:

  • alcohol
  • bleach
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • iodine
  • oil-based lubricants (they can irritate the rectum skin)
  • olive oil
  • talcum powder
  • witch hazel

Essentially, if it isn’t a gentle cleanser or warm water, it probably doesn’t belong near your rectum.

Itching, burning, or feeling your anal area isn’t completely clean isn’t a comfy feeling.

Hemorrhoids

If you experience significant anal itching or have a hard time feeling clean, you may have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum that may be around the anal opening, called external hemorrhoids, or inside the anal opening, called internal hemorrhoids.

While hemorrhoids are often painless, some can bleed or make it hard to clean stool. Unless they’re very large, hemorrhoids are usually more of an inconvenience than a severe problem.

Fissures

If you notice tenderness or even pain after a hard-to-pass stool, the cause may be an anal fissure. Anal fissures are tears in the anal canal, usually caused by hard, dry stool passing through. Treatments include adding fiber and water to your diet so your stool is easier to pass and your skin can heal.

Abscess or fistula

If you experience acute sudden pain around the anal area, accompanied by discoloration, fever, or feelings of fullness, you could have an anal abscess or fistula. This can indicate an infection of the skin or anal gland and requires urgent medical attention.

While occasional itching is possible when you haven’t wiped all the stool away, you should see a health professional if you experience consistent or severe pain or itching in your rectum.

You should seek emergency attention if you see significant bleeding from your rectum.

This blood may appear bright red to dark red or cause your stool to look like coffee grounds. While a few drops of blood periodically may indicate hemorrhoidal bleeding, significant bleeding warrants a trip to the emergency room. Frequent bleeding, but smaller amounts, may warrant a trip to a medical professional.

When it comes to keeping your bum clean, gentle is best. Soft toilet paper or dye-free cloths can help keep you clean and comfortable. You can also clean your bum in the shower with mild soap and lukewarm water.

For the most part, you won’t need to clean your butt more than this.

If you notice itching, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, talk with a doctor.