The internet – and the limitless wealth of information it provides – is an immeasurably useful tool for more reasons that anyone can list.

There are so many advantages that it brings to our daily lives, but what really makes it one of the greatest inventions in recent times is the unlimited access to shared knowledge.

You can look up information on any topic you’re curious about, and no question is too hard to answer if you know where to look. Mysteries that might have taken years to solve can now be figured out with just a few clicks or taps.

Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of old myths get debunked online, and we’ve also learned handy life hacks and tips that used to be secrets known only to a few.

For example, have you ever wondered why your underwear sometimes looks like it has bleach spots? If you have, you’re not alone; many women have asked this question online.

And guess what? They found the answers! It turns out those strange marks have nothing to do with your washing machine, even though some people might think otherwise.

No, reports claim that the actual cause of these “bleach” patches is a result of the natural pH levels of the vagina.

It’s really important to know that you don’t have to stress about this. In fact, those lighter spots on your underwear are actually a positive thing! pH levels show us how acidic or basic something is, and there’s a useful tweet that explains it nicely:

“Now that everyone is aware, it’s completely normal to see lighter areas in a woman’s underwear due to the vagina’s acidity, which has a pH range of 3.8-4.5. So, we should stop assuming it’s due to poor hygiene. A healthy vagina can actually make the fabric lighter!”

Dr. Vanessa MacKay, with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, explains: “The vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism through natural secretions. It contains beneficial bacteria that serve to protect it.”

The National Institutes of Health says that the normal vaginal pH is usually between 3.8 and 5.0. This means it is somewhat acidic compared to the neutral pH level, which is 7.

Dr. MacKay adds that it’s perfectly normal and healthy for women to have clear or white discharge from their vagina, while disturbing the natural balance can lead to infections.

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