Should you wash the plastic tampon applicator?

The plastic part of the tampon doesn't stay inside you. It's the applicator that helps you insert the tampon. You insert the applicator part way, until the ridged "grips" are at the opening of the vagina. Then you push the bottom part of the applicator to insert the tampon into your vagina, then remove both parts of the applicator. If this isn't obvious from my description, try inserting it into a "pretend" vagina that you make with your fisted hand. One practice run ought to make it clearer.