Rinsing your nose with salt water clears out mucus and dust. It's one of the best daily habits for sinus health.
Printable instructions: download the full step-by-step sheet below to keep or print at home.
What you'll need
- A rinse bottle.
- Salt packets made for nose rinsing, or plain salt and baking soda.
- Water that is distilled, boiled and cooled, or sterile.
Steps
- Mix the salt with the water according to the packet instructions.
- Lean over the sink.
- Gently squeeze the solution into one nostril. Aim the bottle nozzle at an angle resembling a 7 or V on the face. Allow the rinse to come out through the opposite nostril, the same side, or the mouth.
- Repeat on the other side, then gently blow your nose.
Always use distilled water, previously boiled water that has cooled, or freshly opened bottled water. Do not use ordinary tap water because it carries a small risk of infection.
Preferably wash the bottle with a small amount of soap between uses and disinfect it once weekly.
For more information, follow the instructions in the leaflet.