Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Cleaning your neti pot
• Part 2 of 3: Making a saline solution
• Part 3 of 3: Rinsing your nasal cavity
• Warnings
• Necessities

A neti pot, nasal cup, or nasal douche is used to flush the nasal cavity with a saline solution. This is a home remedy that is relatively little known in Western countries, but is widely used in parts of India and South Asia. You can use a neti pot daily to flush mucus, bacteria, and allergens from your nasal cavity. It is important to clean the neti pot properly and only use water that has been sterilized, distilled, or boiled and cooled.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Cleaning your neti pot

1. Read the directions on the package to learn how to clean your neti pot. Before using the neti pot, read the directions on the packaging or the instructions that came with it to see which cleaning method is recommended. Most nasal cannisters can be cleaned with warm water and soap, but see if this is also recommended for the neti pot you have purchased.

   WarningsMost nose jugs cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher, so do not put your neti pot in unless the instructions clearly state that it is not a problem to do so.

   
   
2. Before using it for the first time, wash your neti pot with hot water and dish soap. Put a few drops of dish soap in the neti pot and then fill it with hot water. Let the soapy water rinse through the neti pot to clean all surfaces. Then pour the soapy water out of the neti pot and rinse thoroughly.
   • Rinse the neti pot 6 or 7 times to make sure you remove all soap residue.
3. Let the neti pot air dry or wipe the inside with a clean paper towel. The neti pot must be completely dry before using it for the first time. Place the neti pot upside down on a clean paper towel or use a clean paper towel to dry the inside of the neti pot.
   • Do not wipe the inside of the neti pot with a used dishcloth. Also, don't put it to dry right side up. The neti pot may get dirty and dust into it if you let it air dry this way.

Part 2 of 3: Making a saline solution

1. Wash and dry your hands to avoid infecting the neti pot. Run your hands under hot water to wet them. Then add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid hand soap or rub your hands over a bar of soap for a few seconds to lubricate your hands. Spread the soap between your hands, on your fingertips, and around your fingernails. Then run your hands under hot water again to rinse away the soap. Dry your hands completely with a clean cloth or paper towel.
   • It takes about 20 seconds to wash your hands thoroughly. To keep an eye on the time, hum the song "Happy Birthday" twice.
2. Measure 1 liter of sterilized, distilled or boiled water. To make sure the water is safe to pour into your nasal cavity, use only water that has been distilled, sterilized, or boiled, then cooled. Pour the water into a clean glass container such as a jar or bowl.
   • You can buy sterilized and distilled water at the supermarket or chemist. You can also bring tap water to a boil and let it boil for about 5 minutes. Then turn off the stove and let the water cool to room temperature.

   Warning: Do not use untreated tap water, as it can contain bacteria and amoebas that can make you very sick if they get into your nasal cavity.

   
   
3. Mix 2 teaspoons (10 grams) fine, non-iodinated salt with the water. Choose sea salt or coarse salt with no iodine added. Measure the salt and pour it into the container with the water.
   • Do not use normal table salt. The added substances in table salt can irritate your nose.
   • You can also buy ready-to-use saline if you prefer not to make your own. Check the drugstore or pharmacy to see if they sell saline solution that you can use in a neti pot.
4. Stir until the salt is dissolved and wait for the solution to cool. Use a clean metal spoon to stir the salt into the water. Keep stirring until the salt is completely dissolved. When the solution is clear and has cooled to room temperature it is ready to use.
   • Put a lid on the container if you don't plan on using the solution right away. However, make sure to use the solution within 24 hours. Then discard the unused saline solution, as bacteria can grow in it.

Part 3 of 3: Rinsing your nasal cavity

1. Fill the neti pot with the saline solution. The first step is to pour the saline solution from the tray into the neti pot. Pour gently to avoid spills and make sure the water is not so hot that it feels uncomfortable and burns your nose.
2. Bend over a sink keeping your neck straight and tilt your head to one side. Lean over the sink so that your upper body is at a 45 degree angle to your lower body. Then turn your head to one side so that your ear is facing the sink. Keep your forehead as high as your chin, or slightly higher.
   • Don't turn your head so far that your chin is past your shoulder.
   • Do not lean forward so far that your chin is below your forehead.
3. Breathe through your mouth as you rinse your nasal cavity. You will not be able to breathe through your nose while flushing your nasal cavity with the neti pot, so start breathing through your mouth. Take a few breaths to get used to it.
   • Do not talk or laugh, so that your throat is closed and water cannot flow into it.
4. Pour half of the water into your top nostril. Push the nozzle against the inside of your nostril to seal it properly. As a result, the water cannot flow back from the same nostril. Lift the jar so that the saline solution flows into the upper nostril and out of the lower nostril. This may feel a bit strange, like you are swimming and get water in your nose. Pour half of the contents of the jar into your first nostril.
   • The solution should flow out of your lower nostril and go down the sink. If the water splashes on your body, lean deeper over the sink.
   • As the solution flows out of your mouth, lower your forehead slightly, but make sure it stays higher than your chin.
5. Repeat the process on the other side to rinse your other nostril. Remove the neti pot from your nostril when you are done rinsing the first side. Then turn your head in the opposite direction and repeat the process. Use the other half of the saline solution to rinse your other nostril.
   
   

   Tip: Rinse both nostrils, even if it feels like only one nostril is blocked. This helps to get the most benefit from using the neti pot.

   
   
6. Blow air through your nose to remove the excess water. When the neti pot is completely empty, hang your head over the sink and gently blow air out of your nose without using your fingers to pinch your nose. This will help get rid of the excess water and some mucus.
   • Do this until almost no more water drips from your nose and you can breathe relatively easily again.
7. Blow your nose gently in a tissue paper. When no more moisture drips from your nose into the sink, remove the rest of the water and clear your nose completely by blowing your nose in a tissue paper as usual. Apply gentle pressure on one side of your nostril while blowing your nose, then repeat the process on the other side. Be careful not to close your nostrils while you blow.
   • Don't blow your nose too hard. Blow your nose gently as you normally would.
8. Clean your neti pot when you are done. To prevent bacteria from growing in and on the neti pot, wash it one last time before storing it. Use warm water and soap and let the jar air dry just like you did before.
   • Keep the neti pot in a cupboard or drawer to keep it clean and free from dust until the next time you use it.

Warnings

• Never put tap water in a neti pot. There may be bacteria and amoebas in the tap water that can grow in your nasal cavity and make you very sick.

Necessities

• Neti pot
• Non-iodized salt with no added anti-caking agents, or store-bought salt specifically for use in a neti pot
• Distilled, boiled and cooled, or filtered water