Use bottled distilled water or tap water that has been boiled for three to five minutes and cooled until it’s lukewarm. Never use untreated tap water to irrigate your sinuses. [4] X Research source Salt that contains iodine, non-caking agents, and preservatives can irritate nasal tissue, so use a non-iodized salt, like kosher, canning, or pickling salt. [5] X Research source
Squeeze bottles and bulbs can be more effective because they expel the solution with pressure, while the solution just gently flows out of a neti pot. However, if you squeeze the bulb or bottle too hard and spray the solution too forcefully, you could damage nasal and throat tissues. [7] X Research source
Don’t insert the spout forcefully or push it too far up your nose.
If you’re not sure how to close off your nostrils from your throat, try starting to make a “K” sound, then hold your nasal passage in place so you can breathe through your mouth but not through your nose. [10] X Research source
If you have a bulb, pump it several times to remove excess water and prop it up so it dries with the syringe tip facing down. Most neti pots are dishwasher safe, but you should place it on the top rack to avoid damaging it during the wash cycle.
You can flush your sinuses one to three times per day.
See your doctor if your nasal passages are completely blocked.
