Rinse the neti pot 6 or 7 times to ensure that you have removed all of the soap residue.
Do not wipe out the inside of the neti pot with a used dish towel. Also, do not place it right side up to dry. It might collect dust or get dirty if you let it air dry this way.
It takes about 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands. To time yourself, hum the “Happy Birthday” song to yourself 2 times. [4] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
You can purchase sterilized or distilled water at a grocery or drug store. Or, bring tap water to a boil and let it boil for about 5 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the water cool to room temperature.
Do not use normal table salt. The additives in it can irritate your nose. You can also purchase saline solution if you do not want to make your own. Check your local drug store for saline solution that is meant for use with neti pots.
Place a lid on the container if you do not plan to use the solution right away. However, be sure to use the solution within 24 hours. Discard any unused solution at that point since bacteria may begin to grow in it.
Do not turn your head so far that your chin goes past your shoulder. Do not bend over so far that your chin is below your forehead.
Avoid talking or laughing so that the seal in your throat is not broken, allowing water in.
The solution should pour out of your lower nostril and flow into the sink. If the water is splashing you, then lower yourself down closer to the sink. If the solution drains out of your mouth, lower your forehead slightly, but make sure to keep it above your chin.
Do this until most of the dripping has subsided and you can breathe relatively easily again.
Don’t blow too hard! Blow gently just as you normally would.
Store your neti pot in a cupboard or drawer to keep it clean and dust-free until the next time you use it.
