How to Add to a Sinus Rinse

A sinus rinse can clear out any mucus that you have in your nose. It can also reduce and rinse out allergens and irritants as well as remove bacteria and viruses. After using one, you will be able to breathe better and decrease any swelling that is developing in your nose. Performing and preparing a sinus rinse is easy. You will need to find a designated place to perform your sinus rinse, such as your bathroom.

Things You'll Need

• Sinus rinse bottle with a tub cap
• 8 oz. distilled water
• Measuring spoons
• Un-iodized salt
• Baking soda
• Alcohol
• Tissue

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Make sure that your sinus-rinse bottle is clean before performing the sinus wash.

• 2

  Prepare the saltwater solution. Make a fresh batch of the saltwater solution for each sinus wash. Add 8 ounces of warm distilled or tap water into your sinus-rinse bottle. Mix ½ teaspoon of un-iodized salt into your 8-ounce bottle of warm water. Add a pinch of baking soda to the bottle of water. Screw on the top of the bottle and shake the bottle well to mix all ingredients.

• 3

  Perform the sinus rinse. Lean your head slightly to the left, over the sink. Press the cap of the sinus-rinse bottle tightly against the left nostril and keep the right nostril open. Squeeze the bottle gently, but with enough pressure for the water or fluid to come out on the other side of the nostril or out the mouth. Lightly blow your nose after the sinus rinse. Repeat this step for your right nostril and lean your head slightly to the right.

• 4

  Alternate between both nostrils to clean your sinuses. Repeat a few times until you feel that your congestion is relieved. Use the whole bottle if you are really congested. Rinse your mouth if there is a salty taste. Perform the sinus rinse on a child in the same way. Pick up the child if needed. Wrap the child in a big towel with his arms down. Encourage the child to blow his nose after the rinse or to spit if the water ends up in his mouth.

• 5

  Clean the sinus-rinse bottle after each use. Pour out the rest of the saltwater solution once you're done cleaning your sinuses. Fill the bottle with warm water, twirl the water around in the bottle and then empty the water out. Shake away any excess water in the bottle. Then place the bottle and the cap on a towel to air dry.

• 6

  Clean the bottle and the cap with rubbing alcohol weekly. Pour a little of the alcohol in the bottle, place the cap on the bottle, shake it up and down, and pour it out. Fill the bottle with warm water, twirl the water around in the bottle and empty it out. Place the bottle and the cap on a towel to air dry.