The simplest way to clean your nostrils is with a saline rinse, which flushes out mucus, allergens, and irritants using saltwater. You can also use a saline spray for lighter cleaning or a warm, damp cloth for the outer nostril area. The method you choose depends on whether you’re dealing with everyday buildup, congestion from a cold, or chronic sinus issues.
Saline Rinse: The Most Effective Method
A full-volume saline rinse, using a neti pot or squeeze bottle, is the gold standard for nasal cleaning. It sends a stream of saltwater through one nostril and out the other, physically flushing away dried mucus, dust, pollen, and other debris that accumulates throughout the day. Research comparing different approaches found that liquid saline rinses significantly reduced levels of histamine and other inflammatory compounds in nasal secretions, making them particularly useful during allergy season.
Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the solution. Mix about 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt into 8 ounces of safe water (more on water safety below). Some people add a pinch of baking soda to reduce stinging.
- Position yourself. Lean over a sink and tilt your head to one side, roughly at a 45-degree angle. Breathe through your mouth.
- Pour or squeeze. Place the spout of the neti pot or squeeze bottle snugly against your upper nostril. Let gravity (with a neti pot) or gentle pressure (with a squeeze bottle) guide the solution in. It will flow through your nasal passages and drain out the lower nostril.
- Switch sides. Repeat on the other nostril.
- Gently blow. After rinsing both sides, blow your nose softly to clear remaining fluid.
If you feel burning or stinging during the rinse, use less salt next time. The solution should feel close to the natural saltiness of your body’s fluids.
Saline Sprays for Lighter Cleaning
If a full rinse feels like overkill, an over-the-counter saline spray is a simpler option. You insert the nozzle into one nostril, give a quick spray, and repeat on the other side. Sprays deliver a much smaller volume of saline than a neti pot or squeeze bottle, so they’re better suited for moisturizing dry nasal passages and loosening light mucus rather than flushing out heavy congestion.
One clinical trial found that a micronized saline spray improved nasal airflow and symptom scores in adults with viral upper respiratory infections. Sprays are also more portable and easier for people who find the sensation of a full rinse uncomfortable. For chronic allergies or thick congestion, though, a higher-volume rinse tends to do a more thorough job.
Water Safety Is Non-Negotiable
Never use plain tap water for nasal rinsing. Tap water can contain low levels of bacteria and, in rare cases, amoebas like Naegleria fowleri that are harmless if swallowed but dangerous when introduced directly into the nasal passages. The CDC recommends using one of three types of water:
- Distilled or sterile water sold at any pharmacy or grocery store.
- Boiled tap water that has reached a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet), then cooled to a comfortable temperature.
- Bleach-disinfected water as a last resort: add 5 drops of unscented household bleach (4% to 5.9% concentration) per quart of water, stir, and let it stand for at least 30 minutes.
This step matters every single time, even if your tap water is otherwise safe to drink.
Keeping Your Device Clean
A dirty neti pot or squeeze bottle defeats the purpose of nasal cleaning. The FDA recommends washing your device after every use and drying the inside with a paper towel or letting it air dry completely. Residual moisture in a sealed container creates a hospitable environment for bacteria. If your device came with specific care instructions, follow those as well. Ceramic neti pots, plastic squeeze bottles, and electric irrigators all have slightly different maintenance needs.
How to Handle Dried Mucus and Crusting
If you’re dealing with dried, crusty buildup just inside the nostrils, resist the urge to pick at it. Picking or pulling at scabs can introduce bacteria and lead to nasal vestibulitis, an infection of the skin right at the nostril opening. Instead, soften the crust first. A saline spray or a few drops of saline solution will loosen dried mucus within a minute or two, making it easy to remove with a gentle nose blow or a soft tissue.
For ongoing nostril care, trim nose hairs rather than plucking them. Plucking creates tiny wounds that bacteria can enter. Avoid excessive nose blowing, which irritates the lining and can cause small tears. And wash your hands before touching your face, especially if you’re cleaning around the nose area.
Clearing a Baby’s Nostrils
Babies can’t blow their own noses, so they sometimes need help. The best approach is saline drops (not spray, which is too forceful for infants) followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. Put a drop or two of saline into each nostril to loosen mucus, wait a moment, then use the suction device carefully. Keep in mind that baby nostrils are small, so don’t insert the tip too deeply.
The best times to clear a baby’s nose are before feeding and before bed, since congestion makes both eating and sleeping harder. Swaddling your baby beforehand can help keep them still. Don’t suction too aggressively or too frequently, as this can irritate the delicate nasal lining.
How Often You Should Clean Your Nostrils
When you’re actively congested from a cold or allergies, rinsing once or twice a day is safe and effective. Some people without symptoms rinse a few times a week as a preventive habit to reduce sinus infections or allergy flare-ups. As long as you use safe water and keep your equipment clean, daily nasal irrigation is considered safe for ongoing use.
If you’re only using a saline spray for light moisturizing, there’s even less concern about frequency. Use it as needed throughout the day, particularly in dry climates or heated indoor environments where nasal passages tend to dry out.