How to make a saline solution at home is easier than you might think! Saline solution is perfect for tasks like cleaning piercings or irrigating your sinuses, but it can be a hassle to buy more each time you run out. Luckily, making a saline solution at home is simple. A “normal” saline solution is about 0.9% salt, and you can easily create this with just boiled or distilled water and non-iodized salt. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a saline solution, including variations for specific uses like for your sinuses, piercings, or mouth. Read on to learn how to create your own saline solution at home!
Method1 Making Saline at Home
Step 1: Boil the Water
Boil 4 cups (0.95 L) of tap water in a sterilized pot for 5 minutes. Using either a sterilized measuring cup or pouring directly from the tap, bring the water to a boil. Let it bubble for at least 5 minutes to eliminate bacteria, then turn off the heat and allow it to cool to lukewarm.
Alternative: If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the water in a covered container for 2 minutes until it reaches a boiling point.
Important Note: If you’re using well water or seawater, avoid these, as they contain more particles and germs than tap water. You can also opt for distilled water to skip the boiling process.
For more detailed steps on sterilization, check how to sterilize your equipment.
Step 2: Stir in Salt
Once the water has cooled to lukewarm, stir in 2 teaspoons (8.4 g) of non-iodized salt. Stir the solution well until the salt is completely dissolved. If you’re making a saline solution for oral use, add 4 teaspoons (16.7 g) of salt and 8 teaspoons (33.5 g) of baking soda to make it less abrasive. For nasal irrigation, use 3 teaspoons (12.6 g) of salt and 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) of baking soda. When cleaning piercings, use just 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) of salt, as too much salt may irritate the piercing. For further recipes, see this guide on how to make saline solutions for different uses.
Step 3: Wait for the Solution to Cool
Allow the saline solution to cool to room temperature before use. This ensures that the solution doesn’t burn or irritate your skin, wounds, or sensitive areas. To transfer it into a syringe or irrigating tool, pour the solution into a clean paper cup and dip your syringe into the cup. Ensure that all tools used are sterilized to prevent contamination. You can read more about this in our article on how to safely use saline for nasal irrigation.
Step 4: Store Extra Saline
If you have leftover saline solution, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Label the container with the date so you can track its freshness. After 3 days, dispose of any remaining solution, sterilize the container, and make a new batch if necessary. For more on saline storage, check this guide on storing homemade solutions.
By following these simple steps, you can easily make your own saline solution at home for a variety of health and cleaning purposes.
Method2 Using Homemade Saline
How to Use Saline Solution for Wound Care, Sinuses, and More
Saline solution is a versatile and simple remedy that can be used for various health and cleaning purposes, such as wound care, nasal irrigation, and cleaning piercings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use saline solution for these common applications.
Step 1: Clean Wounds with Saline Solution
To clean a wound, use a gauze pad dipped in saline solution. Begin by wearing disposable gloves and placing a towel underneath the wound. Dab the wound gently in a circular motion, working outward from the center to prevent spreading germs inward. If needed, use multiple gauze pads to remove all debris and draining liquids.
Once you’ve finished cleaning, pat the wound dry with a clean, dry cloth. Dispose of the gloves and saline-soaked gauze properly. If necessary, apply a fresh dressing to the wound to protect it while it heals.
For more on wound care, check this guide.
Step 2: Irrigate Your Sinuses with Saline Solution
To irrigate your sinuses, use a neti pot or a soft rubber ear bulb syringe. Draw 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of saline solution into the bulb or syringe. Lower your head over a sink or in the shower and tilt to one side so the opposite nostril is raised. Squeeze half of the solution into one nostril, and wait for it to drain out of the other side.
Repeat the process on the other nostril, breathing through your mouth while the saline runs through your sinuses. After irrigating, blow your nose gently to avoid saline running into your ears. Irrigate at least 30 minutes before applying any nasal medication.
For additional tips on nasal irrigation, see this article.
Step 3: Clear Out Earwax Using Saline Solution
To clear earwax, dip a cotton ball into saline solution and tilt your head to one side. Drip the saline solution from the cotton ball into your ear, and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, tilt your head the opposite way to let the solution drain out. Repeat the process on the other ear.
Alternatively, you can use a small syringe to add saline directly into your ears. For more on ear care, check out this article.
Step 4: Swish Saline in Your Mouth to Relieve Oral Pain
To relieve oral pain or speed up healing for oral wounds, swish saline solution around your teeth and gums for about 30 seconds. Do this 2-3 times per day and spit it out afterward. Saline acts as an antiseptic, helping to kill bacteria and promote healing. You can also try gargling with saline to soothe a sore throat.
Saline is non-toxic if accidentally swallowed, making it safe for oral use. For more tips, visit this article on oral care.
Step 5: Soak Piercings in Saline Solution
To clean piercings, soak them in saline solution for 5-10 minutes daily. Pour the saline into a small cup or shot glass, and invert it over the piercing to form a vacuum. If this is difficult due to the piercing’s location, use a cotton pad or paper towel dipped in saline to clean the area, or transfer the saline into a spray bottle for easy application.
Afterward, gently dry the piercing with a clean paper towel. Avoid using cloth towels as they may carry more bacteria and increase the risk of infection. For further piercing care advice, check this guide.
By following these simple steps, you can make the most of saline solution for various health and hygiene needs.
