How to Make a Saltwater Solution

A saltwater solution can effectively treat various conditions like sore throats, cuts, or skin infections. The best part is that it can be made in just a few minutes using only two common kitchen ingredients. Keep reading for the step-by-step guide on how to mix the right proportions for an effective and natural solution.

Purchase regular table salt or sea salt. Avoid buying flavored, colored, or scented salts; you need the purest form possible. Additionally, ensure the salt is free of iodine and preservatives, as anything other than salt could irritate your skin, nasal passages, or other areas where you use the saltwater solution.

Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt into a cup. You need to replicate the salt concentration found in tears by making a 0.9% saline solution. Using 1/2 teaspoon of regular table salt works well, but if you're using coarse sea salt, you’ll need 2.5g, which is double the amount of fine salt. If preparing this for young children, consider using a more diluted solution, while adults can tolerate it slightly saltier. Just a little extra salt is enough!

Add 1 cup of water and stir well. Heat the saltwater in a microwave for about 1 minute or warm it using a kettle, but make sure the water is hot and not boiling. The microwave should run for more than 1 minute to ensure proper sterilization of the saltwater. Use a Pyrex bowl with a lid for faster results, but be cautious, as the lid may shift due to steam if the solution is heated for too long. Stir the solution until the salt dissolves completely.

• Remember to stir well! If the water looks cloudy or dirty, discard it and start over.
• If you want to be extra careful, you can use distilled water (or boiled water that has cooled down) to ensure everything is sterile and clean.

Regardless of whether you are using the saltwater for cleaning, gargling, or rinsing. You should never swallow the saltwater! Additionally, avoid using it on open wounds.

• After getting a piercing, don’t soak the wound in saltwater. Only clean the area, as saltwater may cause the surrounding skin to dry out. Consult with a professional piercer on how to properly care for your piercing.
• If you have a nail infection or other skin inflammation (but no open wound), you can soak the affected area in saltwater up to four times a day. This method is effective after several days or weeks, but see a doctor if the condition worsens or if you notice red streaks around the injury, as you may need emergency care.
• If you have a sore throat, gargling with saltwater in the morning and evening is helpful, but don’t swallow it even though it’s not harmful. However, if the sore throat lasts more than two days, see a doctor.

Add 1 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a saucepan. That’s about 240ml of water and 2.5g of salt. Make sure the salt is free of iodine, preservatives, colors, flavors, or anything unnecessary.

• Using 1/2 teaspoon of salt may not seem like much, but for adults, you can add just a little more. The goal is to create a solution that mimics the saline concentration of tears, which is 0.9% salt.

Boil the water for about 15 minutes. Always cover the pot while boiling. If you leave the pot uncovered, the water will evaporate, and the remaining solution will become very salty. You can set a timer and step away from the kitchen. If you need to prepare something else right away, like a neti pot or a jar, use this time wisely.

Use the saltwater solution. Typically, saltwater is used for nasal rinsing, soothing a sore throat, or cleaning contact lenses. Just be sure to use it safely and appropriately.

• If you're gargling with saltwater, wait for it to cool down to avoid burning your mouth. The water should be warm, but not hot. Similarly, when using saltwater for nasal rinsing or applying it to the skin, you don't want to worsen the condition!

Store any leftover saltwater in a sterilized jar, bottle, or cup. After use, if there is any remaining saltwater, store it for future use. Be sure everything is properly sterilized to preserve the effectiveness of the solution. For added assurance, you can reboil the saltwater.