For those who use a nasal irrigator regularly, the frequency of cleaning is directly related to nasal health and the lifespan of the device. Nasal irrigators use saline to irrigate the nasal cavity, effectively relieving symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose caused by allergies, colds, or sinusitis. However, if not cleaned promptly, the remaining saline, mucus, and bacteria in the bottle can breed mold and increase the risk of nasal infection.
Medical authorities recommend: Basic cleaning frequency
Clean after daily use
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) clearly states that if a nasal irrigator is used daily, it must be cleaned immediately after each use. During the irrigation process, mucus, bacteria, and exfoliated cells from the nasal cavity remain on the bottle mouth, straw, and inner wall. If not cleaned within 24 hours, these residues can become a breeding ground for microorganisms. For example, Staphylococcus aureus can reproduce every 20 minutes in a humid environment. After 48 hours, the colony count can exceed 10⁶ CFU/cm², significantly increasing the risk of secondary infection.
Weekly Deep Disinfection
In addition to daily cleaning, weekly deep disinfection is recommended. This can be done by disassembling the irrigator and soaking it in 75% rubbing alcohol for 30 minutes, or boiling it in boiling water for 5 minutes (make sure the material is heat-resistant). A UK National Health Service (NHS) study showed that weekly disinfection can reduce bacterial counts on the irrigator surface by 99.7%, effectively preventing complications such as fungal sinusitis.
Use Scenario Differences: Personalized Cleaning Adjustments
Acute Infection (e.g., Cold, Sinusitis)
During infection periods with increased nasal secretions, cleaning should be increased to every 2-3 uses. During this period, the concentration of pathogens in the nasal cavity is high, and residual mucus may carry a large number of viruses or bacteria. For example, the influenza virus can survive for 2-8 hours at room temperature. If the irrigator is not cleaned promptly, the virus can be transmitted to healthy nasal mucosa through repeated use.
Sharing with Multiple People or Children
If the irrigator is shared by family members (direct nasal contact must be strictly avoided), or if it is used by children (due to their immature immune systems), a strengthened regimen of "cleaning after each use and daily disinfection" should be adopted. Children's nasal irrigators require special attention to cleaning the straw. Due to its small diameter, mucus can easily accumulate and form biofilm, making cleaning more difficult.
Handling After Long-Term Idleness
If the irrigator has not been used for more than one week, it should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before reuse. During idle time, residual moisture in the bottle may breed fungi such as Aspergillus. These spores can enter the nasal cavity during irrigation and cause allergic fungal sinusitis. It is recommended to disassemble unused devices and air dry them, or store them in a sealed bag.
Material Characteristics Influence: Suitable Cleaning Methods
Silicone/Soft Plastic
Most household irrigators are made of silicone or soft plastic (such as PP and PE). These materials are heat-resistant (can withstand temperatures of 60-100°C) and are suitable for sterilization by boiling water. However, be careful to avoid using hard cleaning tools such as steel wool to avoid scratching the surface and harboring bacteria. After cleaning, dry the irrigator thoroughly to prevent the silicone from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky. Hard Plastic/Glass
Some high-end nasal irrigators are made of hard plastic (such as PC) or glass, which are more heat-resistant (over 120°C). However, extreme temperature fluctuations (such as going from boiling water directly to cold water) should be avoided to prevent breakage. Glass irrigators are dishwasher-safe (after confirming they have no electronic components), but the threads of the bottle should be regularly inspected for residual water stains.
Nasal irrigators with electronic components
If the irrigator has integrated pressure control or heating functions (such as electric nasal irrigators), it must be cleaned strictly according to the instructions. Electronic components are generally not submersible. Wipe the outer shell with a damp cloth and clean the suction tube with a special brush and allow to dry. Some brands offer removable water tanks, which should be cleaned separately and ensured to be completely dry before reassembly.
The cleaning frequency of a nasal irrigator is not fixed and should be adjusted dynamically based on frequency of use, health status, and material properties. Daily basic cleaning can remove over 90% of residue, while weekly disinfection can further eliminate stubborn microorganisms. For people with allergic rhinitis or immunodeficiency, establishing a standardized process of "use-clean-disinfect-dry" can reduce the risk of nasal infection by more than 80%. Remember: a clean irrigator is the first line of defense for nasal health.
