What to use if you don't have saline solution?

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Saline solution is a simple but vital sterile mixture of salt and water, frequently recommended by healthcare providers for various uses, such as wound care and nasal irrigation. However, if you find yourself without any on hand, the correct alternative for what to use if you don't have saline solution? depends entirely on the intended application and requires careful consideration of safety.

Quick Summary

For minor wounds, clean running water is a viable alternative, while a homemade solution using boiled water and non-iodized salt can be created for nasal irrigation, but never use unsterilized tap water or homemade concoctions for contact lenses or piercings.

Key Points

Check the Application: The safest alternative to saline depends on the intended use, such as wound care, nasal rinses, or contact lenses.
Clean Wounds with Tap Water: For minor cuts and scrapes, clean running tap water and mild soap are a viable option for flushing out debris.
Boil Water for Homemade Nasal Rinse: A nasal rinse can be made at home using boiled and cooled water with non-iodized salt, but strict hygiene is crucial.
Avoid Homemade Solutions for Piercings: Use sterile, store-bought saline for new piercings, as homemade solutions can cause irritation or infection.
Never Use Tap Water for Contact Lenses: Only sterile, commercial contact lens solutions should be used to avoid serious eye infections.
Follow Hygiene Rules: When preparing any homemade solution, ensure all equipment is clean and the water is properly sterilized to prevent contamination.

When to Consider an Alternative

Not all saline solution applications are created equal. The level of sterility required and the potential for harm vary greatly depending on whether you are cleaning a small cut, irrigating your sinuses, or caring for sensitive items like contact lenses. The appropriate substitute is determined by these differing needs.

For Minor Cuts and Scrapes

For a small, non-threatening cut or scrape, a simple and effective alternative to saline is plain, clean, running tap water and mild soap. The mechanical action of the water helps to flush away debris and dirt, while the soap can aid in cleaning the area. Once cleaned, pat the area dry with a fresh, clean cloth or paper towel and apply a sterile bandage. If the wound is deep, won't stop bleeding, or appears infected, seek medical attention rather than relying on home treatment.

For Nasal Irrigation and Sinus Rinses

If you need to relieve nasal congestion and do not have a store-bought saline nasal spray, you can create a homemade nasal rinse. This is a common and effective method, but strict hygiene protocols must be followed to avoid introducing harmful bacteria into your sinuses.

Homemade Nasal Rinse Recipe

Sterilize your water: Bring 1 cup (8 oz) of tap water to a rolling boil for three to five minutes. Alternatively, use distilled or sterile water directly.
Allow to cool: Let the water cool to a lukewarm, comfortable temperature before use. Hot water can damage delicate nasal passages.
Mix ingredients: Add 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt (canning or pickling salt is ideal) to the water. Some people also add a pinch (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) of baking soda to make the solution less irritating.
Store properly: Use the solution within 24 hours and store any leftovers in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.

For Soothing a Sore Throat

A salt water gargle is a time-tested remedy for soothing a sore throat. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with the solution for 30 seconds, then spit it out. This can help reduce inflammation and wash away irritants. A homemade saline solution for gargling does not need to be sterile, but using clean water is always advisable.

Critical Uses to Avoid Homemade Alternatives

It is crucial to understand that for certain sensitive or critical applications, homemade or unsterilized alternatives are extremely dangerous and should never be used.

Piercings

For new or healing piercings, experts recommend using only sterile, store-bought saline specifically formulated for wound care or piercing aftercare. A homemade saline mixture is not sterile and the salt concentration can be inconsistent, which may delay healing or cause irritation. If absolutely necessary, a mild, fragrance-free soap and clean, running water can be used as a last resort, but sterile saline is the gold standard.

Contact Lenses

Never use tap water, distilled water, or a homemade saline solution for cleaning or storing contact lenses. Tap water contains microorganisms, including the acanthamoeba parasite, which can cause a serious and potentially vision-threatening eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Only use a commercially available, sterile contact lens solution for cleaning, rinsing, and storage.

Comparison of Alternatives by Application


Application	Recommended Alternative	What to Avoid	Important Note
Minor Wounds	Clean, running tap water + mild soap	Homemade saline, unsterilized water	See a doctor for deep or infected wounds.
Nasal Rinse	Homemade saline (boiled water, non-iodized salt)	Unboiled tap water	Ensure water is boiled and cooled to room temp; follow hygiene rules.
Piercings	Mild, fragrance-free soap and clean water	Homemade saline, unsterilized tap water	Only a temporary fix; sterile, commercial saline is best.
Sore Throat	Salt water gargle (clean water)	Ingesting large amounts of salt	Use warm, clean water for relief.
Contact Lenses	Commercial multipurpose or peroxide solutions	Tap water, distilled water, homemade saline	Risk of severe eye infection; use only approved products.

Safely Creating a Homemade Saline Solution

For safe homemade preparation, especially for nasal rinses, follow these crucial steps:

Maintain Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before mixing the solution. Use clean, sanitized equipment.
Measure Accurately: Inconsistent salt-to-water ratios can cause irritation. Use measuring spoons for accuracy.
Use the Right Water: As noted, only use boiled and cooled tap water, distilled water, or sterile water for nasal rinses.
Check Temperature: Ensure the solution has cooled completely before using it for nasal irrigation. It should be lukewarm, not hot.
Label and Store: Label your container with the date. Discard any solution made with boiled tap water after 24 hours. Solutions made with distilled water last longer but should still be used promptly.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While home remedies can be helpful for minor issues, there are situations where professional medical help is necessary. Always consult a healthcare provider if:

You have a deep or severely bleeding wound.
A wound shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever).
You experience severe sinus pain or persistent congestion.
You have an eye injury or suspect an eye infection, especially if you have used an unapproved solution on contact lenses. The risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis is serious.
Your piercing shows signs of serious irritation or infection.

For more detailed information on wound care, you can visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

Conclusion

While saline solution is a useful household staple, knowing safe and appropriate alternatives is essential for effective first aid and self-care. The key is to assess the specific need: simple tap water and soap suffice for minor wounds, while a carefully prepared homemade solution can address nasal congestion. Never substitute sterile, store-bought products for sensitive applications like piercings or contact lenses, where a serious risk of infection exists. Prioritize proper hygiene and know when to seek professional medical advice to ensure safety and promote effective healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, using bottled water is acceptable for making a homemade saline solution, as long as it is a brand you trust. However, for maximum safety, some recommend boiling any water used for internal applications like nasal rinses.

It is best to use non-iodized salt for homemade saline, especially for nasal rinses. Iodized salt can contain additives that may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive nasal passages.

For a sore throat gargle, mix about 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Gargle the solution for about 30 seconds and then spit it out. You do not need to boil the water for gargling.

For wounds that won't stop bleeding, first apply firm, direct pressure. If the bleeding is severe or doesn't stop, seek immediate medical attention. Clean running water is a fine temporary option, but professional care is needed for serious injuries.

A homemade saline solution, especially one made with boiled tap water, should be used within 24 hours. You should discard it if it looks cloudy, has floating particles, or has been stored for longer than recommended, even if it appears clear.

No, sterile water is not a substitute for contact lens solution. It lacks the salts and conditioning agents required for safe lens care and can cause cells to absorb too much water due to osmosis, leading to cell damage.

Store homemade saline in a clean, airtight container, such as a jar or bottle, in the refrigerator. Remember to discard any solution made with boiled tap water after 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.