A simple saltwater solution can be useful for some external cleaning and rinsing needs. Homemade saline is not the same as commercially prepared sterile saline and should not be used for situations that require a sterile product.
How to make a simple saline solution
Use clean hands, clean utensils and accurately measured ingredients. Mix 1 teaspoon (about 5 mL) of table salt with 2 cups (about 500 mL) of water. Bring the water to a boil, add the salt and stir until dissolved. Allow the solution to cool before use.
Make a fresh batch when needed. Store any short-term remainder in a clean, covered container and discard it if it becomes cloudy or contaminated.
Appropriate uses
Homemade saline may be suitable for gentle external cleansing of minor skin wounds or for gargling. For a new piercing, follow the piercer’s aftercare instructions; commercially prepared sterile saline is generally preferable because homemade mixtures can become contaminated or be mixed at the wrong concentration.
What not to use homemade saline for
- Do not use homemade saline in contact lenses or contact-lens cases.
- Do not inject it or use it for intravenous purposes.
- Do not drink saline to treat dehydration. Use an appropriate oral rehydration solution instead.
- Do not assume a homemade solution is sterile.
- For eye irrigation, significant wounds, surgical sites or other situations where sterility matters, use an appropriate sterile product and follow professional advice.
When to get medical advice
Seek medical advice for deep, contaminated or infected wounds; worsening redness, swelling, pain or drainage; an eye injury; or symptoms that do not improve as expected.
This page provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice.
Sources and further reading
- US Food and Drug Administration: Contact Lens Solutions and Products
- Association of Professional Piercers: Aftercare
- CDC: Clean minor cuts and injuries
Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.