The neti pot is one of the oldest and gentlest tools in the Ayurvedic wellness tradition. Used daily by many, it helps rinse away dust, pollen, excess mucus and everyday irritants, leaving your nasal passages clear and comfortable. Your Goodly Gosh Copper Neti Pot is crafted from pure copper, a material long valued in Ayurveda for its natural properties and lasting beauty.
This guide walks you through everything you need to rinse safely and keep your pot in lovely condition for years to come.
Before You Begin: Water Safety First
This is the most important part, so please read it carefully.
Only ever use water that is safe for rinsing:
- Distilled or sterile water, straight from the bottle
- Previously boiled water that has been cooled to a lukewarm, comfortable temperature
- Water passed through a filter designed to remove microorganisms
Never use untreated water straight from the tap. Tap water is safe to drink because stomach acid handles anything in it, but it is not safe to send through your nasal passages. Using it in a neti pot carries a rare but serious risk of infection. When in doubt, boil and cool, or use distilled water.
The water should feel lukewarm, close to body temperature. Never hot, never cold.
What You'll Need
- Your Copper Neti Pot
- Lukewarm distilled, sterile or previously boiled water
- Fine, non-iodised salt (or a pre-mixed saline rinse sachet)
Preparing Your Saline Solution
- Fill your neti pot with roughly 250ml of lukewarm, safe water.
- Add half a teaspoon of fine non-iodised salt.
- For extra comfort, you can add a small pinch of baking soda.
- Stir or swirl gently until everything is fully dissolved.
The solution should taste mild, similar to natural tears. If it stings, add a little more water. If it feels watery and ineffective, add a touch more salt next time. Over a few uses you will find the balance that feels right for you.
How to Rinse, Step by Step
- Lean over a sink and tilt your head to one side at roughly 45 degrees, so one nostril sits above the other. Keep your forehead and chin roughly level.
- Gently place the spout of the neti pot into your upper nostril, forming a comfortable seal.
- Breathe calmly through your open mouth. This keeps the passage open and stops water reaching your throat.
- Slowly tip the pot so the solution flows into the upper nostril and drains naturally out of the lower one.
- Use about half the pot on one side, then gently blow your nose.
- Repeat on the other side with the remaining solution.
Take your time. It should feel gentle and refreshing, never forced.
After Your Rinse
- Breathe out gently through both nostrils to clear any remaining water. Avoid blowing too hard.
- Dab your nose dry with a clean tissue.
- If a little water lingers, tilt your head slowly from side to side to help it drain.
Caring for Your Copper Pot
Copper is a beautiful, natural material, and a little care keeps it at its best.
After every use
- Empty out any leftover solution.
- Rinse the pot thoroughly with warm, safe water, inside and out.
- Hand-wash only. Never put your copper pot in the dishwasher.
- Dry it completely with a clean, soft cloth, then let it air-dry fully. Leaving it wet is the main cause of dullness and water marks.
Keeping the shine
Over time, copper naturally develops a warm patina. This is normal and harmless. If you prefer a bright finish, refresh it now and then with a natural polish:
- Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle the cut side with a little salt, and rub it gently over the surface.
- Or make a paste of lemon juice and salt (or a little baking soda) and buff softly with a cloth.
- Rinse well with safe water and dry thoroughly afterwards.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive scourers, which can damage the surface.
Storing
Once fully dry, store your pot upright in a dry place. Every so often, give it a deeper clean and a full dry before putting it away.
A Few Gentle Reminders
- Use a fresh batch of safe, lukewarm saline every time. Never reuse leftover solution.
- Keep your neti pot for your own personal use only, like a toothbrush.
- Rinsing once a day is plenty for general upkeep. If you would like to use it more often, it is worth checking with a health practitioner first.
- Ease off if your nose feels irritated, and give it a rest.
When to Check With a Professional
The neti pot is a wonderful everyday ritual for most people, but please speak with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before use if you:
- Have had recent nasal or sinus surgery
- Experience frequent nosebleeds or nasal blockages
- Have an ear infection or blocked ears
- Are unsure whether nasal rinsing is right for you
If you ever feel pain, dizziness or ongoing discomfort, stop and seek advice.
The Goodly Gosh Promise
Pure, sustainable copper, ethically made, and crafted for your wellness journey.
Enjoy the ritual. A clear, calm breath is one of the simplest pleasures there is.