Although most people are quite aware that they should wash their hands regularly to avoid infecting themselves with various diseases, few realize that perhaps they should also be washing out their noses.

Yes, a person’s nose can harbor a variety of allergens, dirt, and viruses that can eventually make a person sick. That’s why some people take the time to clean out their nasal cavities by flushing them with either sterilized or distilled water.

A holiday that encourages us all to do the same is observed every March 11th, and this holiday is known as National Wash Your Nose Day.

The History of National Wash Your Nose Day

This holiday hasn’t been around for very long. In fact, it was invented only in 2021 by Xlear — a company founded in 2000 that makes a whole line of sinus care products.

They created this holiday to educate the public about the benefits of nose washing and why it might be just as important as washing your hands. Although we don’t have a stance on this subject, there does seem to be a growing consensus that sinus irrigation might keep people safe from colds and flu.

Some Important Facts About the Human Nose

Let’s take a break from talking about nose irrigation and instead turn our attention to the human nose. Yes, you’re thinking about using a neti pot or another nasal irrigation device to clean out your nose, but how much do you actually know about the nose itself?

Probably not as much as you should, so allow us to list some facts that will increase your knowledge level just a little bit.

• Your nose humidifies the air as you breathe it in.
• The nose also cleans the air, which is why so much gunk can accumulate in noses.
• Your nose helps to shape the sound of your voice.
• The human sinuses are air-filled and act as shock absorbers that protect the eyes and brain.

Observing National Wash Your Nose Day

We encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about sinus irrigation and any potential benefits it might have. We suggest that people start by asking for the advice of their doctor, who should be able to provide them with some pretty good information on the subject.

People who observe this holiday may also want to spread the news about it online using the hashtag #NationalWashYourNoseDay.