But there’s no reason to stop using yours—if you do it safely. Neti pots have been used for thousands of years as a way to irrigate irritants directly out of your nose. (The classic device looks something like a teapot; to use it, you pour water into one nostril, letting it flow out the other, then repeat with the other nostril.) They have been proven to be helpful in alleviating colds and allergies.  We asked Linda Dahl, MD, a New York-based otolaryngologist, to assess the risk—and give us some tips about the right way to use these nasal irrigators. Here are her three tips for safe Neti pot use. Tip 1: Follow the direction Since using a Neti pot directs waters right into your sinus cavities, you want to make sure you’re using it properly. Read the directions of your product carefully and pay attention to the type of water you should use. “In general, distilled or filtered water is recommended,” says Dr. Dahl. Some products also come with packets of saline solution, so be sure to use that with every rinse. Tip 2: Boil your tap water The Neti-potting itself doesn’t make you sick, Dr. Dahl says. “But if you’re irrigating or ingesting contaminated water in your body, you’re going to get sick somehow—it’s a question of the water source.” If you have doubts about the source behind your tap water, she recommends boiling any tap water first, which will remove bad bacteria and chlorine from the water. Tip 3: Keep it clean Just like you clean your dishes after use, it’s important to keep your Neti pot clean as well to prevent the unwanted growth of bacteria. “It’s best to use something that’s dishwasher safe that has a wide opening,” Dr. Dahl says. “It is recommended to wash it in a dishwasher with very hot water at least once a week.” The bottom line: Although the fatal parasite that caused the New Orleans deaths is extremely rare (only 32 people in the US were affected between 2000 and 2010), it’s a good reminder to pay attention to the water you use to keep yourself clean. More from Prevention: 10 Solutions For Seasonal Allergies