Home >> Science & Nature >> Rocks & Minerals

How to Mix Salt and Water

Saltwater solutions serve a great deal of purposes that are widely varied. Saline solutions provide health benefits via nasal irrigation systems and homemade gargles. Some even make use of salt water solutions as an integral part of a bodily cleanse. Meanwhile, salt water can mimic sea water for use in various science experiments and home aquariums. Whatever your intentions may be for your combination of these two materials, only a few simple steps are necessary to achieve the necessary solution.

Things You'll Need

Stove
Pot
Large heat-resistant spoon
Coffee filter
Container

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the degree of saturation needed for your purposes. Measure the necessary amounts of salt and water for your particular solution.
- 2
  Add water to pot and place pot on stove. Heat water gradually on medium to high heat. Do not boil.
- 3
  Add measured amount of salt to the hot pot of water. Stir, allowing salt to dissolve steadily. Increase heat if necessary. For a solution most closely resembling sea water, continue adding salt and stirring until salt no longer dissolves after several minutes.
- 4
  Turn off heat and let pot and solution cool. Filter liquid through a coffee filter while pouring it into your storage container to trap any undissolved salt crystals.

Rocks & Minerals