Sinuses are small cavities in the skull normally filled with air. Sinuses produce mucus, keeping nasal passages free from allergies and pollutants.
Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the tissues that line these cavities, commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is a fermented apple product often promoted as a home remedy for sinus infections. We need to correct our own earlier advice here: there is no clinical evidence that apple cider vinegar treats sinus infections, and applying it directly inside the nose carries a real safety risk. Normal nasal tissue needs a near-neutral pH (roughly 5.5–7.6); ACV is acidic (pH ~2.5–3). Putting it directly into the nose — as a rinse or spray — can irritate or damage the nasal lining. This is why ENT and clinical-practice guidance on nasal irrigation specifies plain isotonic saline only, never vinegar or other acidic additives. We’ve removed the nasal-rinse and nasal-spray instructions that previously appeared on this page for that reason.
For what nasal irrigation actually has real clinical evidence behind it — including the water-safety rules that matter — see our evidence-based guide to saline nasal irrigation. For the full picture on ACV and sinus infections, including why the oral remedies below aren’t proven either, see Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infections: What the Evidence Actually Shows. For sinus infections in general, start with our complete evidence-based guide to sinus infections and congestion.
Do not put apple cider vinegar in your nose. The two remedies below involve drinking or gargling diluted ACV rather than nasal application. Neither has clinical trial evidence behind it for treating sinus infections specifically, but drinking diluted vinegar does not carry the same nasal-tissue-injury risk. If you have acid reflux, GERD, or tooth enamel concerns, talk to a doctor before trying these.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Ingredients needed:
- Organic Raw ACV – 2 tbsp
- Water – 8 ounces
Instructions:
- Add the apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of water and stir.
- Some people drink this once or twice daily. There is no clinical evidence this clears a sinus infection — treat it as an unproven folk remedy, not a substitute for medical care if symptoms are severe or last more than 10 days.
Note: Diluted ACV can also be used as a gargle. Undiluted ACV can burn the throat and erode tooth enamel — always dilute it.
You can also see:
Does Onion Really Relieve Sinus Congestion? Separating Folklore From Evidence
Acute vs. Chronic Sinusitis: When to See an ENT
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Steam
Steam inhalation is commonly used for nasal congestion generally. Adding ACV to the water is a folk addition with no specific evidence it improves on plain steam.
Ingredients needed:
- Water – ½ cup
- Apple Cider Vinegar – ½ cup
- A saucepan
- A towel
Instructions:
- Combine the vinegar and water in a saucepan and heat gently for a few minutes — do not let it boil hard enough to scald yourself with steam.
- Drape a towel over your head and the pan to trap the steam.
- Breathe the steam for several minutes, keeping a safe distance from the hot liquid.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar with Honey
Ingredients needed:
- 8 ounces of warm water
- 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp of honey
Instructions:
- Stir the ACV and honey into a cup of warm water.
- Drink 2–3 times a day, or gargle with it.
- As with the plain ACV drink, this is an unproven folk remedy — honey has some evidence for soothing sore throats generally, but not for curing sinus infections.
If your symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after initially improving, or come with a high fever, facial swelling, or vision changes, see a doctor rather than relying on home remedies — see our guide on telling a viral sinus infection from a bacterial one for the specific warning signs.
