Findings of a new study conducted by Australian researchers reveal that both tap water and saline (salt and water solution) are safe for cleaning uninfected wounds. The researchers found out that tap water compared to saline solution does not lead to infection or does not trim down healing time; thus, there’s no need to use sterile equipments when cleaning uninfected wounds, tap water is enough.

Professor Rhonda Griffiths of University of Western Sydney's Centre for Applied Nursing notes that cleanliness is more essential than sterility in treating wounds. For as long as the water is safe enough to drink, it’s safe to use it for cleaning wounds as well. However, if you have doubts about the tap water, it is still best to boil it before using it to wash the wounds she says.

Findings of the study is beneficial to many hospitals, especially in developing countries and disaster zones as it will help them save time and money since the use saline requires the use of disposable sterile equipments.