Some folks swish for 5 minutes and repeat. Or you can do it when you get home as long has you havent' eaten for 4 hours or drank for 1 hour. I usually do it when I get home and sometimes in the morning (weekends) or both. You can do it while you are doing something else as well, but I know what you mean by having so many other things that require an empty stomach. it's hard to find the time when you work. Oh, to be able to stay home and work. sigh!