How to Get Rid of Flaky Ear Wax

As ear wax migrates outward from your ear canal, it dries and can become flaky. Flaky ear wax is not a sign of any problem, but you need to clean it from your ears because it is sticky and can collect dirt and other debris. The American Academy of Otolaryngology says that ear wax forms in the outer one-third of our ear canals, so when ear wax leaves the ear canal, it does not have far to travel. Regular cleaning of your ears prevents wax buildup from forming and can help to prevent ear infections and diminished hearing.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Mild soap
• Eye dropper
• Baby oil or glycerin

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Instructions

• 1

  Wet a washcloth with warm water and wash the outside of your ear with mild soap.

• 2

  Use a corner or edge of the washcloth to clean the inner lip of the shell of your ear, where ear wax can collect. Do not push the washcloth into your ear canal at all, but wipe the outside of the mouth of your ear canal.

• 3

  Rinse the washcloth and wipe your ears with fresh water.

• 4

  Use an eyedropper to add two or three drops of baby oil or glycerin into your ear canal. Tilt your head to allow the baby oil to enter your ear. You do not need to remove the baby oil, but if you add too much you may need to wipe outside your ear canal with the washcloth. Baby oil eases the path for any lingering ear wax to leave your ear canal.