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Ear Infection Cleaning

Cleaning is an important step in helping you get over the pain and inconvenience of an ear infection. It can make all the difference in how quickly you recover, so learn a little bit about steps you can take to ensure you keep your ear infection clean.

  1. The Solution

    • An effective solution for ear infection cleaning can be made from rubbing alcohol and distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is a great antibacterial, while rubbing alcohol also will disinfect, help remove excess fluid and break up any blockage.

    Making and Administering

    • Mix your solution in equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol and collect a small amount into a dropper. Lie on your side with your infected ear facing up. Drop in three or four drops of the vinegar-alcohol solution. Don't move for five to 10 minutes; then sit up and collect any leftover solution into a washcloth. Next, use a cotton swab to gently remove any fluid or wax buildup. Do this three to four times a day for the duration of your ear infection.

    Tips

    • For added comfort, especially if you are in pain, try placing a warm cloth over the ear after dropping in the solution. This will further help break up any blockage and can be done in between treatments for pain. You also can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol.

    Other Solutions

    • If you feel this solution isn't helping to clear up your infection or you want to try something else, there are a few other at-home remedies administered the same way: hydrogen peroxide mixed with a little water, garlic juice, apple cider vinegar and grapefruit seed extract. You can talk to a pharmacist or herbalist to find the one that may work best for you.

    Warnings

    • If your ear infection or pain becomes more severe, see your doctor immediately.
      If your infection has not cleared up after a week or so, visit your doctor.

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