What Is a Good Way to Clean Wax From the Ear Canal?

Your body makes ear wax to protect your ear from infection. Normally, there's no need to clean deep inside your ear. Your body takes care of that process naturally by moving it to the outer ear, where you can safely remove it with a cotton swab. But sometimes wax builds in the ear canal, causing pain, irritation, difficulty hearing and other symptoms. Most earwax blockages can be removed at home with a softening agent and warm water.

Getting Started

• Soften the wax. Using an eyedropper, place a few drops of a softening solution in your ear canal. You have several options, including baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide or saline solution. Apply the solution twice a day, and do it for no longer than four to five days.

Getting The Wax Out

• Flush out the wax with warm water. Using a rubber bulb syringe, squirt water slowly and gently into the ear canal. Tip your head and pull the top of your outer ear gently to allow the water to get all the way inside. Hold for a moment, then tilt your head to the other side to allow the water to drain. Dry your outer ear with a towel.

Repeat If Necessary

• Try the procedure a few times if it doesn't work at first. You may need to do this four or five times before you notice an improvement. If the symptoms don't improve after several attempts, call your doctor. You may need the wax removed professionally with a curette or water pick. Do not try to use these items yourself. If you have frequent ear wax blockages, your doctor may prescribe specialized ear drops.

Swab Safety

• Never try to scrape ear wax out with a cotton swab. Tempting as it might be, putting swabs in your inner ear can damage the lining of your ear drum or push the wax further into your ear.