How to Clean Out Earwax

Earwax can build up and dirty the visible part of the ear. Clean the outer part of the ear and the entrance of the ear canal, the hole in your ear, with a cotton swab. Only a doctor should clean the inside of the ear canal. Light wax buildup may wash off during a shower or if the ears become wet. The wax comes off easier when it's wet, so clean your ears after a bath or shower.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swabs

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Instructions

• 1

  Hold the middle of the cotton swab between your index finger and thumb.

• 2

  Insert one end of the cotton swab inside the outer shell of the ear at the top. Swipe clean by moving the cotton swab down around the inside of the ear. Follow the curve of the ear.

• 3

  Flip the cotton swab so the clean end points away from your hand. Place the end of the cotton swab at the opening of the ear canal. Gently wipe the entrance of the hole clean.

• 4

  Throw away the cotton swab. Repeat the process with a clean cotton swab for the other ear.