Earwax serves an important purpose in keeping your ears clean and healthy, but when buildup occurs, it can lead to discomfort and even hearing problems.

While many people turn to the traditional method of using cotton swabs to clean their ears, this can actually push the wax deeper into the ear canal and cause more harm than good. Fortunately, there are alternative methods for cleaning ears at home that are safe and effective.

Olive Oil

Olive oil can be used to soften earwax and make it easier to remove. Simply warm a small amount of olive oil and use a dropper to put a few drops in your ear.

Lie on your side for a few minutes to allow the oil to work its way into the ear canal, then tilt your head to allow any excess oil to run out. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the outside of your ear. Repeat the process on the other ear if necessary.

Vinegar and Alcohol

A mixture of equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol can be used to break up earwax and prevent infection. Create the mixture and use a dropper to put a few drops in your ear. Wait a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow any excess to run out.

Use a soft cloth to gently clean the outside of your ear. Repeat the process on the other ear if necessary.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to soften earwax and make it easier to remove. Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide and use a dropper to put a few drops in your ear. Wait a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow any excess to run out.

Use a soft cloth to gently clean the outside of your ear. Repeat the process on the other ear if necessary. Do not use hydrogen peroxide if you have a perforated eardrum.

Baby Oil

Baby oil can also be used to soften earwax and make it easier to remove. Warm a small amount of baby oil and use a dropper to put a few drops in your ear.

Saline Solution

A saline solution can be used to irrigate the ear and flush out excess earwax. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and use a bulb syringe to fill your ear with the solution.

Tilt your head to allow the solution to work its way into the ear canal, then tilt your head to allow any excess solution to run out. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the outside of your ear. Repeat the process on the other ear if necessary.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to help remove earwax. Mix a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and use a dropper to put a few drops in your ear.

Tilt your head to allow the solution to work its way into the ear canal, then tilt your head to allow any excess to run out. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the outside of your ear. Repeat the process on the other ear if necessary.

Warm Water

Warm water can be an effective way to remove earwax if it is not too impacted. Fill a bowl with warm water and use a bulb syringe to gently squirt the water into your ear.

Tilt your head to allow the water to come out, then use a soft cloth to gently clean the outside of your ear. Repeat the process on the other ear if necessary.

Ear Irrigation Kit

An ear irrigation kit can be purchased at most drugstores and can be a safe and effective way to remove earwax. The kit typically includes a bulb syringe, a rinse solution, and instructions for use.

Follow the instructions carefully and be sure to tilt your head to allow the solution to work its way into the ear canal, then tilt your head to allow any excess to run out. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the outside of your ear.

Seek Medical Attention

If you have a blockage or buildup of earwax that cannot be removed with these alternative methods or if you experience any pain or discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention.

A healthcare professional can safely remove the earwax and provide further treatment if necessary.