Ear hygiene is very important because it helps to prevent infection and any discomfort in the ear. However, cleaning your ears can be tricky.

Many people feel uncomfortable using cotton swabs, toothpicks, or other sharp sticks because these objects can cause injury to the ear drum and/or push the earwax further into the ear canal. Fortunately, there are some easy and safe ways to remove dirt from your ears without risking injury.

Why it’s important to keep your ears clean

Earwax is an important part of your body’s natural defense against infection. It serves as a protective lining for your inner ear and helps to trap dirt, dust, and other foreign particles that can cause infection or irritation.

However, too much of it can cause discomfort and make it harder to hear. If earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can also interfere with hearing aids or earplugs.

How to remove dirt from your ears

The safest way to remove dirt from your ears is to use a few drops of warm water or saline solution, applied with a soft washcloth or cotton ball that doesn’t have any added chemicals and isn’t already moistened with liquids.

To remove dirt from the inside of the ear, you should never insert anything into the ear that is sharp or pointed, like a cotton swab or toothpick.

Here are some simple steps to safely remove dirt from your ears:.

1. Use warm water or saline solution

You can warm the water in a bowl or cup until it’s about the same temperature as your body. Saline solution is a mixture of salt and water that has been adjusted to match the body’s natural saline level.

You can buy a saline solution for this purpose at most drugstores. Whichever option you choose, place a few drops in the ear to help soften the dirt and wax.

2. Apply the solution gently

You can use a soft washcloth or cotton ball to apply the solution. Place it at the entrance of the ear and absorb any excess liquid. Do not insert the cotton ball or washcloth into the ear canal.

This can cause damage and push dirt and wax further into the ear.

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3. Tilt your head

Tilt your head to the side so that the ear with the solution in it is facing down towards the sink. You should be able to feel the solution start to drain out of your ear.

You may need to hold the washcloth or cotton ball in place for a few minutes to allow the solution to properly reach the dirt and earwax.

4. Clean the outer ear

Gently wipe the outer ear with a clean dry washcloth or towel. Make sure to remove any excess dirt or moisture that accumulates on the ear canal entrance.

5. Repeat if necessary

If the dirt or wax is still not completely removed, use the solution again for a few more days. Using this method on a daily basis can help to prevent the buildup of dirt and wax.

What not to do when removing dirt from your ears

It’s important to know what not to do when removing dirt from your ears, as some methods can cause injury or make the problem worse. Here is a list of items that should never be inserted into the ear canal:.

1. Cotton swabs

Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this is not a safe practice. Cotton swabs can push the dirt and earwax further into the ear canal, making it harder to remove. This can also cause damage to the ear canal or eardrum.

2. Toothpicks

Like cotton swabs, toothpicks can be sharp and cause injury to the ear canal or eardrum. They can also push the wax further into the ear, making it harder to remove.

3. Ear candles

Ear candles are not a safe or effective way to remove dirt or earwax from your ears. In fact, using ear candles can cause injury or even puncture the eardrum.

Conclusion

Cleaning your ears is important for ear hygiene, but it’s important to do it safely.

There are many different methods for removing dirt and earwax from your ears, but the safest way is to use a few drops of warm water or saline solution applied with a soft washcloth or cotton ball. Never insert anything into the ear that is sharp or pointed. And if you feel any discomfort or pain in your ear, stop immediately and consult a doctor.