The safest ways to clean out ears and remove earwax buildup include:

• Doing nothing if there is no discomfort, as earwax naturally protects the ear.
• Using lukewarm water with a syringe to gently spray the outer edge of the ear canal and loosen wax, then draining and drying the ear.
• Applying a few drops of oil (olive, almond, baby oil, or mineral oil) to soften the wax. Let it settle for 5 minutes and then drain.
• Using hydrogen peroxide drops to loosen earwax by letting it fizz in the ear canal and then draining.
• Wiping the outer ear with a warm, damp washcloth instead of inserting anything inside.
• Seeing a medical provider for safe removal using specialized tools if there is pain, hearing difficulty, or wax impaction.

Avoid cotton swabs, ear candles, or inserting objects directly into the ear canal as they can push wax deeper, cause injury, or lead to infections. Over- the-counter ear drops are available and can help dissolve earwax, but should be used as directed. If irritation, pain, drainage, or persistent blockage occurs, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised. These points summarize safe ear cleaning methods recommended by healthcare sources as of 2025.