Cleaning your ears is important to remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. However, it is not necessary to clean them regularly as ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don’t need any extra care. Here are some safe ways to clean your ears:

• Damp washcloth: Use a damp washcloth to clean the outer part of your ears by wiping them gently.

• Over-the-counter ear cleaning drops: You can use over-the-counter ear cleaning drops such as mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or saline to soften the earwax before cleaning.

• Hydrogen peroxide: You can create a cleaning solution with equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide. Tipping your head to one side, use an ear dropper to let several drops of solution fall into the ear canal. You will want the drops to sit in the ear for several minutes before you raise your head upright. Using a clean tissue or damp washcloth, wipe away the residue that leaks out of your ear.

It is important to avoid using cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects to clean your ears as they can push the earwax further into the ear canal and cause injury. Also, avoid using ear candles as they are not effective and can cause injury. If you have impacted earwax that does not come out with these methods, you should see a doctor to remove the wax in their office.