How to Remove Earwax: 5 Home Remedies That Work
Updated: Apr. 01, 2020
Struggling with stubborn earwax? From massaging techniques to olive oil, here are five highly effective earwax removal strategies.
How to massage earwax out
Massage can be a highly effective earwax removal strategy. Gently massage the area directly behind your earlobe to help loosen the wax. Then tug the earlobe while opening and closing your mouth.
Note: Always consult your doctor before attempting to remove earwax. Earwax plays a vital part of your body’s defense system, and you need to consider this before cleaning your ears.
Olive oil
At bedtime, fill an eyedropper with warm olive oil and administer three or four drops into the affected ear. Let the softening fluid work its way down into your ear. Put a cotton wool plug in the ear after insertion (to avoid staining your pillow). Remember: Never insert an object, whether it be an eyedropper or cotton swab—into your ear canal.
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Use a hair dryer to remove earwax
Take a shower and direct the flow of water into your ear canal, then tilt your head to facilitate draining. After you finish showering, set the hair dryer on its coolest setting and direct the air into the ear. Be sure it hold the hair dryer at least 30 cm away.
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Hydrogen peroxide
Fill an eyedropper with hydrogen peroxide that is body temperature or a little warmer. Lie down or tilt your head so that your blocked ear is pointing up. Drip the hydrogen peroxide into the ear until it feels full. Wait three minutes before tilting your head the other way over a washbasin or hand towel to the let the peroxide drain. Now tilt your head back once more and gently squirt warm water from a bulb syringe into your ear. Let it settle, then tilt your head to the other side and let it run out again.
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Cut fatty foods to naturally reduce earwax
Cut down on your consumption of saturated fats found in animal food, such as meat and dairy, and minimize your consumption of the hydrogenated fats found in commercially baked snacks and other processed foods. Some experts believe these types of foods prompt your body to produce more wax.
Now that you know these earwax removal strategies, find out 30+ more old-time home remedies that actually work.
