How do you clean your ears safely at home?

Your ears are largely self-cleaning, so for everyday care you generally only need to wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth. Never insert cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal, as this can push wax in or damage the eardrum. Pharmacy softening drops are commonly used to help mild wax clear on its own, but if wax is causing a blockage, professional removal is the safest option. This is general information, not a treatment plan.

Cleaning the outer ear safely

Your ear largely cleans itself. For everyday hygiene, wipe the outer ear (the visible part) with a damp cloth or tissue after a shower. There is no need to clean inside the ear canal itself under normal circumstances, since wax naturally migrates outward over time.

How can I remove ear wax at home?

For mild build-up, pharmacy softening drops (such as olive oil or a commercial ear drop) are commonly used to help wax soften and migrate out naturally over a few days. Use any product only as directed on its packaging. If your ear stays blocked, is painful, or you have a perforated eardrum or grommets, see a professional rather than persisting with home methods. Where wax is causing a blockage, professional micro-suction is the safest and most reliable option.

What to avoid: cotton buds and ear candles

• Cotton buds. Push wax deeper into the canal and can scratch the skin or damage the eardrum.
• Ear candles. Not supported by evidence and can cause burns or push debris further in.
• Sharp objects, hairpins or fingers. Never insert anything into the ear canal.
• Forceful ear irrigation kits at home, without professional guidance, which can cause injury if used incorrectly.

How often should you use softening drops?

Use any softening drops strictly according to the product's own instructions, or your clinician's guidance. There is no need to use them for longer than the packaging recommends, and if a blockage has not cleared within a few days, that is a sign to book an appointment rather than continuing at home.

When should you see an audiologist about ear wax?

If softening drops do not clear the blockage within a few days, if your ear becomes painful, or if you have a history of eardrum perforation, grommets or ear surgery, stop self-treating and book a professional appointment. Micro-suction is a gentle, professional alternative that avoids the risks of home methods.

For more information, visit Healthdirect (healthdirect.gov.au) (opens in a new tab).

Sources: Healthdirect; Mayo Clinic. Information current July 2026 and general in nature.