How to Remove Ear Wax at Home

Gently soften and rinse excess ear wax without pushing anything into your ear canal.

1. Soften the wax with a few drops

   Tilt your head and put a few drops of an over-the-counter ear-drop solution, or plain mineral or olive oil, into the ear. Stay tilted for a minute so the drops soak in.

2. Let it sit for several minutes over a few days

   Repeat the drops once or twice a day for a few days. Wax usually needs time to loosen, so do not rush it.

3. Rinse gently with warm water

   After the wax has softened, you can gently rinse the ear with body-temperature water using a bulb syringe, then tilt your head to let it drain. Never use very hot or cold water.

4. Dry the outer ear only

   Pat the outer ear dry with a towel. Never insert cotton swabs, hairpins, or any object into the canal, as this pushes wax deeper and can damage the eardrum.

5. See a doctor if symptoms continue

   Skip home rinsing and see a doctor if you have ear pain, drainage, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, a known eardrum hole, or ear tubes; a professional can remove wax safely.