While its primary function is to lubricate and protect the ear, ear wax can build up in the ear canal and cause problems. Ear wax can get stuck deep inside of the ear canal usually due to someone using q-tips, bobby pins and cotton swabs. In this article, we will explore different home remedies for ear wax removal.
Excessive earwax symptoms include earaches, a full feeling in the ear, noises in the ear, itching, or hearing loss. These home remedies for ear wax removal will come with a step by step guide on how to use each one and get rid of these symptoms.
1. Saline
Salt water is cheap and simple to use. It can soften up the accumulated wax in the ear to make it simpler to get rid of. Practically everyone will have salt in their kitchens already, making this solution virtually free.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Mix in one teaspoon of salt with one-half cup of water.
- Let the salt completely dissolve.
- Tilt your ear up and squeeze the cotton ball to get the liquid out of the ball into the ear.
- Stay in this position for a few minutes to let it soak in.
- Tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to let the saline solution drain from the ear.
- Clean the outside part of your ear with a clean cloth.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a great remedy for earwax as well. It is effervescent and will remove debris and earwax with ease. It does this by breaking it up upon contact.
Necessary Items
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton ball
Directions
- Get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide.
- Dip a cotton ball into the hydrogen peroxide.
- Tilt your ear up and squeeze the cotton ball to get the liquid out of the ball into the ear.
- Tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to let the saline solution drain from the ear.
- Clean the outside part of your ear with a clean cloth.
3. Baby Oil
Baby oil is one of the swiftest ways that you can soften up earwax. It is thick and viscous, allowing it to easily attach to and soften the hardened wax to get it out. You could also use mineral oil if you do not have baby oil lying around.
Necessary Items
- Baby oil or mineral oil
- Cotton ball
Directions
- Soak a cotton ball in the Baby oil or mineral oil.
- Turn your ear up and push on the cotton ball to get the liquid out of the ball into the ear.
- Stay this way for a few minutes to let it soak in.
- Tilt your head in the other direction to let the saline solution drain from the ear.
- Clean the outside part of your ear with a clean cloth.
4. Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol
One of the oldest tricks is to use a vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution. This solution dissolves the ear wax while the alcohol dries up the ear. The vinegar fights fungi and bacteria to stop ear infections.
Necessary Items
- Vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution
- Cotton ball
Directions
- Create a vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution.
- Dunk a cotton ball into the vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution.
- Tilt your ear and squeeze the cotton ball to expel liquid from the ball into the ear.
- Keep in this position for a few minutes to let it soak in.
- Turn your head in the opposite direction in order to let the solution drain from your ear.
- Clean the outside part of your ear with a cloth.
5. Warm Water
If you do not want to put such things in your ear, you can just stick with warm water. Water is available to everyone, making it a virtually free home remedy for earwax removal.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Heat up water in a small dish or bowl.
- Stick a cotton ball into the warm water.
- Tilt your ear to the ceiling and squeeze the cotton ball to get the liquid out into the ear.
- Remain in this position for a few minutes to let it soak in.
- Tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to let the saline solution drain from your ear.
- Clean off the outside part of your ear with a clean cloth.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another thick oil that can help soften ear wax. This oil makes it easier for you to flush out old earwax and clean it as it comes out. It is also antiseptic, helping to lower the risk of ear infections.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Put olive oil into a bowl or dish
- Dip a cotton ball into the olive oil
- Turn up your ear and squeeze the cotton ball to get the liquid out of the ball
- Stay this way for a few minutes to let it soak in
- Tilt your head in the other direction in order to let the saline solution drain from the ear
- Wipe down the outside part of your ear with a clean cloth
7. Almond Oil
Almond oil is the perfect consistency for lubricating the ear. It can also break up ear wax with ease, the two properties combining to allow easy to remove wax.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Place almond oil into a bowl or dish.
- Put a cotton ball into the almond oil.
- Tilt the affected ear to the ceiling and squeeze the cotton ball to get the into the ear.
- Stay in this position for a minute or two to let it soak in.
- Tilt your head in the other direction in order to let the solution drain from the ear.
- Clean the outside part of your ear with a clean cloth.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural choice and one that most people already have lying around their homes. This free earwax removal remedy is a water-based solution and will be able to soften hardened ear wax.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Tilt your head to one side.
- Sprinkle baking soda down into your ear.
- Let it sit in the ear.
9. Glycerin
Glycerin is perfect for getting hard earwax soft and loose. It both moisturizes and lubricates the ear to help the ear wax make its way out of your ear.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Put Glycerin into a bowl or dish.
- Put one of the cotton balls into the Glycerin.
- Tilt your ear up toward the sky.
- Squeeze the cotton ball to expel the liquid.
- Stay in this way for a couple of minutes to let it soak in.
- Tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to let the saline solution drain from the ear.
10. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
One of the most common drivers of excessive ear wax is the fact that there is an omega 3 deficiency. By increasing the amount of omega 3s that you eat, you can slow down the production of this wax. Eat foods rich in the fatty acids or take supplements.
Necessary Items
- Omega 3 fatty acid supplements or food rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
Directions
- Take the supplements as directed on the bottle or eat omega 3 fatty acid rich food such as albacore, avocados, cod liver oil, ground flaxseed, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, or walnuts.
11. Ear Candling
Ear candling is a process that has been around for centuries. It is said to work for a number of different afflictions of the ear. Apparently, when candling, a slight bit of suction is produced. This allows the candle to pull wax from the ear.
Necessary Items
- Special ear candle
- Paper plate
Directions
- Lie down on your side after cutting a hole into the paper plate.
- Stick the candle into it.
- Place the candle in your ear canal.
- Have someone light the end of the
- Allow it to burn for around 15 minutes.
12. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has MCFA. This is a type of fatty acid that is good at cutting through the excess wax and breaking it up to remove it. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial benefits to keep the ear healthy as well.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Put Coconut oil into a bowl or dish.
- Dip a cotton ball into the Coconut oil.
- Rub coconut oil onto the ear.
- Melt coconut oil and drip some down into the ear as well.
13. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has a number of vitamins and is an antibacterial oil. This helps to not only break up the wax but to rid the ear of infection as well.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Put sesame oil into a bowl or dish.
- Use a cotton ball to collect the sesame oil.
- Tilt your ear upward and pinch the cotton ball to get the liquid out of the ball into the ear.
- Keep in this position for a few minutes to let it soak in.
- Tilt your head in the other direction to allow the solution to leave from the ear.
- Clean the exterior part of your ear with a clean cloth.
14. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is thick and full of healthy antioxidants. These can work with your ear to promote a healthier environment while it cleans out the wax.
Necessary Items
Directions
- Place Avocado oil into a bowl or dish.
- Collect the Avocado oil with a cotton ball.
- Squeeze the oil out of the ball and tilt your head.
- Stay in this position for a few minutes to let it soak in.
- Tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to let the saline solution drain from the ear.
- Clean the outside part of your ear with a clean cloth.
15. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is thick and full of healthy minerals and vitamins. These can work in harmony with your ear to encourage a healthier environment while it cleans out the wax.
Necessary Items
- Vegetable oil
- Cotton ball
Directions
- Insert Vegetable oil into a bowl or dish.
- Dunk a cotton ball into the Vegetable oil.
- Tilt your head and squeeze the cotton ball to get the liquid out of the cotton.
- Stay in this position for a couple of minutes to let it soak in.
- Tilt your head in the opposite direction to allow the solution drain from the ear.
- Clean the outside part of your ear with a clean cloth.
Conclusion
Don’t suffer from large earwax deposits. Instead, use our list of the best home remedies for ear wax removal. Did we forget to mention your standard method? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
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