Your ears do more than you think. You need them to hear, and they also play an important role in maintaining your balance. Pretty amazing! That’s why proper protection and safe care are essential.
Are ears self-cleaning?
In principle, your ear cleans itself using earwax. This amber-colored substance keeps dust, bacteria, and other dirt out so your eardrum and deeper parts of the ear are protected. Earwax naturally moves to the outer part of your ear canal, where you can gently clean it.
Argh, itchy ears
Nothing is more irritating than an itch INSIDE your ear—you just can’t reach it. This is often caused by dried-out earwax, which makes it harder for the wax to move outward. This can lead to irritation like itching or mild pressure, and over time may cause pain or earwax blockages. You want to avoid that.
How to safely clean your ears
Avoid using cotton swabs. Also, avoid saline solutions, as salt can dry out the ear further. Instead, use an oil-based cleansing solution like our Hygiene Spray. This natural spray gently cleans and cares for your ears, softening the earwax and keeping the inside of the ear hydrated. Earwax can then move freely and exit the ear naturally.
Safely clean the outer ear with a cotton pad, clean towel, or washcloth. Moisten slightly with warm water and wipe the outer ear, then dry it thoroughly.
- use an oil-based cleaning solution
- wipe clean with warm water
- avoid cotton swabs and saline solutions
Oil-based ear care is also recommended by the Dutch Association of ENT specialists, https://www.kno.nl/preventie/wattenstokjes-en-reinigen-gehoorgang/
Why are cotton swabs bad?
Cotton swabs aren’t inherently bad, but they can cause damage if you go too deep. First, they can injure the eardrum, and more importantly, they can push earwax deeper into the ear, creating blockages (earwax plugs). Over time, this can lead to infections and other problems.
Removing earwax plugs
For earwax blockages, use a solution with an active formula like Earwax Removal Drops; they provide quick relief for blockages and plugs. To prevent new earwax buildup, you can use a mild oil-based cleanser to keep your ears soft and well-hydrated.
If you’re unsure about the best solution, consult your doctor. They can use a small tool to look inside your ear to check for excessive earwax or blockages and provide the right treatment.
