Keeping your ears clean is important, but many people don’t realize that the ear is designed to clean itself naturally. Earwax gradually moves outward on its own, carrying dust and debris with it. Most of the time, all you need to do is wipe the outer part of your ear with a warm, damp cloth — nothing should go inside the ear canal.

If you feel your ears are clogged, itchy, or your hearing is muffled, you might have extra wax buildup. You can use safe at-home methods like ear drops that soften the wax, including mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide drops, or saline. These help loosen the wax so it can come out more easily on its own.

What you should never do is insert cotton swabs, hairpins, or anything else into your ear canal. This can push the wax deeper, scratch the skin, or even damage your eardrum. If the wax is hard, painful, or doesn’t come out after using drops, a doctor can remove it quickly and safely with irrigation or special tools. Proper, gentle care keeps your ears clean and protects their long-term health.