Ear sticks or cotton swabs have long been used as the first tool to clean clogged and dirty ears. However, these small plastic sticks may be doing more harm than cleaning the ear and inside the ear.
Disposable plastic straws are not only bad for the environment, but they can do more harm than good when used to remove dirt and debris from your ear canal. So what should you use instead? These are some safe ways that can be used for a gentle and deep clean…
YOU SHOULD NOT USE EARS FOR EAR CLEANING
Earwax is a naturally occurring substance that acts as a self-cleaning agent in the ears. This thick waxy earwax attracts bacteria over time. It can come out of the ear with daily movements such as chewing and yawning.
While it is not necessary to remove earwax to keep the ears healthy, many people choose to clean themselves with wax to remove blockages and improve their hearing.
However, these tiny plastic tips can often have the opposite effect and eventually push earwax deeper into the ear canal, so it’s important to use other, less intrusive medications.
HOW TO CLEAN EAR WASTE?
You can remove earwax in safe ways at home. Cleaning your ears doesn’t always have to be intrusive, in fact, simply placing a small damp cloth on the outside of your ear is often enough to remove unwanted earwax.
Soak a clean flannel or cloth in hot water and place it over your ear while lying on your side. After it cools, let the heat of the flannel loosen the earwax before gently wiping the outside of your ear with the flannel.
USE SALT WATER SOLUTION
According to the Healthline website, cleaning your ears with water is another effective way to remove earwax. Fill the syringe with saline and drain it through one ear. The liquid should come out of your ear as you clean the loose dirt and debris inside.
EAR CLEANING WITH OLIVE OIL
Ear cleaning with olive oil is one of the most natural home remedies available for cleaning the ears and also acts as a cure. If you are experiencing ear congestion, put two or three small drops of olive oil in your ear twice a day for about three to four days. When applying the oil, you should always tilt your head to ensure that it flows smoothly through the ear canal. The oil will loosen your earwax and help it easily come out of the ear canal without the need for invasive cotton buds. As the wax comes out of your ear over the next few days, you may see small clumps of wax on your pillow.
Gentle solutions are the best way to protect your sensitive ears while keeping them clean, so you don’t have to reach for tools that can fix earwax or remove visibly earwax. If you are dealing with a serious buildup of earwax that is affecting your daily life, you should always consult a doctor for medical advice.