How to Clean Your Ears in the Shower

When it comes to personal hygiene, ear care can often be overlooked. Yet, maintaining clean ears is not only important for hearing but your overall health. But, with all the different opinions and techniques out there, it can become a bit of a minefield.

How often should you clean your ears? What are the safest ways to remove earwax? Can you use cotton swabs? What’s the best way to wash your ears in the shower? This guide will address all these questions and more!

Is it necessary to clean your ears?

Washing your ears isn't usually necessary. Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer ear canal to protect the inner and middle ear from debris and bacteria. It also keeps the ear canal lubricated and helps trap bacteria. Typically, earwax moves to the outer ear on its own, aided by actions like talking and chewing, where it can be wiped away.

Most people don’t need to manually remove earwax, as the ears are self-cleaning. If you see earwax buildup near the outer ear, gently wipe it away with a damp towel. Avoid inserting foreign objects, including cotton swabs, into the ear canal.

Learn more about why cotton swabs are not the best choice for cleaning your ears.

Safest ways to clean your ears

Despite the self-cleaning nature of ears, some people produce excess earwax, leading to earwax plugs, especially in older adults. Some may also feel the need to frequently clean their ears. If you need to remove excess earwax, cleaning your ears in the shower is a good approach.

Why clean your ears in the shower

The shower provides an ideal environment for ear cleaning because:

Warm water: the steam and warm water can soften earwax, making it easier to remove.
Convenience: it's an easy addition to your daily hygiene routine.
Safety: using water reduces the risk of pushing wax further into the ear canal, unlike cotton swabs.

Washing your ears in the shower

In the shower is an ideal time to clean your ears. You can wash your ears as often as you like by following these steps:

Gather your supplies

A washcloth or cotton ball
Warm (not hot) water
Optional: a gentle ear cleaning solution

Preparation

Ensure the water temperature is comfortable. It should be warm but not scalding to avoid irritation.

Softening the earwax

Tilt your head slightly to one side, allowing warm water to gently flow into your ear. You can let the water fill your ear for a few seconds to soften any wax.

Rinsing

Using your cupped hand, splash warm water gently into your ear canal. Avoid using high-pressure water as it can cause damage. If you’re using an ear cleaning solution, follow the instructions on the product. Typically, a few drops are enough.

Massaging

Gently massage the area around your ear to help dislodge any softened wax. Be gentle to avoid any injury.

Draining

Tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the water (and hopefully, any loosened wax) drain out. You can use a washcloth or cotton ball to wipe away any moisture and wax around the outer ear.

Drying

After your shower, use a clean, dry towel to pat your ears dry. Ensure there's no remaining moisture to prevent bacterial growth.

Tips and precautions

Avoid over-cleaning: your ears are self-cleaning. Over-cleaning can strip away essential oils and lead to dryness or irritation.
Never use sharp objects: avoid using cotton swabs, hairpins, or other sharp objects to clean your ears. These can push wax deeper and cause damage.
Watch for signs of infection: if you experience pain, discharge, or hearing loss, consult a healthcare professional. These could be signs of an ear infection or impacted wax.
Consider ear drops: if you have persistent earwax issues, consider using over-the-counter ear drops specifically designed to dissolve wax.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my ears?

You usually don’t need to clean your ears frequently. Earwax naturally moves to the outer ear by itself. If you see earwax buildup near the outer ear, gently wipe it away with a damp towel.

Is it safe to use cotton swabs to clean my ears?

No, using cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal and cause damage, such as eardrum perforation, hearing loss, or infections. It’s best to avoid inserting any foreign objects into your ear canal.

Can I wash my ears in the shower?

Yes, the shower is a great time to clean your ears. Use mild soap and warm water to gently clean the outer ear with a towel. If necessary, you can direct a gentle stream of warm water into the ear canal but do so very gently and only if needed.

What are the benefits of earwax?

Earwax protects the inner and middle ear from debris and bacteria, traps bacteria, and keeps the ear canal lubricated. It's a natural substance produced by glands in the outer ear canal and is part of the ear’s self-cleaning process.

What should I do if I have excessive earwax?

If you have excessive earwax, you can use safe methods like a 50/50 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide to soften the earwax or over-the-counter ear cleaning kits. If these methods don’t work, consult an otolaryngologist for professional ear cleaning.

Information & advice

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