How to Clean an Ear After Infection
Ear infections are common among people of all ages and can cause pain, fever and sometimes yellowish pus draining from the ear canals. These infections are caused by swelling of the tube that connects the ear to the throat, which in turn causes improper draining. The inability for the ear to drain will cause the ear to become infected. After an ear infection, use a simple home remedy to clean your ears and rid them of any leftover fluid or wax.
Things You'll Need
- 4 tablespoons white vinegar
- 4 table spoons rubbing alcohol
- 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup salt
- Sock or cloth
- Bulb syringe
Instructions
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Mix a solution of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 alcohol. It can be as much as you want, but 4 tablespoons of each mixed together works well. Using a bulb syringe, suck up the solution. Squirt it into your ears (about two squirts per ear). Rinse out with warm water (run a bulb syringe under warm water and squirt several squirts of warm water in your ear).
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Place three to five drops of hydrogen peroxide into each ear.
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Soak a towel or wash cloth in warm water and then place it on your affected ear or ears. This will help any excess fluid drain out of your ear.
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Fill a sock or piece of cloth with about 1 cup of salt (if using a cloth, close it up with a rubber band). Microwave the salt for about 30 seconds and then let it sit until you are able to comfortably touch it. Place it under the affected ear and then lie down on top of it. This should draw out excess fluid.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid using Q-tips to clean out wax. Using Q-tips can push the wax farther in the ears, causing infection. Instead, use a bulb syringe to splash warm water in your ear and then place your ear over the sink, letting the wax drain out of the ear.
Call your doctor if you suspect you have an ear infection, especially if you suspect your infant has an infection.
