How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Your Ears

Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile and inexpensive household product that can be used to clean inside the ear.

If you're experiencing any pain or ringing in the ears, a buildup of earwax -- or cerumen -- in the ear canal is likely the culprit. While most people try to eliminate buildup with Q-tips, cotton swabs are not the most effective or safest method and can even push earwax further down the canal. Hydrogen peroxide is a common chemical compound that softens the cerumen, and it is an economical cleaning choice.

Things You'll Need

• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton balls
• Towel

Instructions

1. Soak one cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide. Tip the bottle upside-down until the solution seeps through to the other side and moistens your fingertips.

2. Place a towel under your head, and lie down on your side. Squeeze the cotton ball above the opening of your ear until about 8 to 12 drops have trickled down inside the ear canal.

3. Allow the solution to soak in the ear canal for about 10 to 15 minutes. It is normal to experience a bubbling and fizzling sound as the hydrogen peroxide interacts with the wax.

4. Turn over, and allow the solution to drain from the ear canal. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for the other ear.

Tips & Warnings

• Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in this manner to treat an ear infection.

• Do not drop hydrogen peroxide in your ears if you think you have a perforated ear drum.

• If the wax buildup is excessive or you experience any pain following the steps, visit a doctor.

References

• Cerumen Impactation (Earwax Buildup and Blockage)
• Hydrogen Peroxide Facts, Information, Pictures - Encyclopedia.com

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish