Quick answer
Most people do not need to clean the inside of their ears at all. The NHS says earwax normally falls out on its own, and Harvard Health says that if wax is not causing any trouble you do not have to do anything about it. For everyday care, wipe the outside of your ear with a damp flannel when you wash, and only deal with wax you can see at the opening when it bothers you.
If you have ever wondered whether you are cleaning your ears too much, too little or in the wrong way, you are in good company. It is one of those bathroom habits nobody teaches. Here is a straightforward answer, then the detail.
The short answer
The inside of your ear does not need regular cleaning. It has its own system for that, and interfering with it is where most problems start.
For the outside, "clean" simply means part of washing: a damp flannel around the folds of the ear and behind it, as you would for any other part of your face. Nothing more is needed on a schedule.
Why ears mostly look after themselves
Wax is made in the outer part of the ear canal. Harvard Health explains that it mixes with dead skin and debris, and the mixture slowly moves out of the ear. Once it reaches the opening it dries, flakes and falls away, or gets washed off when you wash.
That means a bit of wax at the entrance is normal, not a sign that your ears are dirty. We explain why the body bothers making it in our guide to why we have earwax.
A simple routine
Here is a routine that respects that natural process.
- Wipe the outside. After a shower or wash, when skin and wax are soft, use a warm, damp flannel on the outer ear and behind it. Dry gently with a towel.
- Check what you can see. If wax is visible at the opening and you want it gone, wipe it away or lift it with a soft tool designed for the outer ear. Only what you can see, and only when it bothers you.
- Leave the canal alone. Nothing goes in. Not cotton buds, not fingers, not hairpins.
- Do not clean on a timetable. A weekly ritual assumes you will always need it. Ears do not read calendars.
After a shower
The shower is the best moment for the outer ear. Steam and warm water soften wax at the opening, so it comes away easily. A few tips:
- Tilt your head and let water drain out rather than poking anything in to dry the ear.
- Use a towel corner on the outer ear only.
- If you use a reusable sticky ear cleaner for wax you can see, make sure the tip is clean and fully dry first, use it at the outer ear only, and rinse and dry it afterwards.
Signs you are cleaning too much
Over-cleaning is more common than under-cleaning. Watch for these.
- Itchy or dry ears. Wax lubricates the skin in the canal. Strip it away and the skin can dry out and itch, which tempts you to clean more.
- A "waxy" feeling that keeps returning. Constant tinkering can leave the canal irritated, which feels a lot like wax.
- Soreness or a slightly raw feeling after cleaning.
- A blocked feeling after using cotton buds. Pushing wax inward is a classic route to a blockage. See are cotton buds bad for your ears for the detail.
Who might need a little more attention
Some people genuinely make or hold on to more wax. The NHS lists narrow or damaged ear canals, lots of hair in the ear canals, skin conditions affecting the scalp or around the ear, and inflammation of the ear canal as causes of build-up. Wearing hearing aids or earplugs can also get in the way of wax leaving the ear.
If that sounds like you, the answer is still not more cleaning at home. It is a conversation with a pharmacist, GP or audiologist about a routine that suits your ears, which might include regular check-ups.
When cleaning is the wrong answer
Cleaning is not the answer if your ears feel blocked, muffled or painful, or if you notice discharge or a sudden change in hearing. Those need advice. Our guide to a blocked ear covers what to try and what to watch out for. Never clean the ear if you have a perforated eardrum, grommets or have had ear surgery without checking with a professional first.
Safety first
The Meravie Sticky Ear Cleaner is for adults, and for children with adult supervision, and only at the outer ear on visible wax. Do not use it if you have ear pain, discharge, a perforated eardrum, ear tubes or a history of ear surgery.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you clean your ears?
Rarely, and only the outside. Wipe the outer ear with a damp flannel as part of washing. Inside the ear, the NHS says wax usually falls out on its own, so regular cleaning is not needed.
Do you need to clean inside your ears?
No. Harvard Health advises cleaning the outer ear with a washcloth and leaving wax removal to the ear's own process, unless wax is causing hearing trouble, ringing or earache.
Should you clean your ears every day?
There is no reason to. A daily wipe of the outer ear is fine, since it is just washing. Going into the canal every day is more likely to irritate it than help.
Is it OK to clean your ears after a shower?
Yes, on the outside. Warm water softens wax at the opening, so a damp flannel or a soft tool for visible wax works well then. Keep everything out of the canal.
Why do my ears keep getting waxy?
Ears make wax all the time. If it seems excessive, or your ears feel blocked, ask a pharmacist. Habits such as using cotton buds or wearing earbuds or hearing aids can play a part.
The Meravie Sticky Ear Cleaner is a consumer ear-care product for adults, and for children with adult supervision, made for visible wax on the outer ear only. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose or treat impacted earwax, ear infections or hearing loss. If you have ear pain, discharge, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, a perforated eardrum, grommets or have had ear surgery, speak to your GP, pharmacist or audiologist.