You should never try to eliminate excess earwax with a cotton swab

Here are the safest ways to get rid of earwax.

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance secreted in the ear canal. It protects the ear against bacteria, fungi, insects, viruses, and water. It will also assist in cleaning and lubrication.

You don't need to remove the earwax unless it is totally blocking your ear canal which can cause problems, including itching, ringing in the ears and partial hearing loss, according to Step To Health.

To avoid serious problems, you should learn the most effective ways to remove it. Don't use cotton swabs, hairpins, and even fingers as an earwax removal because you'll end up injuring your ear canal.

Here are the best methods to safely and quickly clean your ears:

1. Saline solution.

One of the best remedies for cleaning ears is the saline solution. It softens the excess earwax inside the ear, making it easy to clean.

Just dissolve a teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution. Use it to put a few drops into the ear and keep your head tilted to the side for 3 to 5 minutes.

Next, tilt your head in the opposite direction to allow the saline solution to drain out. Clean the outer part of your ear with a clean cloth to eliminate excess earwax.

2. Olive oil

Olive oil also helps soften the excess earwax and makes it easier to come out. With its antiseptic properties, it also reduces the risk of ear infections.

Warm up the olive oil and using a dropper, pour 2 to 3 drops in the ear. Wait for about 10 minutes so that the ear wax becomes soft. Now, tilt your head sideways and let the oil and wax drain out.

3. Almond oil

Another essential oil for dislodging excess earwax safely and easily is almond oil.

Fill the dropper with almond oil and tilt your head sideways. Then, apply 4 to 5 drops into the affected ear. Stay in the same position for 10 to 15 minutes.

Next, put a tissue over the ear and turn your head to the side, letting the oil drain out and clean any excess using a soft cloth.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Due to its effervescent property, Hydrogen peroxide can remove the earwax in the ear canal very easily. It will also prevent infections and can stop bacterial growth with its antiseptic properties.

Just mix 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of water. Use a dropper to drop this solution into the affected ear.

Leave it for 10 minutes with your head tilted to the side, and then tilt your head towards the opposite side to let it drain out. Now, wipe away the earwax from the outer ear using a clean cloth.

5. Baby oil

The baby oil contains gentle substances that can be used to remove earwax easily.

Fill a dropper with the baby oil and apply at least 5 drops in the ear. Put a cotton ball in the ear, keeping the oil from leaking out.

Leave it for 5 minutes, and then tilt your head to the side to drain out the oil. Clean the outer area using a clean cloth.

Choose what kind of method you think will work best for you and use it to remove the earwax before it blocks your ear canal.