A woman went viral on TikTok for showing how she cleans her ears with hydrogen peroxide, letting the liquid fizz and bubble in her ear canal.
In the video — which has been viewed more than 14 million times, BuzzFeed reported — Ayisha Friedman-Negrín (aka @ayishafrita) called it the "proper" way to clean your ears. Doctors have weighed in with their own videos, and they say the method is far safer than cleaning with Q-Tips.
Cotton swabs will only push earwax deeper into the ear canal, and frequent use could interfere with the ear's ability to clean itself.
However, doctors warned against using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide on your skin, and one said that over-the-counter ear drops are a safer option.
Hydrogen peroxide breaks up earwax, but the wrong kind could irritate your skin
In the TikTok, Friedman-Negrín described the hydrogen peroxide "bubbling" in her ear. She kept the liquid in her ear until it stopped fizzing, and then flipped over to let the gunk deposit on a towel.
Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon with nearly 5 million followers on TikTok, responded with his own take on the hydrogen peroxide method.
"When hydrogen peroxide reacts with your nasty earwax, it releases oxygen, which bubbles up," he said in the video.
While this is an effective way to clean your ears without a Q-Tip, Youn said that high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritations and blistering.
He suggested buying an over-the-counter earwax removal kit instead. Ear drops made with carbamide peroxide will achieve the same satisfying fizzing effect with less risk of damaging your skin.
In a separate video, Dr. Sina Joorabchi, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, said to stick with concentrations of less than 10% if you're using hydrogen peroxide. Ideally, five drops of a 3% concentration (that's the brown bottle in your bathroom) will get the gunk out.
Don't try this at home if you have a history of ear infections
Dr. Joorabchi also warned against using hydrogen peroxide to clean your ears if you have a history of ear injury or infection.
If your eardrum has any small holes or perforations, the liquid could cause you pain and lead to further damage.
People with a history of ear problems should see a doctor if they want ear cleaning.
FAQs
Hydrogen peroxide is more effective, but ear drops are even safer.
What is the most effective way to clean your ears? ›
What is the best way to clean your ears? Your ears are self-cleaning, so it's best to leave them alone. But you can clean them with a few drops of clean water from a soaked cotton ball.
Should I stop cleaning my ears with Q-tips? ›
The American Academy of Otolaryngology is similarly unambiguous on the issue, noting that sticking Q-tips or other objects in your ear “may cause a cut in your ear canal, poke a hole in your ear drum, or hurt the hearing bones, leading to hearing loss, dizziness, ringing, and other symptoms of ear injury.”
Why does my ear feel more clogged after using hydrogen peroxide? ›
Sometimes, when you use hydrogen peroxide in your ear to clean out earwax, it might feel like your ear is more clogged or plugged. The hydrogen peroxide's bubbling action can cause a sense of fullness. You can also try ear irrigation to flush out earwax buildup with water or saline (salt water).
How long to let hydrogen peroxide sit in the ear? ›
Using Eardrops:
Allow it to bubble and fizz. Once you are used to the feeling the solution should be left to bubble and fizz in the ear for up to one minute at a time, although when you first use it you may only tolerate the feeling for a few seconds. Tip solution out onto a tissue.
What works better than hydrogen peroxide? ›
In general, rubbing alcohol is better at killing germs on your hands, as it's gentler on your skin than hydrogen peroxide.
What dissolves ear wax immediately? ›
If the aim is to completely break down the wax, waxsol, peroxide 3% or a sodium bicarbonate solution (which can be prepared by your local pharmacist) is effective.
How to unblock ears full of wax? ›
If your doctor recommends that you try to remove earwax at home: Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral oil. You also can try hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in the ear two times a day for up to 5 days.
Is it better to clean ears wet or dry? ›
Damp cloth
Cotton swabs may push wax deeper into the ear canal. Use cotton swabs only on the outside of your ear or, better yet, try wiping the area with a warm, damp washcloth.
Does hydrogen peroxide help ear infections? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is a solution (liquid) that can be used to treat ear infections or the build-up of wax. It is generally safe to use in all ears. Do not use if it irritates you or causes pain. You can buy 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide from your local chemist – no prescription is required.
Medical Grade Olive Oil
Olive oil has been found to soften earwax which has hardened in the ear canal, so it comes out easily. Place two to three drops of medical grade olive oil in your ear with a dropper for blocked ears.
What does it mean if hydrogen peroxide bubbles in your ear? ›
This bubbling action, which many believe helps to break down earwax, is actually the hydrogen peroxide reacting with your skin. While this may not be a problem on a superficial wound, it can be damaging when it occurs in the sensitive skin of the ear canal.
Is hydrogen peroxide damaging to ears? ›
Hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation and blistering. It can even cause burns at concentrations over 10%. Using too much hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin inside the ear, leading to inflammation and earaches. People should not use ear drops if they have an ear infection or a damaged eardrum.
How to remove ear wax blockage fast with hydrogen peroxide? ›
How Can You Safely Use Hydrogen Peroxide?
- Create a mixture that's half hydrogen peroxide and half water so it's less abrasive on your ears. ...
- Then, use a dropper or gently pour a little into your ear.
- Let it sit for about 10 seconds, then flop your head over to let it drain, added Dr.
Patients should know that rinsing the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide results in oxygen bubbling off and water being left behind-wet, warm ear canals make good incubators for growth of bacteria. Flushing the ear canal with rubbing alcohol displaces the water and dries the canal skin.
Do dentists recommend hydrogen peroxide? ›
Hydrogen Peroxide as a Gum Disease Treatment
This more severe form of gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen or even fall out. Because it can kill harmful bacteria and break up plaque, dental professionals have been using hydrogen peroxide since the early 1900s to prevent and treat periodontitis.
Can I put hydrogen peroxide on my teeth with a QTIP? ›
Dipping a q-tip in hydrogen peroxide and touching your teeth with it doesn't have the chemical "punch" to really do much of anything with the tooth. However, at the strength of hydrogen peroxide that you buy in the store, you can really give your self a nasty chemical burn on the gums... so be careful.
What is better than Q tips for ears? ›
Warm Damp Cloth. If you're more focused on removing earwax for cosmetic reasons, this is the safest way to clean your outer ears. Use a warm, damp cloth — placing your finger inside and running around your ear's curves. You'll pick up excess earwax or debris effectively without risking damage to your inner ear.
