Use a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or over-the-counter ear drops to soften the wax
Tilt your head and let the drops sit in the ear for a few minutes
Repeat once or twice daily for a few days if needed
After softening, rinse the ear gently with warm water using a bulb syringe
Tilt your head to let the water drain out
Dry the outer ear with a clean towel
Use a warm, damp washcloth to clean only the outside of the ear
Stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or worsening hearing
Do not use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects inside the ear
Do not use ear candles
Avoid home flushing if you have a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, ear surgery history, or ear infection
See a doctor if the wax is impacted, symptoms persist, or you have severe pain, drainage, or hearing loss