Close-up of man's ear
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Cleaning your ears out with hydrogen peroxide can prevent fluid and wax buildup in the ear, which could lead to an ear infection, according to Dr. Timothy Hain, an ear doctor. Using hydrogen peroxide at home is a great way to clean your ears and keep them free of fluid. Hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store or pharmacy. The Mayo Clinic identifies common symptoms of fluid buildup in the ear as an earache, decreased hearing, feeling of fullness in the ear and ear noise.

Clean the Ear

Lie on your side with a pillow under your head to give support and aid in your comfort. Have someone pour 1 capful of hydrogen peroxide directly into the ear.

Lie in the same position for 20 minutes, allowing the peroxide to work. A bubbling effect will take place, breaking the wax apart and drying out the fluid. Once the bubbling sensation and sounds subside, sit up and pour the peroxide out of the ear and into a towel.

Keep your eye out for pieces of ear wax that may come out while you're pouring the peroxide out of the ear. Dry the ear with a dry area on the towel.

Take a cotton ball saturated in peroxide and clean the outer ear with it. Clean the crevices and behind the ear.

Turn to the other side and repeat the process.