Home cures and way of life If your eardrum lacks a tube or has a hole in it, these self-care procedures may assist you in removing extra earwax that is clogging your ear canal. Make the wax softer. Apply a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin, or diluted hydrogen peroxide to your ear canal with an eyedropper. Let them soak in for about 30 minutes before washing them out with warm water and soap. Use a cotton swab to remove the earwax. First, make sure there are no children or pets around because earwax is usually a girl thing. Then, use a cotton swab to remove the earwax. Don't worry about cleaning every last bit out because that will be done during your next bath or shower. If you have trouble removing your own earwax, ask your doctor for some earwax removal tips. Also, calling your dentist to ask how you can clean your ears at home can help you avoid going to the ER.