I tested a popular earwax removal technique for three days—here’s what happened.

I tried a common home earwax remedy—using 3% hydrogen peroxide—once a day for three days to see what would happen. Earwax actually protects the ears, so cleaning isn’t usually necessary unless buildup causes discomfort or muffled hearing. Hydrogen peroxide creates a gentle fizz that can soften wax, helping the ear clear it naturally.

On day one, I felt mild bubbling with no pain or dizziness, and my ears felt normal afterward. Day two brought slightly stronger fizzing and a subtle sense of openness, as if mild congestion had eased. By day three, the reaction was lighter, and my ears felt comfortable, clear, and balanced. There was no dramatic change—just a gentle softening that allowed the ears to function as intended.

Safety is key: hydrogen peroxide should be avoided with ear pain, infections, or eardrum issues, and overuse can dry out the ear canal. Most people don’t need to clean their ears at all, and cotton swabs or tools can do more harm than good.

The main takeaway: slow, careful approaches work best. My brief experiment brought mild comfort without irritation and reinforced that respecting the ear’s natural function is far safer than chasing quick fixes.