5. Your Ears

Lots of people use Q-tips to clean out their ears, but this isn’t the best way to do it. In fact, Q-tips aren’t even meant for that, and they can even be dangerous. While you may want to remove earwax, it’s there for a reason, and you should be very careful when using Q-tips.

According to doctors, using Q-tips actually pushes the wax further into your ear rather than getting it out. This can eventually cause earwax to build up against your eardrum, exposing you to the risk of a blocked ear canal or hearing loss.

So, how do you safely clean inside your ear? Well, it seems that you really shouldn’t have to. You may be surprised to learn that your ear actually cleans itself, making the wax drain out on its own. This lubricates and protects the inside of your ear.

However, if you really want to clean your ears, doctors recommend using over-the-counter earwax removal drops. They are much safer than Q-tips.

When it comes to the exterior of your ear, that’s a different story. Just make sure you’re washing it regularly using a soapy washcloth and gentle pressure. Don’t forget to clean behind your ears, either. They are one of the spots most people forget about when washing.