Ear Care Warning: Why Cotton Swabs Should Stay Out of Your Ear Canal

20 Minutes has published a report warning readers against using cotton swabs to clean their ears. According to the French outlet, the practice, though common, is not a safe way to remove earwax and can cause problems rather than solve them.

The report, published on Saturday, September 19, 2026, focuses on the reasons people should avoid inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal. The headline frames the guidance as a caution: cotton swabs are not the right tool for ear hygiene, and reaching for them can work against the ear's own natural cleaning process.

Earwax, the substance many people try to remove with swabs, serves a protective function in the ear. Attempting to dig it out with a cotton tip can push material deeper into the canal instead of clearing it, according to the concerns raised in the report. That can lead to blockages and other ear issues that require medical attention.

ear cleaning

The guidance from 20 Minutes fits with a broader message from health professionals: the ear canal is largely self-cleaning, and routine swabbing is unnecessary. Readers who feel their ears are blocked or uncomfortable are better off seeking advice from a doctor or pharmacist rather than trying to fix the problem at home with a swab.

For now, the practical takeaway from the report is simple. If you keep cotton swabs in your bathroom cabinet for ear cleaning, 20 Minutes suggests leaving them there. Watch for further guidance from health authorities on safe ear care and when to see a professional.