There's no shortage of intriguing and professional-looking devices online which profess to identify and remove ear wax with ease, but we'd advise against getting carried away with DIY options that aren't proven or advised. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises against trying to remove earwax or clean your ears by inserting small objects in your ear, even cotton buds .

If you’re in a rush and looking for a particular type of caravan cleaner, we’ve made it easier than ever to find the one for you. Machine application: Apply Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner with a single disc machine and a white pad (approx. teaspoons per m² to the surface and spread extremely thinly with Active Fibre Cloth from Osmo Opti-Set.Another way it can get thick is when the heated wax isn't warm enough, causing it to not spread as easily on the skin. This useful product is able to clean aluminium, steel and alloy wheels, whether they’re lacquered or painted, giving you a spotless finish. Options include sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, medical-grade olive or almond oil drops.

In severe cases, the hearing loss it causes can lead to anxiety, stress, social isolation and depression. With over half a decade of experience as a digital editor, Peter’s expertise spans from interiors and homes to food and design. The most common active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide (which “fizzes” in your ear and breaks down ear wax, so it then falls out), closely followed by olive oil (which softens the wax, and appeals to many people as a more natural solution).For simple cleaning and maintenance, Osmo Cleaning Kit for Floors (Dust-Mop, MicroMop Plush and an Active Fibre Cloth) is highly recommended. But too much of it can be uncomfortable and even interfere with your hearing, so the best ear wax removers help you get excess wax under control safely at home.

It’s important to check that this isn’t being caused by any other conditions, such as an ear infection or something as simple as a common cold before you attempt to remove earwax. Private companies, including larger national chains and independents, offer services to remove ear wax. Some will treat patients with complex ear conditions, people who have had ear surgery or people with dementia – but many have long waiting lists.

However, you might find the drops cause their own discomfort, such as making your hearing worse or irritating your ear. But this is a great, gentle solution to occasional ear wax build-up, and we really like the pipette dropper which makes application as easy as possible. If you are considering removing earwax at home, avoid inserting any objects into your ear canal, as this can push the wax in further and may cause permanent damage.