Hydrogen peroxide is a common disinfectant in the household first-aid kits. It’s widely used in homes to clean floors, toilets, sinks, wash-hand basins and door handles. Mild, 3% concentrations of it can be used to clean cuts and wounds. Due to its powerful antimicrobial properties, hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching agent. It’s also a common chemical used in hospitals for sterilization.

The safest concentration of this compound for home and personal use is 3% food-grade H2O2 (the chemical name for hydrogen peroxide). This is because inhalation and accidental ingestion of it do not cause serious harm to the body. Although some mild irritation may occur, it is not outrightly poisonous. A quick drink of water, coconut water or milk will quickly neutralize the effects. Nevertheless, it must be handled with care.

Using 3% H2O2 to remove ear wax

The ear is naturally a self-cleaning organ. Wax is the lubricating, protective substance it produces. Excess earwax is usually removed by irrigation. This procedure is performed by a doctor or medical professional. Other over the counter methods are available as well.

Usually, these are ear drops that help to soften the wax and allow it to make its way out of the canal naturally. The drops also help to make irrigation more efficient. Wax is meant to protect the ears from microbes, but when a lot of these microbes accumulate in the wax, the risk of infection can increase. It can also lead to temporary deafness and cause serious discomfort. This can manifest in coughing, ringing in the ears, and sometimes dizziness.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to extract these harmful deposits of wax from the ears. This is a medically approved process and can be done at home. The hydrogen peroxide softens the wax a few seconds after they come in contact. This dissolution process begins when you start to hear a bubbling sound in your ear.

Materials needed:

1. 3% food-grade Hydrogen peroxide. Food-grade H2O2 is in its pure form, not mixed with any other chemicals which may lead to corrosion.
2. Liquid Dropper
3. Soft wipes

Procedure:

1. Use the soft wipes to clean your outer ear before you begin. This is to remove any dirt or dust that may have settled there. Do not try to reach deep into the ear canal. You may damage your eardrum.
2. Fill the dropper with 3ml of the H2O2. Tilt your head to the side and release the liquid into the affected ear. Do not try to let it all flow at once. It should be administered drop by drop.
3. Gently massage the liquid into your ear. Tilt your head down when you begin to hear a bubbling sound. This means the H2O2 is dissolving the wax.
4. Allow the wax to trickle out and clean it with the soft wipes. The ear should then be left to dry on its own.

Using 3% H2O2 to treat ear infections

Mild ear infections can be treated at home using hydrogen peroxide. Inflammation and bacterial infections of the outer and middle layers of the ear are generally common. These infections are characterized by discharge of fluid and severe itching around the ears. For middle ear infections (Otitis media), often referred to as “earachesâ€�, H2O2 can be helpful. Inner ear infections are a different story, as the peroxide would not be able to reach the infection. Either way, it is important for people to speak with their doctors first to address the seriousness of the infection. It’s also important to note that boils and warts should not be treated using H2O2. A pharmacist or a doctor should prescribe a good antibiotic for this.

There are two methods of using hydrogen peroxide to treat ear infections.

Materials needed:

1. 3% food-grade H2O2
2. A soft cotton material
3. Liquid Dropper
4. Soft wipes

Method 1:

If your outer ear is infected, you can dip a soft cotton material into the H2O2 and dab it around your pinna (your outer ear). You can do this two times a day until you begin to notice changes. If no changes occur, please visit the doctor immediately.

Method 2:

If the infection is in the middle ear, use the same procedure for wax removal. Remember to hold the liquid for about 15 seconds. Use the wipes to clean out any wax that may follow. Repeat the process every 8 hours, and if symptoms persist, please seek medical advice.

Caution:

If you have a pus-filled ear infection, do not try to use H2O2. If you notice an elevation in your body temperature and severe dizziness, please go to the doctor immediately. When you do use H2O2 and symptoms still persist after three days, you should seek medical advice.

Always ensure you purchase 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Ensure to keep the bottle away from the reach of children.

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