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 ca
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
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 clear
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
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 h
A French report explains why using cotton swabs to clean your ears can do more harm than good, and what to do instead.