Hygiene for Kids: How to Clean Your Kid's Ears

Earwax may look nasty, but it's actually an important lubricant and protects the eardrum from dust, dirt and other foreign objects (hello, Legos!). As tempting as it may be to dig into your kid's ear canal with a Q-tip ... don't! You could damage the eardrum (and then your kid really won't listen when you talk to him!) Usually excess ear wax will dry up and slip out of the ear canal on its own.

To clean your kid's ears, take a washcloth with warm water and just wipe the outsides. And don't forget behind the ears where all the good stuff, like yesterday's oatmeal, may be hiding!

If your kid seems to have an excessive amount of earwax, talk to his doctor. She can professionally remove it and will, literally, do the dirty work for you. Now if only she'd be on call to clean your kid's other dirty orifices you'd be in business!

Check out more on how to keep your kid squeaky clean! We've got loads of hygiene info for kids!