Prepare the saline solution: Boil 2 cups of water. Add salt and baking soda. Stir until dissolved. Allow it to cool to body temperature.

Apply solution to ears: Use an applicator like an ear syringe, a rubber suction bulb, or an eyedropper. Fill the slightly more than halfway. Tilt your head to the side so your ear canal is as vertical as possible. Squeeze around 5-10 drops into each ear. Use a towel underneath your head to catch any spillage.

Rest, drain, and wash: Let the solution soak in for 5-15 minutes. Drain the fluid by tilting your head. Start a warm shower. Using your palms or a clean, damp washcloth, add some soap. Gently rub the outside of your ear in a circular motion. Don’t forget to clean the back as well. You can use your fingers or a cotton swab to clean around the folds, but make sure not to use the soapy mixture in the inner ear. Rinse clean.

Dry ears: Use a towel and pat your ears dry. You can tilt your head to the sides and pull your earlobes to drain excess water. If you're having trouble and your ears still aren’t dry, turn a blow dryer on the lowest setting, hold it a foot away, and let the warm air dry them out.