Earplugs are a real convenience. They block out annoying noises and sounds you don't want to hear during the day, plus they can help you swim more comfortably and get a good night's rest. However, we must remember that they must be washed regularly for optimal functioning. If they are clean, they will better protect your ear health.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the Ear Plugs
Step 1. To begin, examine the caps to see if they are broken, bent, or excessively soiled
- If they are filled with earwax and sebum produced in the ear canal, they can harden and become stiff. When flexibility is lacking, their functionality diminishes at the time of use.
- The ear canal connects the outer ear to the eardrum. It produces earwax, which is made up of dead cells, dust and sebaceous secretions generated by the glands of the canal. The secretions lubricate it, it also fights bacterial and fungal infections. If you use earplugs covered with stains and other foreign materials, you run the risk of overwhelming the natural defenses of the ear canal with excess dirt and germs.
Step 2. Throw away any damaged or dirty caps
Do not try to disinfect them to continue using them. Buy a couple more.
Reusable caps can be produced with various materials. Typically, pre-molded silicone rubber, vinyl, various types of hypoallergenic synthetic rubber and foam rubber coated with a special material or coating are used. These types of caps can be used more than once, as they are quite durable and strong, as long as they are washed properly. However, they are not indestructible and must be replaced sooner or later
Step 3. Find out how to wash them in a practical way
Sure, you want your corks to always be clean, but sometimes too much work keeps you from washing them by hand. In this case, put them in the washing machine, dishwasher or boiling water. Remember that you will still have to dry them by hand and store them in their case.
- Avoid losing them. Put them in a fine mesh bag (such as those used for fruit and vegetables), close it with a rubber band and proceed with washing in the dishwasher. When washing them in the washing machine, you can use a laundry bag specifically designed for delicate items.
- Be careful not to damage the caps.
Step 4. Handle the caps gently when you wash them by hand
Fill a bowl with cleaning solution. Use soapy water or hydrogen peroxide. Soapy water can be prepared with a mild detergent, such as dish detergent, and lukewarm water; mix until frothy. Alternatively, you can use undiluted hydrogen peroxide.
Step 5. Leave the caps to soak in soapy water or hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes
After a couple of washes you will understand how long to let them soak to be exact.
Step 6. Gently scrub the caps
Throw away the solution you used for washing, as it has been contaminated by dirt and debris that has accumulated on the caps. Then prepare another solution. Using your fingers, a sponge, a soft brush or a toothbrush, remove the last residue you can see.
Buy a new toothbrush for this procedure. If it is used, the bacteria from your mouth will have remained on the bristles, no matter how clean it is
Step 7. Rinse the caps with cold water
Do this only after you've scrubbed them thoroughly to get rid of all traces of dirt and stains. Do not leave residues that could harden them, otherwise you will be forced to throw them away ahead of time.
Step 8. Clean the caps with alcohol to disinfect them
They should be soft and clean, with no bent or torn parts.
Step 9. Before using them, let them air dry in a clean place
You can squeeze them or pat them gently with a towel to get rid of excess liquid.
Using wet plugs can cause irritation, pain or infection. The skin of the ear canal does not tolerate any excess fluids
Step 10. Return the dry caps to their case
After using them, it is good to get in the habit of putting them back in the case immediately. This way, you will protect them from damage, dust and dirt, especially right after washing them.
The caps can last for a period of between a couple of weeks and a few months. It all depends on the frequency of use and washing, on the type of product, on the place and on the storage methods
Part 2 of 2: Practice Good Ear Hygiene
Step 1. Wash the caps after each use
True, washing them takes time, but it's worth it. This will decrease the chances of suffering ear irritation or ear infections due to earwax, sebum and dust that have accumulated on the plugs.
Step 2. Do not share them with anyone, otherwise you will come into contact with other people's germs, ear wax and sebum
This is also a possible cause of irritation or infection.
Step 3. Try to use only disposable caps, which can be thrown away after each use
This is a reliable way to make sure they are always in top condition. However, this way you will spend more and produce more waste.
Step 4. Don't use them all the time
If you use them for prolonged periods, the plugs will alter the normal passage of ear wax, which is transferred from the ear canal to the outer ear. Take them off and let your ears "breathe".
Plugs can push ear wax deep into the ear canal, where it accumulates and hardens. You risk earache, tinnitus, irritation, infections, secretions and even hearing loss
Step 5. Do not clean and reuse disposable caps
In fact, washing can make them deteriorate. They will no longer be able to protect their hearing from loud noises or prevent water from entering their ears while swimming. Using earplugs that provide good protection is essential for healthy hearing.
Materials such as uncoated foam and soft wax (which are used to make disposable caps) cannot be washed with soapy water or alcohol. If you have disposable earplugs that have lost their softness and flexibility, they can no longer fit in your ears
Step 6. Follow the advice in this article and you won't have any problems
Advice
- When cleaning the caps, follow the instructions on the packaging. There are caps of different shapes, sizes and materials. Each product must be treated differently to ensure proper operation.
- It is important that the earplugs are the right size, not too small, otherwise they could squeeze deep inside the ear canal and cause potential damage to the eardrum.
