How to Safely Get Water Out of Your Ear After Swimming

To safely get water out of your ear after swimming, tilt your head to one side, tug gently on your earlobe, and let gravity do the work. You can also try the one-foot hop, apply a warm compress, or use a few drops of a diluted alcohol-and-vinegar solution. If water stays trapped for more than a day or you feel pain, see a doctor promptly.

Why Trapped Water in the Ear Is a Real Concern

What Actually Happens When Water Gets Stuck

Water trapped in the ear canal creates a warm, moist environment that bacteria love. Swimmers deal with this more than almost anyone else because repeated exposure strips the ear's natural protective oils. Left unchecked, trapped water is the primary trigger for swimmer's ear (otitis externa), a painful outer-ear infection that sidelines athletes fast.

Who Is Most at Risk

Competitive swimmers, triathletes, and kids who spend hours in the pool each week face the highest risk. Narrow ear canals, excess earwax build-up, or a history of ear infections can make the problem worse. Children are especially vulnerable, so parents should check their kids' ears as part of every post-swim routine.

Proven Techniques to Remove Water Safely

The Gravity-and-Tug Method

Tilt the affected ear toward your shoulder and gently tug the outer earlobe downward to straighten the ear canal. Hop on one foot while your head is tilted — the vibration helps dislodge water. Hold a clean towel near the opening to absorb any water that drains out; never insert the towel into the canal.

The Warm Compress and Yawn Trick

Hold a warm (not hot) cloth against the outside of your ear for 20–30 seconds at a time, repeating four or five times. The gentle heat encourages the trapped water to loosen and flow out. Opening your mouth wide in an exaggerated yawn shifts the jaw joint and can also help free stubborn water by changing the shape of the ear canal.

What to Avoid When Clearing Your Ears

Never Use Cotton Swabs or Sharp Objects

Cotton swabs push debris and water deeper into the ear canal and can scratch the delicate skin lining, creating micro-injuries that invite infection. Sharp objects — bobby pins, pencils, fingers with long nails — carry the same risk. The ear canal is self-cleaning; your only job is to encourage drainage, not to probe.

Avoid Aggressive Rinsing or Blowing

Forcing water in with a syringe or blowing hard through a closed nose (the Valsalva maneuver performed incorrectly) can push water further in or damage the eardrum. Low-volume, gentle techniques are always safer. If symptoms persist, spread, or worsen, see a doctor or dermatologist — or in this case, an ENT specialist.

Building a Post-Swim Routine That Protects Your Ears and Skin

Dry Smart, Then Cleanse

After clearing your ears, shake out any last water, then pat — never rub — the outer ear dry with a clean towel. That same post-swim moment is the ideal time to rinse chlorine and pool chemicals from your skin and hair before they cause dryness or irritation. A specialist swim-care cleanser makes this step far more effective than a standard body wash.

Here is a quick post-swim ear and body checklist you can follow every single session:

1. Tilt and tug each ear immediately after exiting the water.
2. Hop gently on one foot per side to assist gravity drainage.
3. Pat the outer ear dry — never insert the towel.
4. Rinse hair and skin with a chlorine-removal shampoo and body wash.
5. Apply a moisturising lotion to restore skin barrier function.
6. If ear discomfort persists beyond 24 hours, see a doctor.

Choose Swim-Specific Skincare for Every Step

Chlorine and salt water strip the skin's natural lipid barrier just as aggressively as they irritate your ears. After each session, reach for the Chlorine Removal Body Wash to cleanse pool chemicals from skin effectively, and follow with Chlorine Protection Body Lotion to replenish moisture and help restore a healthy skin barrier. For your hair, the Chlorine Removal Shampoo paired with Chlorine Protection Conditioner removes chemical build-up and keeps strands hydrated after heavy pool exposure.

If you experience redness or irritation around the eyes from goggle pressure, the Goggle Marks Soothing Gel is designed to cosmetically soothe and refresh the delicate skin around your eyes post-swim. For swimmers who want a complete head-to-toe solution, the Chlorine-Removal Care Kit bundles the essentials into one convenient package — ideal for athletes who train multiple times per week.

Parents of young swimmers should look at the Skin & Hair Set for Kids, which includes the Chlorine Removal Shampoo for Kids, Chlorine Removal Body Wash for Kids, and Chlorine Protection Conditioner for Kids — all formulated with younger, more sensitive skin in mind. Building these habits early helps kids associate swim care with feeling good after every session, which makes compliance effortless over time.

For swimmers looking for an all-in-one premium bundle, Lucy's Bundle covers every step of a thorough post-swim routine, while the The Hair Comb-O is a smart pick for those focused on protecting their hair specifically. And if you train in both pools and open water, The Tri-Care is purpose-built for the triathlete's multi-environment demands, helping keep skin comfortable across chlorine, salt, and sun exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does water in the ear normally last?

Trapped water usually drains on its own within a few hours. If it persists beyond 24 hours or you notice pain, reduced hearing, or discharge, consult a doctor promptly.

Can I use a hair dryer to dry out my ear?

Yes — on the lowest heat and speed setting, held at least 30 cm away. Move it slowly and never insert it close to the ear opening to avoid burns or damage.

Does chlorine in pool water make swimmer's ear worse?

Chlorine itself is not the direct cause, but repeated exposure can dry and irritate the ear canal lining, lowering its natural defences and making infection easier to establish. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about suitable over-the-counter options if irritation develops.