Homemade Dog Ear Cleaner: 6 Easy & Natural DIY Recipes

By
Diana Beth Miller
-

For some dogs, cleaning their ears is one of the most important parts of grooming. It reduces the chance of ear infections and removes excess wax buildup.

You can use over-the-counter ear cleaners or save money by making a homemade dog ear cleaner!

These DIY ear cleaning solutions are cheap and easy to make from ingredients you already have.

However, these are only for cleaning healthy ears!

As a dog owner, do not attempt to use them if your pet already has an ear infection.

Please consult a veterinarian instead because they will likely recommend an ear infection treatment.

In this article, we'll share six of our tried-and-tested recipes for homemade dog ear cleaners that are natural and safe for dogs.

Let's begin!

Cleaning a black and white dog's ears with a homemade ear cleaner

6 Homemade Dog Ear Cleaners
That Are Natural and Safe

Below are six popular recipes for safe, homemade dog ear cleaners. (Number 6 is the easiest and my personal favorite!)

1. Most Popular Combination

This basic homemade ear cleaner will help stabilize the pH levels of your dog's ears while cleaning them.

It may also fight off some bacteria, reducing the chance of ear infections.

Ingredients/ Materials:

  • Empty bottle
  • White vinegar (we like natural brands, like Lucy's)
  • Boric acid
  • Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
  • Povidone iodine (Betadine is most popular)

Directions:

  1. Pour four tablespoons of white vinegar into a resealable bottle
  2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of boric acid
  3. Add 3-4 drops of Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
  4. Add 3-4 drops of povidone-iodine
  5. Seal the bottle and shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

NOTE: Povidone-iodine is just a generic name for the famous Betadine brand that most pet owners will use. It has antiseptic properties that attack bacteria in a dog's ears, and it doesn't sting. However, if you are concerned about red staining, you don't have to add it to this homemade dog ear cleaner. The solution will work well without it.

2. Soft and Supple Solution

You can use a glycerin mixture for a straightforward homemade dog ear cleaner that will leave your pup's ears soft, supple, and protected.

Ingredients/ Materials:

  • Small container
  • Glycerin (use a natural and organic brand like this)
  • Boric acid

Directions:

  1. Mix one tablespoon of glycerin with two tablespoons of boric acid.

It's a simple mixture that you can apply using cotton balls.

The boric acid breaks up waxy buildup while reducing moisture and the possibility of an ear infection in the dog, while the glycerin coats and soothes the dog's skin to keep it from getting too dry.

3. Witchy Combination

Here is another variation of dog ear cleaner similar to the two above.

Made from vinegar and boric acid, it cleans the dog's ears and help maintain a healthy pH. The witch hazel in here will help soothe the dog's ears.

Ingredients:

  • White vinegar or apple cider vinegar (Bragg is a cheap organic brand)
  • Witch hazel
  • Boric acid

Directions:

  1. Pour 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup vinegar into a container
  2. Add one tablespoon of witch hazel
  3. Add two tablespoons of boric acid
  4. Shake well

NOTE: As an alternative to this, you can mix two tablespoons of boric acid in 1/2 cup of water and use that if you are in a fix and do not have the other ingredients on hand.

home remedy for dog ear infection apple cider vinegar

4. Mild But Effective

You can make a simple but effective homemade dog ear cleaner using vinegar and water.

Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar, water, and Isopropyl rubbing alcohol.

Ingredients/ Materials:

  • Empty bottle
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Isopropyl rubbing alcohol

Directions:

  1. Pour four tablespoons of plain water into a resealable bottle.
  2. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  3. Add 3-4 drops of Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
  4. Seal the bottle and shake well

NOTE: If rubbing alcohol stings, leave out the isopropyl rubbing alcohol altogether for an even milder solution. The vinegar and water will still help clean a dog's ears and stabilize the pH levels.

5. Ultra Mild and Ultra Simple

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful, mild homemade ear cleaner for dogs. It's an excellent solution for floppy-eared dogs like Bassett Hounds, which need their ears cleaned often.

Ingredients:

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Mix 2/3 cup of water and 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar

6. Easiest to Make

Hydrogen peroxide is also a helpful ear cleaning solution against waxy buildup in a dog's ears.

When the hydrogen peroxide starts working, it bubbles the dirt out of the dog's ear canal.

It can tickle a dog's ear, so be prepared for a lot of head shaking.

Ingredients:

  • 3% hydrogen peroxide (Dealmed is an excellent, cheap brand we use)

Directions:

  1. Mix two tablespoons of water with two tablespoons of the hydrogen peroxide

NOTE: You can also mix Hydrogen peroxide with a few homemade dog ear cleaners. For example, two tablespoons of white vinegar mixed with two tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. This solution is suitable for flushing dirt from a dog's ears and cleaning the more visible parts.

Applying a homemade ear cleaner to a dog's ear in a bottle with squirting tip

How to Use a Homemade Dog Ear Cleaner

Not all dogs require regular ear cleaning.

Those with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, need to have their ears cleaned about once a week, while Pit Bulls or German Shepherds with ears that naturally stay drier can go longer between cleanings.

Using cotton balls soaked in a homemade dog ear cleaner solution to clean outer ear of a dog

Warm the homemade dog ear cleaner to at least room temperature before using it. It is essential when using oils.

Never use cotton swabs or Q-tips in your dog's ears.

Instead, use cotton balls or a regular gauze wrapped around your finger to clean your pet's ears with a homemade dog ear cleaning solution.

Dip the cotton ball or your gauze finger into the solution, or squirt it on, and then gently wipe your dog's ears clean.

RELATED: How to Clean Dog Ears

To flush out dirt and waxy buildup in a dog's ear, use a bulb syringe or a bottle with a squirting tip similar to those used to apply hair dye.

Gently squeeze the solution into the dog's ears, lightly massage the base of the ear, let the dog shake the head to naturally bring out the dirt and wax, and wipe the remaining residue off with gauze or cotton balls.

Flushing a dog's ears with homemade dog ear cleaner solution

When possible, do ear flushes outdoors and let your pup shake its head as much as needed. That way, you will not have to take time to wipe down the walls.

NOTE: If using oils, set the oil container in a cup or bowl of hot water to warm it up. Before using it, test the temperature of the oil or homemade dog ear cleaner on the inside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot. It should feel barely warm on your wrist.

FAQs about Homemade Dog Ear Cleaners

Is vinegar and water safe for dogs' ears?

Yes—sometimes, a mixture of vinegar and water (usually equal parts white vinegar and distilled water) can be safe for cleaning a dog’s ears.

Vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help prevent yeast and bacterial overgrowth.

However, this solution should only be used if your dog’s ears are healthy, not red, irritated, or broken.

Vinegar can cause burning and pain if your dog's skin has scratches, open wounds, or an active ear infection.

Can I use salt water to clean my dog's ears?

Mild salt water (saline) solution can be used as a gentle cleaner for the outer parts of the ear.

It's effective for loosening debris and soothing minor irritation.

However, it's not recommended as the primary solution for cleaning the ear canal.

It's also best to avoid using table salt mixtures. If they are too concentrated, they may irritate your dog's ear.

What do groomers use to clean dogs' ears?

Professional groomers typically use veterinary-approved ear cleaning solutions designed to:

  • Break down wax and debris
  • Dry out moisture (especially after bathing or swimming)
  • Maintain healthy pH levels in the ear

Brands commonly used include Zymox® or Virbac®.

After applying the cleaner, groomers gently wipe the outer ear canal with a cotton ball or pad—never using cotton swabs deep inside, which can damage the eardrum.

How to get rid of smelly dog ears?

Smelly dog ears are often a sign of yeast or bacterial buildup, especially in dogs with floppy ears or allergies.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Clean ears regularly with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
  • Dry ears after swimming or bathing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Check for infections: A strong odor, dark discharge, or redness may indicate an infection—see your vet ASAP.
  • Address underlying causes like food allergies or chronic skin conditions, which can contribute to recurring ear issues.

Never mask odor with perfume or essential oils—they can irritate the ears further.

RELATED: Why Do My Dog’s Ears Stink?

How often should you clean your dog's ears?

It depends on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and health:

  • Floppy-eared breeds (like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds): Once a week to every two weeks.
  • Dogs prone to allergies or frequent ear infections: As your vet recommends (often weekly).
  • Healthy dogs with clean, odor-free ears: Once a month or only when needed.

Over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal, so always follow your vet’s guidance based on your dog’s needs.

RELATED: Dog Grooming Schedule: How Often Should You Groom Your Dog

Why Do My Dog’s Ears Stink

More Things to Remember When Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

As a fur parent, you must keep your dog healthy and protected from any illnesses they may acquire.

Several factors come into play when cleaning your dog's ears. These include the type of toys they play with, the size of their ears, and how often they typically touch them.

Most experts and experienced dog owners recommend cleaning your dog's ears at least once or twice a month.

Whether you're taking them to their groomer or doing the cleaning yourself, it's best to use gentle and simple products on their ears. However, do not clean more often, as excessive cleaning might only cause further irritation.

Furthermore, the ear cleaning process must only apply to the outer part of the ear canals.

Please do not attempt to clean your dog's middle or inner ear, as this will only make your dog's ears more susceptible to infection.

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Diana Beth Miller
Diana currently lives and works in London, UK and she's been an animal lover and dog owner since she was a child. After graduating high school, she focused on getting her degree in English to become a writer with a focus on animals, pets and dogs.