We were always told you should never put anything smaller than your elbow, in your ear.
Which rules loads of stuff out.
But, let's face it, who hasn't tried cleaning their ears with a cotton bud? It's quick, easy and more often than not, it works.
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But apparently, it's the worst thing you can do for your ears.
To spread the word, one doctor on TikTok has made a video explaining why it's a huge no-no.
@doctorsooj explained what people can do if they want to clean their ears.
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Advising followers, he said: "How should you keep your ears clean?
"You don't. Your ears are self cleaning and you shouldn't put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear."
If you are desperate to clean them, Dr Sooj said the very most you can do is use a wash cloth.
"You can get a flannel and wipe around the outside of the ear but if you've got any problems you need to see a doctor or nurse and we'll tell you what to do," he continued.
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Dr Sooj added: "It's quite common to see people in general practice with earwax that has been impacted against their eardrums.
"[It can] lead to hearing difficulties, tinnitus, and even dizziness."
Earwax is actually produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free from germs. And while it mostly passes out with no problems, sometimes people can get a build up.
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Too much wax can happen if you have narrow or damaged ear canals; if you have lots of hair in your ear canal; if you have a skin condition affecting your scalp or around your ear, or if you have inflammation within your inner ear.
If earwax is blocking your ears, it may cause unpleasant symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, tinnitus or vertigo.
If this is the case, it's recommended that you seek medical advice, but the NHS says there are ways you can deal with this at home, too.
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For example, you can use two to three drops of medical grade olive or almond oil in your ear three to four times a day for a few days.
"It is recommended you use a dropper while lying your head on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work its way through your ear canal(s)," the NHS explains.
"You may find it easier to do this first thing in the morning and then just before you go to sleep."
If in doubt, have a word with your doctor and they'll be able to help.
Lucy Devine