When does a Q-tip work better?

Is a Q tip more effective at removing ear wax from your ear when your ear canal is wet/moist (immediately following a shower or swimming) or when your ear is completely dry?

?2014-06-11T21:44:52Z

My experience is after a shower. I coat the tip of a clean Q-Tip with Purell Hand Sanitizer. DO NOT ENTER THE EAR CANAL WITH A Q-TIP OR A TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK! Gently ease the damp excess wax outward. The hand sanitizer is 70% ethanol (alcohol) so it will dry the area (moistened by your shower) as well. PLEASE BE CAREFUL. IT IS TOO EASY TO GET DISTRACTED...A RINGING PHONE...AND ONE UNPLANNED QUICK MOVE AND YOU'VE PIERCED THE EARDRUM. I apologize for terrorizing you, but it's really important that you know this procedure is near surgical in its risks. Good luck to you.

?2014-06-11T21:39:00Z

I think it works best dry, when the ear is wet the cotton bud just soaks up all the water