Singer Brian, a member of the duo Fly to the Sky, recently shared his meticulously thorough shower routine, sparking a conversation about often-overlooked areas of personal hygiene.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel titled, “You have to wash like this so you don’t smell! Brian’s legendary full-body disinfection method,” the star walked viewers through his process. After washing his face, he uses a dedicated foot shampoo, followed by a scalp-stimulating hair regimen. However, his most emphatic advice concerned a small but critical area: the ears.
“You have to clean your ears, too. I use facial cleansing foam to clean the inside and the back of my ears,” Brian stated. He went as far as to say, “People who don’t clean inside their ears—if you ask me, they’re animals.” Brian explained that when hugging people, he frequently notices that those with strong body odors often have an unwashed scent emanating specifically from the ear area.
Why Do Ears Develop Odors?
As Brian highlighted, the area behind and around the ears is a hotbed for odors. This region is dense with sebaceous glands that secrete sebum (oil). When sweat, oil, and dead skin cells accumulate, they create a breeding ground for bacteria. As these bacteria break down the organic matter, they release the unpleasant "old-man smell" or musty odor often associated with poor hygiene.
If an odor persists from inside the ear canal, it may be more than a hygiene issue. Earwax buildup, otitis externa (swimmer's ear), or fungal infections can also cause smells. If an odor is accompanied by itching, pain, or discharge, a medical evaluation is necessary.
How to Properly Clean Your Ears
To maintain hygiene without causing injury, experts recommend gently washing the outer ear (the auricle), the folds of the ear, and the area behind the ear with a mild cleanser or body wash during your shower.
It is vital to keep water from entering the ear canal. Brian suggests plugging the ears with your fingers while rinsing. Crucially, dermatologists and otolaryngologists advise against inserting cotton swabs deep into the ear canal after a shower. Doing so can strip away protective earwax or cause micro-tears and inflammation. Instead, simply pat the outer area and the skin behind the ear thoroughly dry with a towel.
Why Odors Persist After Showering
Many people find they still notice a scent even after a shower. This is rarely caused by fresh sweat; rather, it is the result of residual sebum and bacteria that weren't fully removed.
Moist, folded areas—including the armpits, groin, between the toes, the back of the neck, and behind the ears—tend to trap these odor-causing elements. Because the back of the ears is hard to see, it is often rinsed too quickly, leaving a film of oil and dead skin behind. To stay truly fresh, especially after exercise, focus on these "hidden" areas and ensure every fold of skin is completely dry before dressing, as lingering moisture encourages fungal and bacterial growth.
