Getting Rid of Cheese Smell Behind Ears (Plus, How to Prevent It)

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Keep your ears clean and healthy with this guide

Co-authored by Payam Daneshrad, MD and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: September 27, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Getting Rid of the Smell
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• Causes
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• Prevention
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• Should I be worried if my ears smell?
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• What does earwax smell like?
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• Final Takeaways
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• Video
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• Warnings

|Show more |Show less

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Having a cheese smell behind your ears can be embarrassing, but it’s more common than you think. In most cases, this just means you need to be a bit more thorough when washing behind your ears, but sometimes, it may be a sign of an infection or another medical condition. For this article, we interviewed ear, nose, and throat doctors Payam Daneshrad and Monica Kieu to teach you how to get rid of the smell, what causes it, and how to prevent it.

How do I stop the smell behind my ears?

In most cases, if there is a cheesy smell behind your ears, it’s a sign you’re not washing the area thoroughly. Scrub behind your ears with soap and water every day and after excessive sweating. If the smell is accompanied by pain or discharge, see a doctor to treat any infections or medical conditions.

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

Getting Rid of the Smell Behind Your Ears

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1. 
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   Wash your ears and the surrounding area. If you notice a strange, cheesy smell behind your ears, wash the area as soon as possible. Often, it’s easy to forget to wash behind the ears because you wouldn’t think there’d be a lot of sweat and buildup in the area. However, improper washing is often the main cause of odors in the area. Scrubbing the area with soap and water can remove any dirt, debris, or product buildup that may be causing the smell. If that takes care of the smell and the area doesn’t hurt at all, you likely won’t need to do anything else.

   • Using a damp, soapy washcloth can really help, as it will exfoliate the area and remove dead skin and buildup that may be causing the smell.
   • However you choose to wash, make sure to rinse the soap away and dry the area thoroughly.
2. 2
   Disinfect the area with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. After you’ve washed behind your ears with soap and water, rub hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol behind your ears to disinfect the area. If your ears are pierced, the smell may be coming from a dirty piercing. Clean the piercing itself with mild soap and water; only use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol if it’s completely healed.

   • If your ears are pierced, clean your earrings regularly to prevent future issues.
   • If you want a more natural alternative to hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, try apple cider vinegar. Again, just make sure you aren’t using it in or around unhealed piercings.
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   Try to reduce how much you sweat. Sometimes, excess sweat can lead to unwanted odors behind the ears. If you sweat a lot, clean the area with a damp cloth or fragrance-free wipe, especially after exercising or being out in the heat. Try to keep the area as dry as possible by applying baby powder, antiperspirant, or stick deodorant.
4. 4
   Avoid covering your ears. If the area behind your ears is constantly covered, it may lead to product buildup, which can clog your pores and cause an odor. If you have long hair, consider cutting it or keeping it pulled back away from your ears. Wash any hats, earmuffs, scarves, pillowcases, and anything else that touches your ears regularly to keep your ears clean.
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   Minimize the amount of hair and skin products you use. Sometimes, certain hair and skin products may react with your skin and cause an odd smell. Keep these products away from your ears to see if that reduces the smell. If you use multiple products, stop using them one at a time so you can see which one is causing the issue. If you stop using them all at once, you won’t know which, if any, is causing the odor.
6. 6
   Remove excess earwax. If you have a lot of earwax buildup in your ear, it may begin to produce a bad smell. To remove excess earwax at home, soften the earwax by applying a few drops of baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, or mineral oil with an eyedropper. After a few days, use a rubber syringe to gently spray water into your ear. Tilt your head to allow the water to drain out, then dry your ear gently with a towel.

   • According to Dr. Daneshrad, never use a Q-tip to clean inside your ears: “Ear infections are caused by…patients using foreign bodies like Q-tips in their ears. So, avoiding anything in the ear canal is the best way to avoid an ear infection.”
   • If you don’t feel comfortable removing your earwax yourself, see a doctor.
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   Apply a medicated skin cream if you have an infection. If proper cleaning and disinfecting don’t solve the problem, you may have an underlying skin condition. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They may prescribe you a medicated skin cream, like hydrocortisone, to treat the issue. Alternatively, speak to your pharmacist to see if they can recommend an over-the-counter product.

   • If the smell is also accompanied by acne, talk to your doctor about using retinoids or salicylic acid to unclog your pores and dry up excess sebum.
8. 8
   Try medicated shampoo if your skin is dry and flaky. If the smell behind your ears is accompanied by dry, flaky skin, medicated shampoo may help. These shampoos include ingredients that help reduce eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and infections that may cause the area behind your ears to smell.

   • If you only have dry skin, it may be enough to apply petroleum jelly over the area.
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   Use ear drops if you suspect an ear infection. Sometimes, ear infections can cause a cheesy smell, even if they were previously treated. If you think an ear infection might be to blame, consult your doctor to see if ear drops may solve the problem. If you try over-the-counter eardrops, make sure to follow the instructions on the package.
10. 10
    Apply diluted essential oils to cover the smell. If the smell bothers you or you’re worried others will notice it, consider using essential oils to mask the smell until you can take care of the cause. Dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil, then dab them behind your ears. This will provide a pleasant smell and may even soothe your skin. Some great options include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and grapefruit seed oil.
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Section 2 of 6:

Potential Causes of a Cheese Smell

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1. 
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   Poor hygiene One of the most common causes of a cheese smell behind the ears is not washing properly. The area behind your ears may not seem like it would get dirty easily, so it’s easy to neglect if you’re in a hurry. Scrubbing your ears removes any dirt and buildup that may cause a smell.

   • Many people don’t think to wash behind their ears, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of. The area behind the ear traps oils and sweat much more easily than we expect.
2. 2
   Natural secretions Sweat glands are located all over the body, including behind the ears, and they secrete perspiration that starts to smell when it comes in contact with oxygen and bacteria. Sebaceous glands are also found behind the ears, which secrete sebum (oil) and a mix of wax and fats. These secretions often build up behind the ears and may begin to smell.

   • Some people also have overactive glands that secrete more sweat or sebum than average. If you have acne, there’s a good chance you have overactive glands.
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   Clogged pores and product build-up Different products and substances can build up along your hairline and behind your ears, which can clog your pores and cause an odor. These substances include things like hair products, smoke, automobile fumes, and other forms of pollution and debris. Constantly covering your ears with your hair, makeup, or accessories like scarves and hats can also clog your pores.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Payam Daneshrad, MD

   Board Certified Otolaryngologist

   Dr. Payam Daneshrad is a board certified Otolaryngologist, specializing in Facial Plastic Surgery and Rhinology, and the Owner and Director of Daneshrad Clinic in Los Angeles, California. With over 19 years of experience, Dr. Daneshrad specializes in adult and pediatric Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, packing-less nasal surgery, minimally invasive sinus surgery, and snoring treatment. He also uses the newest surgical ENT techniques for tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, thyroidectomy, and parathyroidectomy. Dr. Daneshrad graduated with a BS and the highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Tulane University School of Medicine, where he was accepted into the AOA, the medical honor's society, and the Tulane University School of Public Health. Dr. Daneshrad received his medical training from the University of Southern California. Dr. Daneshrad is the Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon for the Los Angeles Sparks and the athletic teams of Loyola Marymount University.

   

   Payam Daneshrad, MD
   Board Certified Otolaryngologist

   If your ears are also itchy, soap or shampoo may be to blame. You could have an irritation response to soaps and shampoos, in which case you just need an anti-inflammatory like a steroid cream or a drop to get rid of that inflammation and get the skin back to normal.
4. 4
   Earwax Sweat glands inside the ear help form earwax, which can sometimes make its way out of the ear and stick to the surrounding area. Earwax generally has a musty scent, though it may become stronger and more sour if you sweat a lot. It may also smell bad if you have an excess of earwax buildup.

   • Earwax may also produce an odor if you have an ear infection or swimmer’s ear or if a foreign object is stuck in your ear. Dr. Kieu says a common symptom of swimmer’s ear is drainage: “The draining from the ear can be clear (just water) or it can be foul-smelling and white or yellow. I have even seen green, brown, or gray.”
   • According to Dr. Daneshrad, “Earwax is a natural part of every human being’s ear canal, [and] it will move its way out of the ear canal on its own… Patients shouldn’t have to go and clean their ears, but if necessary, over-the-counter wax dissolving agents like Debrox can be used to clean the ears.”
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   Infected ear piercings Ear piercings are open wounds until they heal, which means it’s easy for bacteria to get inside. Pus, dead skin, and other drainage from an infected piercing can stick to earring posts and backs, creating a bad smell. Cleaning the earrings with gentle soap or an ear piercing solution may help. If you suspect your piercing is infected, see a doctor.

   • It’s especially important to see a doctor if the infection is painful or if you have a fever or swollen lymph nodes.
   • Other small injuries can also become infected, like cuts, scrapes, and pimples. These may also produce an odor. Apply an antibiotic ointment, and see a doctor if symptoms do not go away within a few days.
6. 6
   Yeast infection Candidiasis, or yeast infection, occurs when yeast grows in warm and moist areas. If you sweat a lot or don’t regularly clean behind your ears, you may develop a yeast infection, which is itchy and may produce a smell similar to bread or beer. If you suspect you have a yeast infection, try an over-the-counter antifungal remedy or see a doctor.
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   Skin and scalp conditions Skin and scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and rashes can all lead to dry, irritated skin. When you scratch at your skin, it makes it more vulnerable to bacteria and pollutants, which can cause an unpleasant smell.

   • Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes flaky, scaly skin. The condition alone doesn’t usually cause a smell, but the flakes it produces can trap sweat and other odor-causing debris.
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Section 3 of 6:

Preventing Smelly Ears

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1. 
   1
   Clean your ears every day. In most cases, smelly ears are caused by poor hygiene, so to prevent future issues, clean in and behind your ears every time you take a shower or bath. Scrub the area well with soap and water; if you have sensitive skin or eczema, opt for a sensitive skin soap. Wipe the area down with a warm, wet washcloth after intense physical activity, as well.

   • Remember to rinse the soap off and dry the area thoroughly afterward. This will help keep your ears free of buildup longer.
2. 2
   Keep your ear piercings clean if you have them. Whether your ear piercings are healed or new, keep them clean to avoid bacteria buildup and infections. Follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions to clean them during and after the healing process. In general, don’t take new posts out until at least 6 weeks after you get the piercing.
3. 
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   Exfoliate behind your ears once or twice a week. A buildup of dead skin can also cause your ears to smell, so it’s important to exfoliate the area weekly. Apply an exfoliating wash or use a rough washcloth to gently scrub behind your ears. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, talk to your doctor before exfoliating.
4. 4
   Don’t ignore bad smells. If you notice an odd smell, it’s likely nothing to worry about. While a smell can be embarrassing, it’s not unusual, and a quick wash often gets rid of the issue immediately. However, an unusual odor can sometimes be a sign of an infection or another problem, even if there’s no pain involved. If washing the area doesn’t take care of the problem, see a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
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Section 4 of 6:

Should I be worried if my ears smell?

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1. Having a smell behind your ears usually isn’t serious. In most cases, having an odd smell behind your ears just means you need to wash the area a bit better, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just make a point to scrub behind your ears whenever you take a shower. However, if that doesn’t solve the problem or you notice other symptoms, like pain, see your doctor to find out if you have an infection or another underlying condition.

Section 5 of 6:

What is earwax supposed to smell like?

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1. Earwax naturally has a faint, musty odor. Healthy earwax typically has a slight sweet or musty odor due to its composition, including dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from glands in the ear canal. It may develop a stronger, vinegar-like smell after a lot of perspiration. However, if the smell is noticeably unpleasant, it may be a sign of infection or excessive buildup. In this case, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

   • The way your earwax looks and feels varies depending on your ethnic background. Individuals from East Asia, for example, often have dry, flaky earwax, while people of European or African descent typically have sticky earwax.
   • It’s normal to have yellow or white earwax. If the earwax is brown or black, it’s likely older and indicates a need for cleaning.
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Section 6 of 6:

Final Takeaways

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1. Many people experience an odd smell at one point or another. Lots of people forget to wash behind their ears, so it’s nothing to be ashamed of! In most cases, a quick scrub with soap and water can take care of the issue. If it helps, try to wash your ears as soon as you get in the shower so you don’t forget. However, if you experience any other symptoms, like pain or itchiness, the smell may be related to an infection or medical condition. In this case, see a doctor to get everything taken care of.

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Warnings

• Never use a Q-tip to clean inside your ears. This often pushes earwax deeper into your ear, which can lead to an injury and/or infection.
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• If you suspect the cheese smell behind your ears is related to an infection or underlying medical condition, see a doctor as soon as possible.
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