Q Tips are not bad for your ears as long as you use them correctly.
When used correct the Q Tips are safe for ear cleaning but you should never insert a Q Tip inside your ear canal.
Just Gently use the Q Tip outside your ear canal to clean any dirt and wax from your ear.
I use a Q Tip dipped in some hydrogen peroxide to clean the inside of my ears with but I never insert the Q Tip fully into my ear.
You can damage your ear and lose your hearing by putting the Q Tip inside your ear canal so never do that.
You can also use a washcloth to clean your ear with as well.
Earwax is normal but it's good to remove the excess buildup of earwax as it may lead to partial hearing loss that is temporary until you remove the earwax.
Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a brown, orange, red, yellowish or gray waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals.
It protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and provides protection against bacteria, fungi, and water.