Keeping the ear canal clear of hair is a must if your dog is prone to ear infections, especially if the hair in the canal is more cottony and thick. Morgan just has a few silky hairs in her ears so i leave them alone. Plus she's never had an ear infection (i also rarely clean her ears...). If it ain't broke, don't fix it. LOL
anyway, for ear cleaner i like the espree one. smells good to me and i like their product line up. I do want to try the CC one
Mystic Ear and the oxyfresh one
Oxyfresh.com | Pet Care | Pet Ear Cleaner . they look like nice gentle ear cleaners.