For "maintenance" (and on a doctors suggestion once) I pour a capful of Hydrogen Peroxide in the ear and let it bubble for a few minutes (i.e. till the bubbling slows down). You are laying your head on the other ear at this time. Then, dump the Peroxide out on to a couple tissues. Then, carefully use a Q-Tip to clean out wax. Repeat for the other ear, If you don't wait too long between cleanings, this works fairly well.

Hydrogen Peroxide is available at a drug store and is fairly cheap.