Two simple things make a bigger difference to how your earbuds sound and last than almost anything else: getting the right fit, and keeping them clean. Both take a few minutes. Here's how to do them right.
Why fit matters more than you think
The seal between your ear-tip and your ear canal is what holds in bass and blocks outside noise. A loose seal leaks low frequencies — so music sounds thin and tinny — and it lets ambient noise straight in, which makes active noise cancellation far less effective. A proper seal can completely transform how a pair of earbuds sounds, with zero settings changed.
How to find your ear-tip size
QXQ earbuds include three silicone ear-tip sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. Most people are not the same size in both ears — that's normal.
The seal test
- Start with the Medium tips (pre-installed).
- Insert an earbud and give it a gentle twist to seat it.
- Play music. Does the bass sound full and present? Cup your hand over the earbud — if the sound barely changes, you have a good seal.
- If bass sounds weak or you hear lots of outside noise, the tip is too small — size up.
- If the earbud feels like it's pushing out, aches after a few minutes, or you hear a "suction" pop, size down.
Try each ear independently. It's common to run, say, a Medium in one ear and a Large in the other.
Signs of a good fit
- Full, even bass
- Outside noise noticeably muffled even before turning on ANC
- Earbuds stay put when you talk, walk, or shake your head gently
- No pressure or ache after 20–30 minutes
How to clean your earbuds (safely)
Earwax, sweat, and pocket lint collect on the mesh and tips over time. This muffles sound and can harbor bacteria. Clean gently — never with running water or sharp metal tools.
What you'll need
- A soft, dry, lint-free cloth (microfiber is ideal)
- A clean, dry soft-bristle brush (a soft toothbrush works)
- Optional: a cotton swab very lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (70%)
Steps
- Remove the silicone ear-tips. Gently pull them off the nozzle.
- Wash the tips alone in a little warm water with mild soap. Rinse, then dry completely — fully dry — before putting them back.
- Dry-brush the mesh on each earbud nozzle to lift wax and debris. Hold the earbud nozzle-down so particles fall away, not in.
- Wipe the body with the dry cloth. For stubborn grime, use the barely-damp alcohol swab, then let it air-dry.
- Never push anything into the mesh. No pins, no toothpicks — you'll damage the driver.
How to clean the charging case
- Make sure the case isn't plugged in.
- Use the dry brush to sweep lint out of the earbud pockets — that's where debris blocks the charging contacts.
- Lightly dampen a swab with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the metal charging pins. Let them dry fully before seating the earbuds.
- Wipe the outside with the dry cloth. Avoid getting liquid into the USB-C port.
Keeping water resistance intact
QXQ earbuds are rated IPX4–IPX5 depending on model — that means sweat- and splash-resistant, not waterproof. To keep that protection:
- Wipe sweat off after workouts before returning them to the case.
- Never submerge them or wear them in the shower.
- If they get wet, dry them fully before charging — moisture on the contacts can interrupt charging.
A simple maintenance routine
- Weekly: quick dry-brush of the mesh and a wipe of the case pockets.
- Monthly: wash the ear-tips, deep-clean the charging contacts.
- As needed: swap worn or stretched ear-tips for fresh ones — a clean, snug tip restores bass and seal instantly.
Replacement tips wear out faster than the earbuds themselves. Grab a fresh set of QXQ ear-tips when yours lose their grip.
Questions?
Email support@qxqaudio.com and our team will help.