For painters at all skill levels, effectively cleaning the airbrush before spraying is key to achieving smooth and even results. The tiny passages inside the airbrush, around the needle valve, and near the nozzle are areas where paint can easily accumulate. Even small amounts of paint can disrupt airflow, causing unpredictable spray patterns or even clogging. Properly cleaning the airbrush may seem like a simple maintenance task, but it is essential to ensure the stable operation of the equipment and extend its lifespan. This article will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the necessary tools for cleaning your airbrush, clear step-by-step cleaning methods, and the most common mistakes to avoid, helping you keep your airbrush in top condition for every spray.

Tools for Airbrush Cleaning

Airbrush cleaner or thinner ：Matched to the type of paint you use (If you're using Kaleido products, it is not recommended to use alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or cleaning solutions as it can cause the paint to clump, which may lead to airbrush clogging in severe cases.).

Cotton swabs / small cleaning brushes：For scrubbing paint residue.

A bowl or airbrush cleaning pot ：To collect and store waste liquid.

Paper towels / lint‑free cloths ：For wiping the exterior and drying after cleaning. Lint-free cloths can reduce leftover debris.

Step‑by‑Step Cleaning Process

1.Flushing Between Colors

When changing colors during a painting session, do a quick flush:

1. Empty any leftover paint from the cup.

2. Fill the cup with water or cleaning fluid.

3. Spray until the liquid runs clear. This flushes paint from internal passages and prevents color mixing.

This simple flushing between colors can prevent clogs and keep your workflow efficient.

2.End‑of‑Session Cleaning

After completing a full spraying session, simply rinsing is not enough to keep your airbrush clean.

Therefore, it is recommended to follow the steps below for a more thorough cleaning:

1. Empty the remaining paint：Start by pouring out any leftover paint from the airbrush cup. Use a paper towel to wipe away any visible paint on the inside of the cup.

2. Add distilled water or suitable cleaning solution to the cup：Pour distilled water or a compatible airbrush cleaner into the cup.

3. Gently remove paint from the cup walls using cotton swabs / small cleaning brushes：Use the cotton swabs or small cleaning brushes to gently remove any paint attached to the inside of the cup. Dispose of the waste liquid. (Be careful not to scrape the cup wall with the metal part of the brush to avoid damaging the cup.)

4. Repeat the steps above and spray out the cleaning solution until the liquid comes out clear.

5. Perform a backflow cleaning based on the type of nozzle.
If it's a Quick Self‑Centering Structure, make sure the nozzle is securely tightened before cleaning. If it's a Threaded Nozzle Structure, slightly loosen the second thread.

6. Pour more cleaning solution or water into the cup, then use your finger or a paper towel to block the nozzle.
Let the air pressure push the liquid back through the airbrush, effectively cleaning the internal areas from the cup to the nozzle. This backflow cleaning method helps remove any remaining paint residue inside.（Adjust the air pressure properly， too low of a pressure will result in poor backflow, while too high pressure may cause the liquid to spray out.）

This process ensures that your airbrush is thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next use.

3.Deep Cleaning & Occasional Maintenance

If your airbrush becomes difficult to spray, spitting or clogged, a deeper clean is needed.

1. Completely disassemble the airbrush (you can refer to this link) and soak the disassembled parts in appropriate cleaning solution. If possible, you can also place them in an ultrasonic cleaner for 10-20 minutes.

2. Wipe each part to remove stubborn buildup.

3. After thorough rinsing with distilled water, reassemble the airbrush.

Important: Never soak the entire airbrush body in liquid, as it can damage internal seals and lubricants.

Tips

Do not soak the entire airbrush.
Only soak the removable parts. Soaking the entire tool may damage internal components.

When storing the airbrush during use, always try to keep the spray head facing down.
This helps prevent paint from flowing backward, which can affect future use and increase cleaning time.

During deep cleaning, you may wash away the lubrication on some important parts.
While this is unavoidable, do not apply lubricant yourself as it can lead to issues like fisheye or oil spots during spraying.

Kaleido paints dry quickly ，the surface can be dry in 10-15 minutes.
Therefore, timely cleaning is even more important. You can use retarder thinner to extend the drying time. The recommended ratio is 5 parts paint, 1 part retarder. However, dilution must follow the exact ratio, as Kaleido paints are pre-mixed ready-to-use paints.

A clean airbrush sprays better, stays reliable, and lasts longer ，making your painting sessions smoother and more enjoyable. Regular quick cleaning plus weekly deep maintenance keeps everything running at peak performance.

There are also some situations you may encounter while clean the airbrush. Feel free to leave a comment or join our Discord to continue the discussion: https://discord.gg/PUyxexMmSr ! More beta test opportunities and exciting surprises are waiting for you.

The Airbrush Cleaning Kit and cleaner are available at: