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Keep Your Airbrush Pristine With the Best Airbrush Cleaner

Art Life Review Team
Written By Art Life Review Team
Last updated: Jan 22, 2025, 03:38 AM
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best airbrush cleaner

The airbrush is integral to many creative fields, including model painting, automotive detail work, and visual arts. Keeping your tool pristine for the best finish on whatever you’re working on is important. That’s why airbrush cleaning solutions play an instrumental role in maintaining the performance and longevity of airbrushes. After an exhaustive evaluation of the numerous cleaning solutions, we have concluded that the Master Airbrush Cleaner, a 16-ounce bottle, outshines its competitors. This product not only efficiently dissolves water and oil-based paints but also works rapidly to reduce downtime between color changes, ultimately extending the lifespan of your airbrush.

View all Contents
  • Unveiling the Blueprint to Buying the Best Airbrush Cleaner
    • Type of Cleaner
    • Versatility
    • Effectiveness
    • Compatibility
    • Price
  • Airbrush Cleaner FAQs
  • Trusted Insights from Artists
  • Contributors
  • Related Reads

Our Top Picks for Airbrush Cleaners in 2025

  • Master Airbrush Airbrush Cleaner: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this airbrush cleaner ↓
  • U.S. Art Supply Airbrush Cleaner: Best for Quick Cleaning (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this airbrush cleaner ↓
  • Iwata Airbrush Cleaner: Most Versatile Solution (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this airbrush cleaner ↓
  • Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner: Most Effective at Removing Residues (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this airbrush cleaner ↓
  • Evo Dyne Airbrush Cleaner: Highest Quality Formula (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this airbrush cleaner ↓

The Best Airbrush Cleaners

Master Airbrush Airbrush Cleaner

Best Overall
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Master Airbrush Cleaner contains a fast-acting cleaning solution that swiftly annihilates water-based acrylic paint, watercolor, and makeup residues. As you pour this cleaner onto your airbrushes, brushes, or artist tools, it dives deep into the crevices, cleaning away all grime and clogs and restoring them to their pristine condition. One lavation will strip away stubborn paint residues, ensuring your tools are ready for the next artistic endeavor. 

With regular use, this cleaner preserves the integrity of your tools, extending their lifespan and ensuring you get the most out of your investment. Despite its strength, the cleaner maintains a low odor and safe formulation, adhering to ASTM D-4236 standards. It’s non-toxic and environmentally conscious. These qualities make this cleaning solution the best overall on our list.

Product Pros
  • Excellent at cleaning airbrushes
  • Effectively removes acrylic paint
  • Non-toxic and safe for use
Product Cons
  • Requires a lot of product for the best clean

U.S. Art Supply Airbrush Cleaner

Best for Quick Cleaning
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The U.S. Art Supply Airbrush Cleaner, a one-ounce powerhouse, effortlessly cleans all styles of airbrushes. Its fast-acting formula boosts your productivity by keeping your airbrush always clean and ready for use, thus extending its lifespan. This formula is great for quick and thorough cleaning between every paint session.

This premium concentrated low-odor formula provides a thorough cleanse and flushes stubborn clogs. It softens and obliterates dried-on paint from airbrushes, paintbrush bristles, artist tools, and supplies, even reaching into the ultrasonic cleaning of technical pens. It is an environmentally safe, non-toxic cleaner that meets ASTM D-4236 standards.

Product Pros
  • Concentrated, strong formula
  • Effective for quick in-between cleans
  • Low odor, environmentally safe
Product Cons
  • Only one size available

Iwata Airbrush Cleaner

Most Versatile Solution
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The Iwata-Medea Airbrush Cleaner delivers quick and effective cleaning, making it an essential tool for any artist. This cleaner rids your airbrush of stubborn, dried paint, boosting its performance for your next artistic endeavor. With its high strength, this solution actively takes on the task of cleaning any artist’s tools, from airbrushes to brushes with acrylic, watercolor, gouache, ink, or dyes. 

This versatile cleaner reliably cleans all models of airbrushes and synthetic and natural-haired paint brushes, making it a must-have in any artist’s toolkit. It is environmentally safe and ready to use right out of the bottle and doesn’t have any off-putting strong odor.

Product Pros
  • Effective in breaking down paint
  • Long-lasting, only small amounts needed
  • Odorless and easy to handle
Product Cons
  • More cost-effective solutions available

Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner

Most Effective at Removing Residues
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The Aux Airbrush Cleaner has exceptional potency in removing paint residues. Unlike other cleaners which often require multiple applications, this airbrush cleaner eliminates even stubborn residues in a single usage, ensuring your airbrush is always ready for your next masterpiece. In addition, this cleaner is renowned for its preservation capabilities. While some cleaners can be harsh and decrease the lifespan of your airbrush, this one treats your equipment with care.  It gently cleanses, safeguarding the longevity of your airbrush and keeping it functional for a longer period. The cleaner efficiently removes various types of paint, following the ASTM D-4236 standards in its formulation.

Product Pros
  • Thoroughly cleans airbrushes
  • Works well with acrylic paints
  • Safe for airbrush components
Product Cons
  • Strong, sweet odor

Evo Dyne Airbrush Cleaner

Highest Quality Formula
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The Airbrush Cleaner by Evo Dyne is a multi-purpose solution that reliably cleanses your airbrushes from acrylics, watercolors, inks, dyes, and more, paving the way for enhanced designs. The 16-oz bottle provides ample fluid for numerous cleaning sessions. The non-toxic formula guarantees a safer environment while efficiently operating on quick color changes. 

This cleaner safely works on any airbrush, synthetic and natural-haired paint brushes, and technical pens. It conforms to the ASTM D-4236 standards, ensuring an environmentally-safe formula. Plus, the company stands behind the quality of its product with a 60-day money-back guarantee, demonstrating its strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

Product Pros
  • Highly effective in cleaning airbrushes
  • Non-toxic and safe for hands
  • Long-lasting, offering great value
Product Cons
  • No pouring spout included

Unveiling the Blueprint to Buying the Best Airbrush Cleaner

Unleashing your creativity through airbrushing comes with its fair share of challenges, one of them being maintaining your tools in pristine condition. A good airbrush cleaner ensures your tools are clean and perform optimally. The market is awash with numerous options, and finding the perfect fit can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. This guide helps you navigate the murky waters by focusing on the most crucial attributes to consider when hunting for the best airbrush cleaner.

Type of Cleaner

Cleaners come in three main types: water-based, solvent-based, and enzymatic. Water-based cleaners are perfect for acrylics, while solvent-based cleaners work best for solvent paints. Enzymatic cleaners excel at breaking down dried paint and are perfect for deep cleaning. It’s crucial to identify the type of paint you frequently use before selecting the cleaner.

Versatility

A good airbrush cleaner does more than just clean airbrushes. It can also clean other tools and surfaces without causing any damage. Seek out a cleaner that promises and delivers versatility, acting as a multi-tool that can clean brushes, stencils, and even clothing stains. This way, you’ll invest in an all-rounded solution that saves you time and money.

Effectiveness

The cleaner should efficiently eliminate paint residue to ensure your airbrush performs optimally. You need a cleaner that quickly dissolves the paint, helping you maintain a smooth and stable spray pattern. Check out reviews and ratings to gauge the cleaner’s effectiveness before making a purchase. Non-toxic Several airbrush cleaners in the market have harsh chemicals that can harm your health. Opt for a cleaner that emphasizes being non-toxic and eco-friendly. Such cleaners are safe to use, non-irritating, and do not harm the environment. Check the product description and labels for any hazardous ingredients or warnings.

Compatibility

Finding a cleaner that’s compatible with your airbrush is paramount. Some cleaners can cause damage to specific airbrush materials, especially if they are solvent-based. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines to find out if the cleaner is compatible with your airbrush model and the type of paint you use. A cleaner that’s compatible with a wide range of models and paints is a valuable asset.

Price

Lastly, consider the price and value for money. A good cleaner isn’t necessarily the most expensive. You want a cleaner that delivers excellent results and is reasonably priced. Consider the volume of the cleaner as well. A large volume can offer good value for money in the long run.

Airbrush Cleaner FAQs

How do I use airbrush cleaner?

To use airbrush cleaner, first empty the airbrush of any remaining paint. Then, add a small amount of cleaner to the airbrush and spray it through to clean the inner workings. Repeat this process as necessary until the spray is clear.

What types of substances can airbrush cleaner remove?

Airbrush cleaners can remove a variety of substances, including acrylic, enamel, and oil-based paints. It is also effective for cleaning other residues that can build up inside your airbrush over time.

Can airbrush cleaner damage my airbrush?

When used properly, the cleaning solution should not damage your airbrush. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, and never use more cleaner than recommended.

How often should I clean my airbrush?

You should clean your airbrush after every use to prevent a build-up of paint residue, which can affect the performance and lifespan of the tool.

What should I do if the airbrush cleaner is not effective?

If the airbrush cleaner is not effectively removing paint or other substances, it may be necessary to disassemble the airbrush for a more thorough cleaning. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for disassembly and reassembly to avoid damaging the tool.

Can I use household substances as airbrush cleaner?

You should not use household substances such as soap and water or rubbing alcohol as a substitute for airbrush cleaner. These can potentially cause damage to your airbrush. Always use a cleaner specifically designed for airbrushes.

Can I dispose of used airbrush cleaner down the sink?

You should not dispose of used airbrush cleaner down the sink as it may contain harmful substances. Check with your local waste disposal guidelines for the proper disposal method.

Trusted Insights from Artists

At Art Life Today, our passion for arts and crafts is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that the right tools and materials can make all the difference in your creative projects, so we take our responsibility as reviewers seriously. Our goal is to help you discover the best products that will inspire your creativity and bring your artistic visions to life.

Contributors

Art Life Review Team
Art Life Review Team
Painting and Paint Supplies
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