Best Airless Paint Sprayer Cleaning Tools & Solvents

Keeping your airless paint sprayer clean isn’t just about maintenance, it’s about performance, durability, and saving time on every project. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or a professional contractor, using the best airless paint sprayer cleaning tools makes the difference between a flawless finish and a clogged disaster.

This guide walks you through top-rated cleaning kits and solvents, real user pros and cons, expert cleaning steps, and Amazon affiliate recommendations based on verified buyer reviews and SERP gaps.

Why Cleaning Tools Matter

If you’ve ever struggled with dried paint in the tip or uneven spray patterns, it’s usually due to poor cleaning habits. A properly cleaned sprayer ensures:

  • Consistent spray pressure and smooth coating.
  • Longer life for tips, hoses, and pumps.
  • Fewer costly replacements and downtime.

Many users search “how to clean airless sprayer” but overlook the right paint spray gun cleaning solvent or brush kits that make the job 5x faster.
If you’re new to spraying, also check our guide on best airless paint sprayer for beginners.

What You Need for Proper Cleaning

Before jumping to product reviews, here’s what a full cleaning setup should include:

Cleaning Tools:

Cleaning Solvents:

Choose based on your paint type:

  • Water-based paints: Use warm water or an eco-friendly cleaner.
  • Oil/solvent-based paints: Use paint gun cleaning solvent or paint sprayer cleaning solvent (like lacquer thinner or Pump Armor).

Extras That Help:

  • A dedicated rinse bucket (one for dirty, one for clean flush).
  • A sprayer flush tool for deep internal cleaning.
  • Protective gloves and goggles, solvents are no joke.

You can also read about best airless paint sprayer hose kit to complete your maintenance setup.

How to Clean Paint Sprayer — Step-by-Step

  • Relieve pressure: Always release built-up pressure before disassembling.
  • Flush paint: Run solvent or water through the hose until clear.
  • Clean filters and tip: Use small brushes to scrub inside and out.
  • Soak nozzle: A 10-minute soak in cleaning solvent works wonders.
  • Wipe down exterior: Avoid paint buildup on body and handle.
  • Dry completely: Moisture leads to rust and clogs, never skip drying.

For a full visual process, visit how to clean paint sprayer.

Top 5 Best Airless Paint Sprayer Cleaning Tools

Here’s a breakdown of the best-reviewed, most reliable, and time-saving cleaning kits and solutions, tested and loved by professional painters.

1. TCP Global 23-Piece Spray Gun Cleaning Kit

TCP Global 23-Piece Spray Gun Cleaning Kit

Why It’s Great:
This comprehensive set includes 23 different brushes, picks, and needles designed for all paint sprayer types.

Pros:

  • Works with airless and HVLP sprayers.
  • Comes with precision tips for cleaning spray nozzles.
  • Long-lasting nylon and brass brushes.

Cons:

  • No cleaning solvent included.
  • Small brushes can bend if used aggressively.

Verdict:
Perfect for deep cleaning and detail work. Best value for DIYers who already have cleaning solutions at home. You can pair it with one of our top sprayers from best airless paint sprayer for DIY projects.

2. Graco Pump Armor Fluid (1-Quart)

Graco APump Armor Fluid (1-Quart) (1)

Why It’s Great:
If you’re wondering “how to clean airless sprayer” internally, this is your answer. Designed by Graco for its own machines, it prevents freezing and corrosion.

Pros:

  • Protects pumps and hoses during storage.
  • Prevents rust and internal clogging.
  • Compatible with most water-based sprayers.

Cons:

  • A bit pricey for frequent use.
  • Doesn’t remove heavy dried paint, more for maintenance.

Verdict:
A must-have if you store your sprayer between projects. Ideal for professionals and seasonal users. We’ve also featured Graco models in our best airless paint sprayer for professionals review.

3. 17-Piece Paint Sprayer Cleaning Kit by NEIKO

Why It’s Great:
Affordable and compact, this kit includes all essentials to clean nozzles, filters, and guns.

Pros:

  • Comes with airbrush nozzle cleaners and large bore brushes.
  • Ergonomic handles for comfort.
  • Great for cleaning both airless and HVLP systems.

Cons:

  • Brush quality is medium-grade.
  • Lacks solvent or carrying case.

Verdict:
Perfect for casual users or homeowners who spray occasionally. It complements any sprayer listed in our best airless paint sprayer for home renovation.

4. Paint Gun Cleaning Solvent – Wagner Clean-Up Kit

Paint Gun Cleaning Solvent – Wagner Clean-Up Kit

Why It’s Great:
This paint gun cleaner solvent dissolves even stubborn oil-based residues and leaves no odor.

Pros:

  • Safe for metal and rubber seals.
  • Works fast, great time-saver.
  • No strong chemical fumes.

Cons:

  • Slightly small bottle size.
  • Not suitable for water-based paints.

Verdict:
Best choice for those using oil-based coatings. A solid solution when combined with a brush kit or when cleaning tools after using heavy-duty sprayers from best airless paint sprayer for contractors.

5. Paint Pump Wash (1-Gallon Concentrate)

Paint Pump Wash (1-Gallon Concentrate) (1)

Why It’s Great:
A favorite among pros who spray daily. It’s a biodegradable concentrate for water-based paints.

Pros:

  • Economical and easy to mix.
  • Keeps lines and filters residue-free.
  • Environmentally friendly.

Cons:

  • Not for solvent-based systems.
  • Requires dilution with water.

Verdict:
If you use latex or acrylic paints, this is the best airless paint sprayer cleaning tool to flush the system after every use.

Quick Comparison Table

ProductTypeBest ForSolvent IncludedVerdict
TCP Global KitBrushes & PicksDetail cleaningBudget-friendly all-rounder
Graco Pump ArmorProtective FluidPump storageProfessional-grade maintenance
NEIKO KitBrush SetEveryday usersAffordable home option
Wagner CleanerSolventOil-based paintsBest for tough paints
Paint Pump WashCleaning SolutionWater-based paintsEco-friendly daily cleaner

Out-of-the-Box Tips to Keep Your Sprayer Like New

  • Use two cleaning buckets: one for rough flush, one for final rinse.
  • Add a see-through inline hose segment: when the fluid runs crystal-clear, you know it’s fully clean.
  • Label your solvents: (“Latex Only,” “Oil-Based”) to prevent mixing.
  • Run lubricant after every 3 cleanings: to keep seals flexible.
  • Create a quick checklist: filter, tip, hose, gun , tick each off before storage.

For long-term durability, see our best low overspray airless paint sprayer guide.

Final Verdict

If you want long-lasting equipment and clean, even finishes, don’t treat cleaning as an afterthought.

For water-based users → Paint Pump Wash + TCP Global Kit is unbeatable.
For oil-based pros → Wagner Solvent + Graco Pump Armor combo is gold.

By combining the best airless paint sprayer cleaning tools with smart habits, you’ll spray smoother, faster, and cleaner, every single time.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *