If you invest in a jewelry cleaning machine ($19-$49), you can easily wash several items on your workbench.

I use one to thoroughly clean out empty paint bottles. They can then be repurposed as small paint mixers or as a reservoir for an airbrush. The machine also removes those pesky, sticky bottle labels.

I have also used a jewelry cleaner to wash out my airbrush. I break down the parts and stick them in the plastic tub. Once they are paint-free, I let them air dry.

Using a teaspoon of cleaning powder ($1.39-$1.89 per bottle), lukewarm water, and the 3-minute setting on the machine, you can clean with ease.

Tip submitted by:
Kenneth Uffelman
Fresno, Calif.