To keep your airbrush nozzles squeaky clean from now on, go on EBay and search “absorbent paper points”. You will come up with these, for $5.99 / 200 -
These are dental items but they are perfect for cleaning out airbrush nozzles. They are fine and pointed enough to go through the nozzle. Just soak your nozzle in lacquer thinner, then take it out, and using a tweezer, insert a dry paper point through the nozzle and twist away. You will be amazed at the amount of black gunk you will get out of your nozzle, with no risk of damage to the nozzle at all.
Use the medium for .5 and up, and the fine for .3 and down. You need these if you own an airbrush, you really do. I’ve been using these for years and my airbrushes perform perfectly [almost] every day.
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Is there a certain size/colors that work better? I also see some with different tapers, how does that come in play?
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I’ve not played with other types or tapers. I just know that this brand and size work great for airbrush nozzles.
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Will add to the supply list!
Thanks Matt!
An acquaintance who’s deep into airbrushing, airbrush customization and collecting suggested these along a similar line.
I ordered some Dills this morning.
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I use these ‘Pre Injection Swabs’.
I ended up buying them by accident- thinking I was ordering large wipes- was a bit miffed when I received four boxes of these wee things. But they turned out to be great- they will scrub any crud off the AB and they will also easily clean any other tools you have that need attention. I also use them to help strip paint off figure model sub-assemblies.
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While not technically a must have, it sure seems like a must have after becoming used to having it available:
Second airbrush used exclusively for spraying thinner to help with clean up of primary airbrush, color cup etc.
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A splitter/manifold to run additional airbrushes (old or starter AB) from same compressor works for clean up works. My old Paasche H works well for this task.
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A less than $25 rechargeable nail salon airbrush could work as well.
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Do the paper tapers work better than…
an ultra sonic cleaner? Another must have.
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The paper tapers are the only way to wipe inside the nozzle without damaging it. They are a great +1 to ultrasonic cleaners and a sure way to make sure your nozzles are clean inside.
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You know someone mentioned vortex paint stirrers on another thread… and now one in being shipped. Oh so weak when it comes to tools…
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I have the tool time weakness too. I have one of those same vortex mixers. It’s awesome.
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Every man who uses tools is constantly on the look-out for new fancy tools.
Home renovation project? Excellent reason to get some new tools …
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Big move to a new location? Excellent reason to get rid of, let’s say 10 tools that will never get used again. The other gazillion.25, I wouldn’t trade for the world! 
—mike 
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I can’t find pipe cleaners that are small enough any more. I had a bunch and when I went through them thought I’d find an easy replacement, but everything now is just too big…
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Have you looked at interdental brushes?
They go down to 0.4 mm, perfect for the airbrush body and the larger holes and openings, they are even small enough for the larger nozzles.
Some are made of bristles locked into twisted wire, some are made of a rubbery plastic.
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