Quick answer
Replace your Iwata CL150 refill when the cleaner no longer dissolves dried paint, wipes and pipe cleaners are used up, or the kit has been open for months and lost effectiveness. Store it sealed, upright, and away from heat and sunlight to get the most from each pack.
Why a refill pack is not just about the cleaner
The CL150 refill includes Medea Airbrush Cleaner, Artool Studio Wipes, extra-small cleaning brushes, non-shedding pipe cleaners, and illustrated instructions. Each item wears out at a different rate, so judging replacement by the bottle alone can leave you without the tools that actually remove pigment from tight passages.
If you clean your airbrush after every color, the wipes and pipe cleaners often run out before the cleaner does. If you clean less often but use heavy acrylics, the cleaner may lose strength first. Track which component you reach for last, because that is the one that signals the kit is done.
The storage mistake that shortens refill life
Keeping the refill in a hot car, a sunny windowsill, or an unventilated cabinet can degrade the cleaner and dry out the wipes. The kit does not include a dedicated storage container, so use a sealed plastic bin or the original resealable bag and keep it at room temperature.
Do not store used pipe cleaners or brushes back in the pack. Contamination from dried paint can transfer to fresh tools and make the next cleaning less effective. Keep a small waste container nearby and discard used items immediately.
When the problem is technique, not the refill
If your airbrush still sprays unevenly after a full cleaning with a fresh refill, the issue may be dried paint inside the nozzle or a bent needle, not a depleted kit. Replacing the refill will not fix mechanical damage or hardened paint that needs a longer soak.
Similarly, if you are cleaning only the color cup and not the nozzle and needle, you will use up wipes and cleaner quickly without solving the clog. Review your cleaning routine before assuming the refill is the problem.
Diagnose whether you need a new refill
- Cleaner no longer dissolves paint: If Medea Airbrush Cleaner leaves a sticky film or requires repeated scrubbing to lift dried acrylic, the cleaner has lost strength. Replace the refill pack rather than diluting or topping off with water. Test a drop on dried paint: if it does not soften within a minute, replace.
- Wipes, brushes, or pipe cleaners are exhausted: When you run out of any single consumable, the kit is effectively finished for thorough cleaning. Do not substitute household paper towels for Artool Studio Wipes, as they can shed fibers into the airbrush. Keep a spare refill on hand if you clean after every session.
- Kit has been open for several months: Even if unused, an open refill can dry out or become contaminated. If the wipes are stiff or the cleaner smells different, replace it. Store the current kit sealed and upright to slow this process. Write the open date on the pack to track age.
- Airbrush still clogs after fresh refill: If a new refill and full cleaning do not restore smooth spraying, stop replacing consumables. Inspect the nozzle for dried paint, check the needle for a bent tip, and consider professional service or replacement parts. Rule out mechanical issues before buying another refill.
Product facts
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Iwata Refill for Cleaning Kit CL150: The Iwata Airbrush Cleaning Kit Refill Pack contains Medea Airbrush Cleaner, Artool Studio Wipes, extra-small cleaning brushes, non-shedding pipe cleaners, and illustrated step-by-step cleaning instructions. Having the same tools Iwata technicians use means you can match your cleaning routine to the instructions and avoid guesswork when the kit needs replacing.
Iwata Refill for Cleaning Kit CL150