My shop labor rate is $85, and I still clean my guns The trick is to clean it right now....not later. But I can assure you I don't cry over it if one does get left with gel in it....That's why I buy the cheap ones. I also have different guns I use for different jobs though. I have one gun that I spray only clear from and it gets cleaned very well, every time. While my "general use" gun doesn't receive that kind of attention.