I got into the habit many years ago before gravity guns became so popular, to clean my guns, and before I store them, fill the cup half full with mineral spirits and drop the nozzle and soft parts in the cup. I then reattach the cup and set it on the shelf. I have pulled a gun off the shelf after several years of not using it and the mineral spirits have kept the cup gasket and packing in great shape. Before an old painter gave me that tip, I could count on replacing the soft parts in my guns if they sat too long between uses.
If I ever break down and get a gravity rig, I'll probably have to change my habits, since they now come in nice cases that kinda force you to break them down before putting them away.
