It says in the build instructions to wash the parts before making the model. Do you guys do that, if so, how do you do it best?

I know its a novice question...

I wash all my models before starting them (parts still in spreus) in bowl filled with warm tap water with few drops of dish washing liquid. I keep them there for few minutes and stir three or four times. Then wash in clear water and let them dry on towels. Some modelers wash their models after gluing before painting, but I think it's too risky.

I agree with Marcin above. wash the sprues in warm water with some dishwashing liquid added and then rinse with clean water and let dry.

Cheers
Cliff

i like washing them after. The reason is when using pe and adding zim etc, its hard not to put your dirty hands everywere on the kit. I havnt had any problems this way yet and a soft toothbrush to GENTLY(keyword) wash the surface. i

I put mine in warm tap water with a bit of ammonia.

Frank

I have used warm water and dishwashing soap for years. After I complete the building phase I wash the kit, rinse it off with warm water and let it set on paper towels for a few days to dry. While it is drying I cover it with paper towels to keep the dust off. The dishwashing soap really helps remove any oil from your skin that was left behind. When I wash the kit I use a large makeup application brush to scrub it with. It is really soft and I don't have to worry about breaking off any parts when I use it.

HARV

what if I wash it at both times?

i guess your very clean

should harm the build...

Frank

"should" harm the build?! Do you mean "shouldn't"?

I don't think I'd do it anyway...probably just clean before and be done.