How to Clean Paint Brushes: 4 Simple Methods

Using a solvent is the best way to clean your paint brushes. Solvent is a strong cleaning liquid. It works well for oil-based paints and thick paints. Here's how to clean paint brushes with solvent:

What You'll Need:

- Paint thinner or mineral spirits

- Small container or cup

- Paper towels or old cloth

1. Remove Extra Paint From the Brush: Take a paper towel or old cloth. Wipe the bristles on the paper. This removes most of the wet paint. Keep wiping until no more paint comes off on the paper.

2. Pour Solvent Into a Container: Use a small cup or jar. Add enough solvent to cover the bristles completely. Do not fill the container too much. You only need enough liquid to reach the painted part of the brush.

3. Let the Brush Soak: Put the brush in the solvent. Leave it there for at least 10 minutes. The solvent will start to break down the paint. You will see the paint coming off into the liquid.

4. Scrub the Bristles Gently: Take a clean cloth or paper towel. Wipe the bristles in the direction they point. Do not pull against the bristles. If paint remains on the brush, add more solvent and wipe again.

5. Let the Brush Dry Completely: Place the brush on a flat surface. Let it dry in the open air. Do not use the brush until it is totally dry.

Dish soap is good for cleaning water-based paints. It is safe and easy to use. Most people have dish soap in their kitchen. This method is simple and works well for everyday painting projects.

What You'll Need:

- Dish soap

- Warm water

- Small bowl or cup

- Paper towels

1. Remove Wet Paint First: Use a paper towel to wipe the bristles. Press the brush against the paper and pull down. This takes off the extra paint before washing. Keep wiping until less paint comes off.

2. Make Soapy Water: Fill a small bowl or cup with warm water. Add one or two tablespoons of dish soap. Mix the water until you see bubbles. The soap will help lift the paint from the bristles.

3. Soak the Brush in Soapy Water: Put the brush into the soapy water. Push it down so all the bristles go under the water. Let it sit for 10 minutes. The soap will start to break down the paint.

4. Rinse the Brush Under Warm Water: Hold the brush under running water. Rub the bristles gently with your fingers. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This means all the soap and paint are gone.

5. Dry the Brush With a Paper Towel: Press the bristles between paper towels to remove extra water. Then lay the brush flat on a towel. Let it dry overnight in a place with good air flow.

If you have vinegar at home, you can use it too to clean your paint brushes. Here's how to clean paint brushes with vinegar:

What You'll Need:

- White vinegar

- Small container or bowl

- Bar soap or liquid hand soap

- Paper towels

1. Pour Vinegar Into a Container: Use white vinegar for best results. Fill a small cup or bowl. Add enough vinegar to cover the painted bristles. You can mix the vinegar with some water if you want.

2. Put the Brush in the Vinegar: Make sure the bristles are completely under the liquid. Let the brush soak for 10 minutes. The vinegar acid will help loosen the dried paint from the bristles.

3. Scrub With Soap: After soaking, rub the bristles against a bar of soap. You can also use liquid hand soap. The soap helps remove the loosened paint and the vinegar smell.

4. Rinse With Hot Water: Hold the brush under hot running water. Rub the bristles gently as the water runs over them. Keep rinsing until you see no more paint or soap. The water should be clear.

5. Blot and Dry: Use a paper towel to press out extra water from the bristles. Lay the brush flat on a clean towel. Leave it in a dry place overnight. Do not stand the brush up while it is still wet.

Fabric conditioner is usually used for clothes. But it also works well to clean paint brushes. The product helps soften the bristles and remove water-based paints. This method is gentle and leaves your brushes feeling soft.

What You'll Need:

- Fabric conditioner

- Warm water

- Sink or large container

- Bar soap or dishwashing liquid

- Paper towels

1. Wipe Off Extra Paint: Use paper towels or an old cloth to remove as much paint as possible. Clean the bristles by wiping from the metal part down to the tip. Use a fresh paper towel if the first one gets too dirty.

2. Fill Your Sink With Warm Water: Plug the sink and add warm water. Pour in some fabric conditioner. Keep adding conditioner until all the bristles will be covered when you put the brush in. The water should feel slippery.

3. Soak the Brush: Place your brush in the fabric conditioner mixture. Make sure the bristles are completely under the water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. The fabric conditioner will work to soften and remove the paint.

4. Scrub With Soap or Dishwashing Liquid: After soaking, take the brush out. Rub the bristles against a bar of soap or add some dishwashing liquid. This helps remove any remaining paint and the fabric conditioner.

5. Rinse Well With Warm Water: Hold the brush under running warm water. Squeeze the bristles gently as you rinse. Make sure all the soap and fabric conditioner are gone. The bristles should feel clean and smooth.

6. Dry Overnight: Blot the brush with a paper towel to remove excess water. Place the brush on a towel in a flat position. Leave it to air dry completely before you use it again.

Now you know several ways to clean your brushes. But cleaning is not the only important thing. Here are more tips to help your paint brushes last longer and work better.

- Separate Brushes by Paint Type: Use different brushes for different paints. Keep one set for oil paints and another set for water-based paints. This stops the wrong type of paint from building up in the bristles. Your brushes will work better and last longer.

- Do Not Soak Brushes in Water for Long Periods: Many people leave their brushes sitting in water. This is bad for the brush. The water goes into the wooden handle and makes it swell. The metal part can become loose. The bristles can bend or break. Instead, rinse your brush and lay it flat.

- Dip Only the Bristles in Paint: When you paint, only put the bristle tips in the paint. Do not push the whole brush into the paint can. Paint that gets into the metal part is very hard to remove. It will make your brush stiff over time.

- Dry Brushes Lying Flat: After washing, always lay your brushes flat on a towel. Do not stand them up in a jar while they are wet. Water will run down into the metal part and damage the handle. Flat drying helps water move away from the important parts.

- Store Dry Brushes With Bristles Up: Once your brushes are completely dry, you can store them standing up in a jar or cup. This keeps the bristles in good shape. Make sure they are totally dry first. Never store wet or damp brushes in a closed container.

- Use Palette Knives for Mixing Colors: When you mix paints together, use a palette knife instead of your brush. This saves your brush from extra wear. The brush will stay cleaner and last much longer because it only touches paint when you are actually painting.

- Clean Brushes Right After Painting: Do not wait to clean your brushes. Paint that dries is much harder to remove. Clean your brushes as soon as you finish your project. This takes less time and keeps your brushes in better condition. Fresh paint comes off easily with just water or soap.