How to clean paint brushes so you can use them again and again

Paint is a staple of DIY home projects because it makes a big impact with little cost and time. You may be tempted to apply one last coat and call it a day, but cleaning your paintbrushes is an important final step.

Brushes should be washed immediately after completing a project. Dried paint can be difficult to remove and can even damage your brushes.

Learn how to clean paint brushes to keep them in top condition for your next DIY project.

Method 1: Dish soap and water

Water mixed with dish soap or liquid detergent is one of the most effective methods for cleaning paintbrushes. This method works with latex, acrylic, and even oil paints.

1. Remove excess paint from the brush. Wipe the brush against a paint tray or paint container to scrape off excess paint.
2. Rinse brush with warm water. Run your fingers through the bristles to help the water penetrate.
3. Fill a small bucket with warm soapy water.
4. Press the brush into the bottom of the bucket. Move the brush back and forth to work the water deep into the bristles.
5. Soak the brush in soapy water. Replace the bucket with clean soapy water and soak the brush for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how much paint is left on the brush.
6. Rinse the brush until the water runs clear. Squeeze the brush bristles to remove any remaining paint.
7. Dry the brush on newspaper or clean clothStore by laying flat or hanging with the bristles hanging down.

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Method 2: Chemical Cleaners

Use a chemical cleaner, such as mineral oil or paint thinner, to clean harder paints, such as oil paints, from your brushes. Check the paint can label for a commercial cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.

1. Remove excess paint from the brush. Wipe the brush against a paint tray or paint container to scrape off excess paint.
2. Fill a small container with chemical cleaner. Use disposable containers.
3. Dip the brush bristles in the cleaning machine in 30 seconds.
4. Remove the brush. Wipe brush bristles in a clean paint tray.
5. Repeat the process until the mop is clean.. Replace the cleaning solution if it becomes too dirty.
6. Clean the brush with warm water.
7. Dry the brush on newspaper or clean clothStore by laying flat or hanging with the bristles hanging down.

Clean the paint brush when the paint is dry.

If you forget to clean your brush right away and the paint dries, don’t panic. Here are some tips you can try to remove dried paint from your brush.

Soak the brush before cleaning

Pour some liquid soap and warm water into a small bucket. Soak the brush for 20 to 30 minutes. Follow the rest of the cleaning process. You can also try soaking the brush in distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or a chemical cleaner for hard paint.

Soaking your brushes can dry out the bristles. Once your brushes are thoroughly rinsed and dried, use linseed oil to condition the bristles.

Use a comb

Take a brush and brush through the bristles to remove any clumps of paint. Brush the bristles immediately after soaking and then again when dry to straighten the bristles.