How to Clean a Paint Brush

How Do You Clean Paint Brushes?

The Water-Soluble Method

1. If you've just finished painting with your brush, wipe as much of the paint off as you can with an old rag or paper towel. The more wet paint you can wipe off, the easier this process will be. If you're cleaning a paint brush where the paint has hardened onto the brush, skip to the next step. 

2. Combine hot water and mild dishwashing soap in a glass jar or plastic container. Make sure that this container can be used exclusively for cleaning paint brushes. 
   
   Dip your paint brush into the soapy water and swirl it around. Make sure you're evenly moving your brush back and forth, so as to give the solution an equal opportunity to wash paint from each side of the brush.  If you're cleaning a brush that has hardened paint on it, this process might take longer. Be patient. The paint will dampen and loosen with a little time. Let your paint brush soak for a few minutes if the hardened paint isn't loosening right away. 

3. Once the paint has been removed, rinse the brush with some running water. If you have a paint brush comb, comb through your brush to remove any excess water or paint that's hidden inside. Rinse again. Dry immediately after with a rag or a paper towel. 

4. Optional: With the handle, spin your paint brush between your hands to shake off any excess water or soap that might still be lingering. 

5. Straighten the bristles, and let your brush dry. It's best practice to hang your brushes from the handle, but you can also lay the brush on its side. Do not stand a brush on its bristles. 

6. Optional: If this technique didn't quite remove all of the paint, repeat the entire process with fabric softener instead of dishwashing soap. 

The Solvent Method

1. Find an open space with lots of ventilation, so you won't be overwhelmed by the smell of the solvent. Pour the solvent into a clean container that won't be used for food or storage. Please note never to mix different solvents together. If you are working with paint thinner, it is advised that you wear safety goggles to cover your eyes in case of splashes. For protection against fumes, wear a ventilation mask. 

2. Dip your paint brush into the solvent. Lift the brush up and down, so the solvent can mix into the bristles. After a few dips, hold the brush over another empty container or over an old rag. Spin the brush by rotating the handle in between your hands. Repeat this step if there is still some visible paint. If you're trying to clean a paint brush that has hardened paint on it, let your brush soak for a few minutes before repeating this step. 

3. Once you've finished cleaning your paint brush with solvent, rinse the brush with running water. Make sure you douse each part of your brush, so you can give the water a chance to penetrate the bristles. Use a paint brush comb to help remove lingering paint. 

4. With an old rag or some paper towels, dry the brush thoroughly.

5. Straighten the bristles, and let your brush dry. It's best practice to hang your brushes from the handle, but you can also lay the brush on its side. Do not stand a paint brush on its bristles. 

6. Wash your hands thoroughly after using solvent. If you used paint thinner to clean your brush, check the paint thinner container for proper disposal instructions. Never pour paint thinner into the trash or down a drain, as this can cause environmental harm. Instead, many automotive places can dispose of paint thinner for you.