How to Clean Paint Brushes

What You'll Need

• Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap (for latex)
• Paint thinner or mineral spirits (for oil-based)
• Warm water
• Brush comb
• Newspaper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Identify the paint type

   Check the paint can label. Latex (water-based) paint cleans with soap and water. Oil-based requires solvent.

2. 2

   For latex paint

   Rinse under warm running water, then work Lemon Glow Dish Soap through the bristles. Squeeze from ferrule to tip. Repeat until water runs clear.

3. 3

   For oil-based paint

   Swirl the brush in paint thinner or mineral spirits until the paint dissolves. Then wash with warm soapy water to remove the solvent.

4. 4

   Reshape and dry

   Use a brush comb to straighten bristles. Reshape to the original form and hang or lay flat to dry. Store hanging when possible.

Pro Tips

• TIPNever let paint dry in a brush. Clean within 2 hours of use for easy cleaning. Dried paint ruins brushes.
• TIPFor a break during painting, wrap the brush tightly in plastic wrap or a wet rag to prevent drying.
• TIPInvest in quality brushes and clean them properly. A $15 brush cleaned after every use outlasts twenty $3 disposable brushes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XSoaking brushes bristle-down in water for hours, which bends bristles permanently and loosens the ferrule.
• XUsing hot water on natural bristle brushes, which damages the hair.
• XPouring paint thinner down the drain, which is an environmental hazard. Dispose of properly at a hazardous waste facility.

Frequently Asked Questions