How to Clean Painting Brushes at Home?

Painting, whether an artistic activity or a household renovation duty, many of us have done it before but let’s discuss about how to clean painting brushes after usage. We have to take some time and effort on cleaning paint brushes after using them, especially making them last for a long time.
Effective Ways to Clean Paint Brushes After Painting
Cleaning a paint brush is important to use it for the next uses. There are some methods cleaning paint brushes. We’ve compiled some of the best ways to clean paint brushes and make them last!
1. Apply soap and water
One of the simplest ways to clean brushes is using soap and hot water. Soap and hot water are two things that we use and take for granted everyday. These are also the two things you need to clean paintbrushes. It might take some patience, but water and soap are all it might take to do the job. Start by preparing some soapy water and pour it into a clean container. Then you dip the brush into the soapy water washing the brush bristles to cleanse as much of the paint. After that, put the brush back into the hot/warm water and leave it sitting there for 20 minutes or so.
2. How to clean painting brushes using solvents

There are many other ways on how to clean painting brushes. If you’re looking for a fast and effective method to do this, we recommend using solvents. Solvents work best to clean your paintbrushes just after you’re done using them. You will need a few materials when using solvents to clean the paint brushes. The correct type of solvent to use depends on the kind of paint for one thing. You will need a few materials to work with the solvent and these include paper towels, rags, old paintbrush, bucket, and disposable gloves. There are several steps that involves in cleaning painting brushes with solvent as follows:
- First of all, try remove any leftover paint from the brush with a paper towel or old rag to facilitate the cleaning process
- Next, pour some solvent into any type of container. You want to ensure that you clearly mark your container so that you don’t end up putting food into it. Then place your painting brush into the solvent
- Start swirling the painting brush around the solvent to remove all the paint
- When you’ve cleaned your brush, rinse off any excess solvent with running tap water
- Reshape your paintbrush bristles, let the brush dry and store it somewhere until you use it the next time
Here are the solvents to consider:
- Apply water on your brushes to remove the paint
- Use paint thinner to remove oil-based paints
- Water-based paint can be removed by water
- Certain alcohol can be used on shellacs
If you’re unsure of what solvent to use, consult a home décor retail store to verify. When cleaning painting brushes, you should always wear plastic gloves and work safety clothes when using solvents. Also, when working with solvents, you it’s recommended that you’re in an open area where there’s adequate ventilation.
3. Using vinegar to clean hardened paint on brushes

Vinegar is normally used in cooking but you can use it in various purposes specially cleaning. Vinegar is also an ideal solution in cleaning painting brushes with tough stains of paint. You would need white vinegar along with a pot, a used painting brushes, and the stove for this task. The steps are as follows:
- First, put some vinegar into the pot or use one that you might get specifically for paintbrushes at a local thrift store
- Place the brush in the vinegar and let the paint covered areas to soak completed into the vinegar. Add more vinegar if necessary
- Bring the vinegar to a boil then put it simmer for a brief moment
- Turn off the heat to let it cool off before taking out the brush from vinegar
- Use your fingers to brush off the vinegar from the bristles then rinse the brush with cold water until the paint comes off
- Repeat these steps until all the paint are gone then reshape the paintbrush bristles then let it dry
4. Applying fabric softener as a quick way to remove paint
Another good method of quickly and effectively remove paint from your brushes is applying fabric softener. Here’s are the materials that you will need: 1/8 cup of fabric softener, 4 cups of warm water, a bowl or bucket, paper towel/old rag and a dirty paint brush.
Follow these steps in applying fabric softener to remove paint from your brush:
- Begin the process by removing as much paint as possible from your paintbrush with an old rag preferably
- Pour some fabric softener and a few cups of warm water into a container of your choice then mix
- Stir your paintbrush around the until paint is removed
- Once you’ve cleaned off the paint from your brush, rinse any leftover solution off with water
- Then dry your brush and if necessary, wipe off excess solvent using paper towels or old rags then reshape the bristles
Pro Tips: Buy quality brushes to simplify cleaning task
Using water and soap, thinner, vinegar are some good ways of how to clean painting brushes. However, if you want to retain your paintbrushes for years, using a little extra help would do the trick. One advice is to buy high-quality painting brushes that suits best for the type of paint you’re using. Having the right paintbrush makes it easier to clean it. In order to clean it properly and ensure the brush’s longevity, follow these tips:
- It’s good practice to allow only two inches of paint on brush before painting. Having less paint on your paintbrush, the less you have to clean
- When done with painting, remove as much paint from the brush either on the surface where you’re painting, the rim of the paint can or on a paper towel or cloth
- In addition, you can also use a brush comb to comb out the paint from the bristles
Here you have four methods on how to clean printing brushes after your paint job. As you can see, it’s not as hard as you might think in removing paint from your paintbrushes. Using the basic items in our household like vinegar, fabric softener, water, solvents and paper towels or old rags will do a fine job in keeping your brushes in good condition for years to come.
Explore more
- 2 Tier Corner rack
- 3 Compartment Tall Box with Lid
- 3 Fold Clothes Drying Airer Racks
- 3-Tier Rolling Storage Cabinet
- 360 Degree Round Make Up Holder
- 360 Degree Square Make Up Holder
- 4 Tier Slim Cabinet
- Adapter
- Adaptors
- Adopters
- Aesthetic Space Solutions
- Affordable
- Affordable Storage Solution
- After-Party Clean Up
- Airtight Food Container
- Aluminum Foil Tray
- Aluminum Foil Trays
- Ancient Civilization
- Aroma Diffuser
- Aromatherapy
- Aromatherapy Diffuser
- Aromatherapy Diffusers
- Art of Kitchen Display
- Automatic Drying Rack with Smart Drying System
- Automatic Drying Racks
- Automatic Laundry Rack
- Baby Shower
- Balanced Lifestyle
- Balloon
- Balloon Arch
- Balloon Art
- Balloon Boquet
- Balloon Centerpieces
- Balloon Decorations
- Balloon Garland
- Balloon Garlands and Arches
- Balloon Pump
- Balloon Stand
- Balloons
- Bamboo Organizers
- Bamboo Racks
- Bamboo Storage Shelf
- Bamboo Tissue Box
- Bamboo Tissue Box with Desktop Storage Organizer
- Baskets
- bathroom accessories
- Bathroom Cleaning
- Bathroom Mats
- Bean Bags
- Bed Organization
- Bed Side Table
- Bedside Organizers
- Bins
- Birthdays
- Blenders
- Blending VS Juicing
- Bolt Cutters
- Book Shelves
- Bookshelves
- Braided Storage Basket with Lid
- Broom
- Broom and Dustpan
- Broom and Dustpan Set
- BroomMops
- Brooms
- Brooms and Dustpans
- Brushes
- Bucket
- Budget-Friendly Packing
- Cabinet
- Cabinets
- Cat Lovers
- Century Square
- Child-sized bookshelf
- Children's Bean Bags
- Children's Cardboards
- Children's Chairs
- Children's Tables
- Chisels
- Chopping Boards
- Christmas Gift Guide
- Circulator
- Clean Kitchen
- Cleaning Accessories
- Cleaning Brush
- Cleaning Caddy
- Cleaning CLoth
- Cleaning Clothes
- Cleaning CLoths
- Cleaning Essentials
- Cleaning Hacks
- Cleaning Mop
- Cleaning Necessities
- Cleaning organizer
- CLEANING ORGANIZERS
- Cleaning Supplies
- Cleaning Techniques
- Cleaning Tools
- Clear Storage Boxes
- Clever Storage Solutions
- Closet Organization
- Closet Space Maximization
- clothes drying rack
- Clothing Rack
- Clothing Racks
- Clutter Reduction
- Clutter-Free Home
- Clutter-free space
- Cluttered-free home
- Coasters
- Coasters and Placemats
- Comforting Space
- Confetti Balloons
- Containers
- Contemporary Home
- Convenience Stores
- Cooking
- Cooking Essentials
- Cooking Space
- Corner bookshelf
- Corner Shelves
- Cos
- Cosmetic Organizer
- Cosmetic Organizers
- Cosmetics Organizers
- Crystal Diffuser
- Cup Coasters
- Cushion
- Cushions
- Cutting Board
- Declutter
- Decluttering
- Desk Organizers
- Desk Trays
- Desktop file organizers
- Desktop Storage Organizer
- Detailing tools
- Diatomite Absorbent Mat
- Diet Tips
- Dish Drainer
- Dish Drainers
- Dish Rack
- Disney
- Display bookshelf
- Display Shelves
- DIY
- DIY Balloon Backdrops
- Dog Lovers
- Double Tier Make Up Holder
- Drawer dividers
- Drawer organisers
- Drawer Organizers
- Drawers
- Drying Racks
- Dust-Free Home
- Duster
- Dustpan
- Dustpans
- Eco Friendly Baskets with Handles
- Eco Laundry Baskets
- Eco-Friendly Items
- Eco-friendly Laundry Basket
- Eco-friendly Laundry Products
- Eco-friendly Living Room Rugs
- Eco-friendly moving
- Eco-Friendly Products
- Eco-friendly round rugs
- Eco-friendly Storage Baskets
- Eco-friendly Storage Products
- Ecofriendly Homecare
- Ecofriendly Homeware
- Ecofriendly Storage Boxes with Lid
- ecoHouze
- Efficient Organization
- Efficient Shopping
- Efficient Stockroom
- Electric Circulator
- Electrical Tips
- Emotional Adventure
- Emotional Impact of Moving
- Energy-Savers
- Essential Oils
- Evolution of Laundry Hampers
- Extendable Drying Rack
- Extendable Kitchen Rack Organizer (Coffee)
- Extendable Laundry Rack
- Extendable Stainless Steel Sink Drainer
- Extendable Stainless Steel Sunken Sink Drainer
- Fabric Laundry Basket with Cover
- Fabric Laundry Baskets
- Fabric Ottoman
- Fabric Storage Box
- Fabric Storage Boxes
- Fabric Storage Stools
- Fashion Retailers
- Feng Shui
- Feng-Shui
- File Boxes
- File Organizers
- Foil Balloons
- Foldable Bamboo Shoe Rack
- Foldable Corner Shelf
- Foldable Hanging Laundry Basket
- Foldable Laptop Buddy
- Foldable Linen Storage Box
- Foldable Racks
- Foldable Shelf
- Foldable Shelves
- Foldable Storage Box
- Foldable Storage Boxes
- Foldable Storage Self
- Folding Drying Racks
- Food Containers
- Food Storage
- Food Storage Containers
- Food Storage Solutions
- Fridge Organization
- Fun Juice Recipe for Kids
- Fur babies
- Fur parents
- Garden Rakes
- Gardening
- Gardening Tools
- Gender Reveal
- Gender Reveal Balloons
- Glass and Bottle Sponge Scrub
- Glass Food Containers
- Glass Food Storage
- Glass Storage Jars
- Gloves
- Green Living
- Green Move in Singapore
- Greenshield Wipes
- Grocery Errands
- Grocery Shopping
- Hangers
- Hangers & Pegs
- Hangers and Pegs
- Hanging Baskets
- Hanging Laundry Baskets
- Hanging Organizers
- Harmonious Abode
- Harmonious Home
- Harmony
- Health and Wellness
- Healthier Home in SIngapore
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Helium Kit
- hoe Racks
- Home Decor
- Home Essentials
- Home Improvement
- Home in Singapore
- Home Management
- Home Office
- Home Organization
- Home Storage
- Home Tools
- Homecare
- Homeware
- homeware superstore
- House Relocation
- Household Wet Wipes
- Housewarming
- Housewarming Essentials
- HOUSEWARMING GIFTS
- Housewarming Must-Haves
- Housewarming Party
- HOUZE Laundry Essentials
- Houze Slim Ladder
- HOUZE SUPERSTORE
- Hurom
- HUROM Juicer
- Hyacinth Woven Baskets with Handles
- Hybrid Mattress
- Industrial Revolution
- Innovative Designs
- Instagram-Worthy Vanity Space
- Interior Design
- Ironing Boards
- Jewelry Boxes
- Jewelry Collections
- Jewelry Organization
- Jewelry Organizers
- Juicer
- Juicers
- Juicing for Kids
- Juicing in Singapore
- Keyboard Organizers
- Kid's Cardboard
- Kid's Chair
- Kid's Table
- Kids bookshelf
- Kids Reading
- Kids Series
- Kitchen
- kitchen accessories
- Kitchen Accessories in Singapore
- Kitchen Corner Rack
- Kitchen Essentials
- Kitchen Fittings
- Kitchen Fittings in Singapore
- Kitchen Organization for Busy families
- Kitchen Organizers
- Kitchen Pantry
- Kitchen Racks
- Kitchen Space
- Kitchen Storage
- Kitchen Storage and Racks
- Kitchen Storage Containers
- Kitchen Storage Racks
- Kitchen Utensils
- Kitchenware
- Knitted Hanging Lampshades
- Knock Down Cabinet
- KonMari Method
- Ladder bookshelf
- Ladders
- Latex Balloon
- Laundry
- laundry accessories
- Laundry bags
- Laundry Bags and Baskets
- Laundry Basket with Lid
- Laundry baskets
- Laundry Baskets and Bags
- Laundry cabinet
- Laundry Day
- Laundry Enthusiast
- Laundry Essentials
- Laundry Hampers
- Laundry Hangers
- Laundry On the Go
- Laundry Products
- laundry rack
- Laundry Racks
- Laundry Room
- Laundry Room Organization
- Laundry Shelf
- Leather Bottle Protector
- Leifheit
- Leifheit Warehouse Sale
- Lifestyle
- Lifestyle Products
- Lifestyle Tips
- Linear Box
- Linear Box with Lids
- Lipstick Organiser
- Living Room
- Living Room Essentials
- Living Room in SIngapore
- Low-level bookshelf
- Make Up Organization
- Makeup Collection
- Makeup Lovers
- Makeup Organisers
- Mastering your Move
- Maximise Space
- Maximizing Space
- Maximizing Storage
- Medieval and Renaissance Era
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Mindful Cleaning
- Minimalism
- Minimalist
- Minimalist Home
- Minimalist Kitchen
- Minimalist packing
- Minimizing Stress
- Mirrors
- Modern Innovations
- Modern Shopper
- Modular Shelving System
- Mop
- Mops
- Mosquito Killer Lamp
- Mosquito Repellent
- Mother's Day
- Mother's Day Gift Ideas
- Movers
- Moving Containers
- Moving Out
- Moving Out Tips
- Moving with Kids
- Moving-Out
- Multi hangers
- Multi-Drawer Desk Organisers
- Multi-Drawer Desk Organizers
- Multifunctional Wooden Clothing Rack
- Multifunctional Wooden Clothing Racks
- must have clothes drying rack
- Natur Knitted Collection
- Natural Cleaning Products
- New home
- Non-slip Hangers
- Non-Traditional Celebrations
- Office Storage Supplies
- Office Supplies Organizers
- Office Supplies Storage Solutions
- Online retail business
- Open Shelves
- Organisers
- Organization
- Organization Hacks
- Organizational Solution
- Organizers
- Organizing
- Organizing Shopping Trolley
- Ottoman
- Ottomans
- Outdoor
- Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Outdoor Essentials
- Over-the-door Drying Racks
- Overhead Shelf Hanging Basket
- Paint
- Pantry
- Pantry Organizations
- Pantry Organizers
- PARTY and GAMES
- Paya Lebar Quarter
- Ped Bedding
- Pegboards
- Pen and Pencil Holders
- Peranakan Cushion Covers
- Perfect Choice in Singapore
- Perfect Storage Products
- Personal Safety Alarm
- Pet Accessories
- Pet Ball Bazooka
- Pet Ball Thrower
- Pet Ball Thrower with Ball
- Pet Bedding
- Pet Beddings
- pet beds
- Pet Bottles
- Pet Bowls
- Pet Care
- Pet Care Solutions
- Pet Cleaning Essentials
- Pet Collars
- Pet Cushion Bed
- Pet Drinking Bottles
- Pet Durable Chewable Toys
- Pet Feeders
- Pet Feeding Bowls
- Pet Feeding Essentials
- Pet Knitted Balls
- Pet Knotted Balls
- Pet Lovers
- Pet Owners
- Pet Steel Bowl
- Pet Toy Double Knotted Bone
- Pet Toy Plastic Wheel
- Pet Toy Tug Bone
- Pet Toy Tug Star
- Pet Toys
- Pet-Cushion
- Pet-friendly foods
- Pet-friendly Home
- Pet-friendly parks
- Pet-friendly places
- Pet-Friendly Spaces
- Petcare
- Pets
- Piñata
- Placemats
- Plastic Chopping Board
- Plastic Containers
- Plastic Laundry Baskets
- Plastic Toolboxes
- PLQ MALL
- Plunger
- ponges
- Pop Up Shops
- Portable All-in-One File Box
- Portable Balloon Hand Pump
- Portable Glass Bottle
- Portable Water Bottles
- Post Renovation Clean Up
- Pot and Pan Racks
- Prong Hoes
- Pull-out Baskets
- Pure Essentail Oils
- Pure Essential Oils
- Racks
- Rattan Laundry Basket with Linen Lining
- Raya Sale
- Rayen
- Rectangle Single Tier
- Regular Cleaning
- Relocate
- Relocation
- Relocation Needs
- Relocation Tips
- Remote Workers
- Remove Pet Stains
- Renovation Tip
- Renovations
- Retail Business
- Retail Industries
- Retail Space Organization
- Retail Storage
- Retailers
- Retails
- Rolling Organisers
- Rolling Storage Cabinets
- Rolser
- Room Organization
- Room Renovation
- Room Renovation Ideas
- Room Renovations
- Rotating bookshelf
- Round rugs
- Round Silicone Food Jar
- Safety Measures
- Sanctuary of serenity
- Satin hangers
- Scouring Pads
- Screwdrivers
- Scrub and SPonges
- Scrub brushes
- Scrubs
- Seagrass Baskets
- Seagrass Plant Basket with Handles
- Seagrass Rug
- Seagrass Storage Basket
- Seagrass Storage Boxes with Lid
- Self-Care
- Serene Home Office
- Shelf bench
- Shelf-Hanging Basket
- Shelves
- Shelving
- Shoe Box
- Shoe Boxes
- Shoe Rack
- Shoe Racks
- Shoe Rack\
- Shoebox
- Shopping
- Shopping Experience
- Shopping in SIngapore
- Shopping Partner
- Shopping Spree
- Shopping Trolley
- Shopping Trolleys
- Singapore
- Singapore Retailers
- Singapore Warehouse
- Singaporean ABode
- Singaporean Fur Dads
- Singaporean Fur Moms
- Singaporean Fur Parents
- Singaporean Home Kitchen
- Singaporean Home Office
- Singaporean Homes
- Singaporean Pet Owners
- Singaporean pet-friendly parks
- Singaporean pet-friendly places
- Singaporean Refreshing Drinks
- Singaporean Retailers
- Singaporean Shopper
- Singaporean Workspace
- Single Tier Make Up Buddy
- Sink Drainer Rack
- Skin Care Tips
- Slated Wood Diatomite Mat
- Slim Cabinet
- Slim Cabinets
- Slim Racks
- Slimline Storage Box
- Small Appliances
- Small Retail Venture
- Small Spaces
- Smart Cleaning Habits
- Smart Sorting
- Smart Storage Solutions
- Solemate
- Space and Order
- Space Maximization
- Space Optimization
- Space Saver
- Space Saving Solutions
- Spade
- Spice Rack
- Spice Racks
- Spin Mop
- Spiral Cosmetic Organiser
- Sponge
- Sponge and Scrubs
- Sponges
- Sponges and Scrubs
- Spray bottle
- Stackable
- Stackable Baskets
- Stackable Containers
- Stackable Shoe Box
- Stackables
- Stacking Shelves
- Stainless Steel Toolboxes
- Stockroom
- Stockroom Transformation
- Storage
- Storage Bags
- Storage Basket
- Storage Baskets
- Storage Bins
- storage box
- Storage Boxes
- Storage Cabinet
- Storage Cabinets
- storage containers
- Storage Drawers
- Storage Hacks
- Storage Maximization
- Storage Multi-purpose Storage Bins
- Storage Needs
- Storage Ottoman
- Storage Products
- Storage Racks
- Storage Solution
- Storage Solutions
- StorageSOlutions
- Stress-Free Move
- Studio Apartments
- Stylish Storage Box
- Summer
- Surface Wipes
- Sustainable Home
- Sustainable Home Improvement
- Sustainable Lifestyle
- Sustainable Retailing
- Table Lamps
- Table Matters
- Taking Care of Pets
- Tassel
- Tefal Warehouse Sales
- Telescopic Double Pole Stainless Steel Clothes Hanger
- Themed Balloon Decorations
- Tidy Workspace
- Tips about Moving Out to a New Space
- Tips and Tricks
- Tissue Boxes
- TOCAR Multipurpose Bookshelf
- Toilet brush
- Toolbox
- Toolboxes
- Toy Storage
- Traditional Laundry
- Tranquil Workspace
- TRAVEL
- Travel & Clothing
- TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
- Travel Adaptor with USB Charger
- Travel Beauty Essentials
- Travel Essentials for Pets
- Travel Lock
- Travel-Friendly Laundry Solution
- Travelling
- Trendy Carts
- Tropical
- Tropical Juices
- Trowel
- Under Bed Storage Boxes
- Under-bed Clear Storage Boxes
- Under-bed Storage
- Under-bed storage boxes
- Under-Sink Cabinets
- Underbed Storage
- Unpacking Tips
- Utility Knives
- Vacuum
- Vanity Space
- VESPER Hybrid Mattress
- Vornado
- VORNADO Fans
- Wall Art
- Wall-mounted Racks
- Wardrobe Organizers
- Wardrobe Storage Cube with Handles
- Warehouse
- Warehouse Organization
- WASTE BINS
- Wastebin
- Wastebins
- Water Hyacinth Storage Baskets
- Water Hyacinth Tissue Boxes
- Water Hyacinth Wicker Storage Basket with Open Front
- Wet Wipes
- Wonderful World of Juicing
- Wooden Clothing Ladder
- Wooden Clothing Rack
- Wooden Clothing Racks
- Wooden Foldable Corner Clothing Rack
- Wooden Foldable Corner Racks
- Wooden Multifunctional Racks
- Wooden Step Stool
- WOWS
- Wrench