How to Clean Paint Brushes Properly (Wet & Dried Paint)

Dirty paint brushes ruin your next project.

Your brushes are covered in paint. Left uncleaned, bristles stiffen within hours. That brush becomes trash, forcing you to buy replacements constantly.

Proper cleaning takes minutes and extends brush life for years. Water-based paints need soap and water. Oil-based paints require mineral spirits. Know the difference and save money.

This blog shows you how to clean wet and dry paint brushes using techniques that actually work.

Before You Start: Identify Your Paint & Brush Type

Not all paint brushes clean the same way. Your cleaning method depends on two things: paint type and brush material.

• Water-based paints (latex, acrylic) clean easily with soap and water.
• Oil-based paints need mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• Specialty paints like epoxy require specific solvents listed on the can.
• Natural bristle brushes work with oil-based paints and need gentle care.
• Synthetic brushes handle water-based paints and tolerate tougher scrubbing.

Check your paint can label for the cleanup method. This saves time and keeps your brushes in good shape.

How to Clean Paint Brushes with Wet Paint

Cleaning brushes immediately after use is the easiest way to extend their life. Wet paint hasn’t dried or hardened yet, so it rinses away quickly with the right approach.

For water-based paints

Run the brush under warm water until the water runs clear. Add a drop of dish soap and work it through the bristles with your fingers.

Rinse again thoroughly. Reshape the bristles and lay flat to dry.

For oil-based paints

Pour mineral spirits or paint thinner into a container. Swirl the brush vigorously for 30-60 seconds. Wipe bristles on a rag or paper towel.

Repeat with fresh solvent until the brush comes clean. Follow up with soap and water, then rinse.

Quick tips

• Never let paint dry on your brush, even for a few hours.
• Work the cleaning solution all the way to the ferrule (the metal part).
• Use a brush comb to remove stubborn paint from deep in the bristles.

The faster you clean after painting, the less effort it takes.

How to Clean Dried or Hardened Paint Brushes

Dried paint makes cleaning tougher, but it’s not impossible. You’ll need more time and stronger solutions to break down hardened paint.

For Dried Water-Based Paint

1. Fill a container with warm water and soak the brush for 2-3 hours.
2. Add a few drops of fabric softener or vinegar to help soften the paint.
3. Work the bristles with your fingers or a brush comb to loosen paint.
4. Apply commercial brush cleaner if the paint remains stuck.
5. Scrub gently, working from ferrule to tip.
6. Rinse thoroughly with soap and warm water.
7. Reshape bristles and lay flat to dry.

For Dried Oil-Based Paint

1. Pour mineral spirits into a container and submerge the brush overnight.
2. Remove the brush and scrub the bristles with a wire brush or comb.
3. Wipe away loosened paint with a rag.
4. Soak in fresh mineral spirits if paint remains.
5. Repeat scrubbing until clean.
6. Wash with dish soap and hot water.
7. Rinse completely and reshape bristles.

Heavy-duty option: For extremely hardened brushes, use brush restorer products. Follow product instructions carefully and work in a well-ventilated area.

Be patient with dried brushes. Aggressive scrubbing damages bristles permanently. Sometimes a badly neglected brush just can’t be saved.

Professional Painter & Artist Techniques

Learn the proven cleaning methods that pros and artists use to extend brush life and maintain peak performance.

Professional Painter Techniques

Painters need fast, effective cleaning for multiple brushes daily.

• Two-bucket system: Use two buckets with cleaning solution. Remove bulk paint in the first, the final rinse in the second. When the first gets dirty, dump it and rotate buckets.
• Brush spinner: Spin out excess liquid after cleaning. This cuts drying time to 20-30 minutes.
• Short-term storage: Wrap wet brushes in plastic bags or foil. Good for 24 hours between coats.

Clean immediately. Paint hardens quickly.

Artist Techniques

Artists maintain precise brush shapes for detailed work.

• Multiple containers: Use 3-4 jars with solvent. Clean through progressively cleaner jars, wiping between each. Prevents color contamination.
• Reshaping: Smooth bristles from ferrule to tip. Reform the point or edge. Dry horizontally or hang tip-down.
• Conditioning: Apply hair conditioner to natural bristle brushes after cleaning. Rinse lightly. Prevents brittleness.
• Storage: Lay flat. Add cedar sachets for moth protection. Never store standing in water.

Clean when switching colors.

What Is the Best Cleaner for Paint Brushes?

Paint Type	Best Cleaner
Latex/Acrylic	Dish soap
Artist brushes	Brush soap
Oil-based paint	Mineral spirits → soap
Dried paint	Murphy’s Oil Soap
Non-toxic option	Vegetable oil → dish soap

Dish soap for water-based paint, mineral spirits for oil paint, brush soap for expensive brushes.

Common Myths & Mistakes That Ruin Brushes

1. Soaking brushes in water or solvent

Fix: Clean quickly, then dry flat or hang.

2. Using hot or boiling water

Fix: Use lukewarm water only.

3. Letting paint dry in the brush

Fix: Clean immediately after use.

4. Scrubbing bristles against sinks or cans

Fix: Gently massage paint out with your fingers or a brush comb.

5. Getting paint deep into the ferrule

Fix: Load paint only halfway up the bristles.

6. Storing brushes bristles-down

Fix: Store flat or hanging once dry.

7. Using vinegar or fabric softener

Fix: Use dish soap, brush soap, or proper solvents.

How to Dry & Store Paint Brushes Correctly

• Remove excess water: Flick or gently spin out moisture; don’t twist bristles.
• Reshape immediately: Use your fingers to restore the original shape.
• Dry flat or hanging: Lay brushes flat on a towel or hang with bristles down.
• Never dry bristles up when wet: Water can seep into the ferrule and loosen glue.
• Store only when fully dry: Prevents mildew and odor.
• Protect the shape: Use a brush cover or original sleeve for storage.

Water in the ferrule and bent bristles are what ruin brushes, not normal use.

Safety & Environmental Considerations

Work in well-ventilated areas when using mineral spirits or paint thinner; fumes cause headaches and breathing issues.

Wear chemical-resistant gloves since solvents can be absorbed through the skin. Never pour solvents or paint water down drains.

For latex cleanup, let solids settle, pour off water, and trash the dried paint.

Oil-based solvents and paint residue go to hazardous waste facilities.

Reuse mineral spirits by letting paint settle overnight in a closed jar, then pour off the clear layer. Store solvents in original containers, tightly sealed, away from heat.

Conclusion

Clean paint brushes last years instead of months. Match your cleaning method to your paint type and act quickly.

Don’t let dried paint ruin good brushes. Use proper solvents, be patient, and try professional techniques like the two-bucket system.

Always work with good ventilation and dispose of solvents correctly.

A few minutes of care after each project protects your investment. Start better brush habits today.