Paint Brushes could end up in the garbage or, at the very least, lower quality paint jobs in the future if they aren't cleaned correctly or if you let the paint dry on them. It might also result in bristles that are deformed and paint flecks in your brushes. That is why after every usage, a paintbrush should be thoroughly cleaned, regardless of the type of paint used. In this write-up, we will discuss how to clean paint brushes in 3 different methods. 

How To Clean Paint Brushes?

Method 1: Using Vinegar

Cleaning paint brushes with vinegar is an effective and cheaper manner to hold your brushes in desirable condition for your next painting assignment. Follow the steps mentioned below to know how to clean paint brushes with vinegar. 

Materials required: 

• White or distilled vinegar 
• Warm water 
• Large box  
• Old towel 
• Paper towels or rags 
• Apron or old garments

Steps: 

• Remove Excess Paint: After you finish painting, wipe off as much excess paint from the brush as possible on a paper towel or rag. Getting rid of as much paint as you can before washing will make cleaning easier. 
• Rinse With Water: Run the paint brush under warm water while gently massaging the bristles. Rinse until the water running off the brush is clear. This initial rinse removes remaining paint and thins out any that has already started to dry.
• Make a Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts warm water and white distilled vinegar in a large container, like a bowl or jar. You'll need enough solution to submerge the paintbrush bristles.
• Soak the Brush: Place the wet brush bristles down in the vinegar solution. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes so the vinegar can fully penetrate and loosen any dried paint. Swirl the brush around occasionally to work the vinegar into the bristles. 
• Rinse Again: Once the time is up, thoroughly rinse the brush under warm running water while massaging the bristles. The paint and vinegar residue should rinse away cleanly. 
• Reshape and Dry: Gently reshape the bristles before allowing the brush to fully air dry. Lay it bristles up on a towel or suspend it using a brush hanger or jar. Let it dry completely before using again or storing. 

If you know how to clean paint brushes with vinegar and follow the steps correctly, you will be able to get rid of dried paint easily. 

Method 2: Using Solvent 

So, how to clean paint brushes? Cleaning oil-based paint brushes using a solvent is quicker and more effective than water. Follow these steps to properly clean brushes and maintain their shape with solvent:

Materials needed: 

• Solvent 
• Sealable glass jar 
• Rags or paper towels - 
• Old towel 
• Wire brush comb
• Jar for used solvent - 
• Trash bag 

Steps: 

• Remove Excess Paint: After painting, wipe off as much excess paint as you can from the brush using a rag or paper towel. Getting rid of leftover paint first will make the cleaning process faster. 
• Pour Solvent into a Jar: Select an appropriate solvent, such as paint thinner, turpentine, or brush cleaner. Pour a small amount of solvent into a sealable jar large enough to hold the paintbrush bristles. 
• Swish Brush in Solvent: Place the used paintbrush into the solvent and swirl it around, gently massaging the bristles. This will loosen up any remaining wet or dried paint on the brush. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes. 
• Spin Out Excess: Remove the brush and hold it over the jar. Gently spin or tap the brush against the interior wall to remove excess solvent drips back into the jar.
• Repeat as Needed: If paint residue still remains in the brush, repeat steps 3-4 until it comes out clean. Most of the paint should release after just 1-2 solvent washes.
• Rinse with Solvent: Once clean, give the brush a final swish in fresh solvent to remove any lingering paint residue. Spin out excess solvent again.
• Reshape Bristles: Use your fingers to gently reshape and separate the bristles before setting the brush aside to dry.  
• Store Solvent: Seal the used solvent tightly for future paintbrush cleaning sessions. Dispose of it properly when it becomes too saturated with paint.  

Method 3: Using Fabric softener

If you are wondering how to clean paint brushes, fabric softener is an easy, inexpensive way to keep them clean, soft and supple. Here are the materials you'll need and the steps to follow:

Materials Needed:

• Paint brushes to be cleaned
• Bowl or jar 
• Warm water
• Liquid fabric softener 
• Old towel

Steps:

• Remove Excess Paint: After painting, wipe off as much excess paint from the brushes as possible on newspaper or a paper towel before washing. This prevents loose paint from spreading in the wash water.
• Rinse Brushes: Run the paint brushes under warm water while gently massaging the bristles. Rinse until the water runs clear. This removes much of the remaining paint.
• Make Softener Solution: Fill the bowl or jar with warm water. Add a small amount of liquid fabric softener, approximately 1-2 tablespoons per quart of water. 
• Soak the Brushes: Place the wet paint brushes into the fabric softener solution, bristles down. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes. The fabric softener will penetrate the bristles and loosen any remaining dried paint. 
• Agitate and Rinse: Swirl the brushes around and gently massage the bristles while they're soaking to work the fabric softener into the fibers. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
• Repeat if Needed: For brushes with stubborn paint residue, soak and rinse again with fresh fabric softener solution until clean. 
• Reshape and Dry: Gently reshape the bristles before laying the brushes on an old towel to air dry. 

Overview 

Knowing how to clean paint brushes is crucial for any painter. Dried paint left on bristles causes them to become stiff and misshapen. A buildup of old paint can also lead to inferior quality results. Learning effective cleaning methods using solvents, vinegar, or brush cleaners keeps brushes supple and usable for many painting sessions. Maintaining the integrity of quality brushes saves money and provides better application with each use.