Before we get into how to clean paint brushes, let’s talk about why it actually matters. If you’re going to paint anything — furniture, walls, trim, or cabinets — it’s worth investing in good paint brushes. I personally use Purdy brushes, and once you use a quality brush, you really do notice the difference. A good brush holds paint better, applies it more smoothly, and helps you get a cleaner finish overall. But even the best paint brush won’t stay good if it isn’t taken care of. (The same applies to paint rollers!)
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Supplies (click for links)
These are all of my favorite brushes:
- Favorite Small Brush: 1 inch Purdy brush
- Favorite Medium Brush: 2.5 inch Purdy brush
- Favorite Chalk Paint Brush: Heirloom Traditions MEDIUM SYNTEC Fiber Oval, Tapered Brush
- Favorite Spindle Brush: Zibra Round Paint Brush for Curved Surfaces and Ornate Details, 1 in, White, Pro Grade
- Small Detail Brush: Craft Brush
- Favorite Roller: 3/8 inch nap Purdy roller
1: Why It’s Important to Clean Paint Brushes
Paint brushes are designed to flex and hold paint evenly. When paint dries inside the bristles, they become stiff, misshapen, and much harder to use. That’s when you start seeing brush marks, uneven coverage, and frustration during your next project.
Cleaning your paint brushes properly helps:
- Maintain smooth, flexible bristles
- Improve the quality of future paint jobs
- Prevent paint buildup near the base of the brush
- Extend the life of the brush
A clean brush really does help create a better paint job.
2: Why Investing in a Good Paint Brush Matters
Higher-quality brushes (like Purdy) are made with better bristles and construction, which means they’re meant to last — if you take care of them. Instead of buying cheap brushes over and over, cleaning and reusing a good brush is far more cost-friendly in the long run. A few minutes of cleaning can save you from constantly replacing brushes that should’ve lasted for years.
3: How Cleaning Paint Brushes Saves You Money
Throwing away paint brushes after every project adds up quickly. Taking the time to clean them:
- Reduces waste
- Saves money
- Keeps your favorite brush performing the way it should
It’s one of the easiest ways to make painting more affordable without cutting corners.
4: What to Do If You Can’t Clean Your Paint Brushes Right Away
I don’t always clean my brushes immediately — real life happens. If I’m still cleaning up the room or taking a short break, I wrap my paint brushes tightly in a plastic bag or aluminum foil. This keeps air out and prevents the paint from drying too quickly. Just don’t wait too long. Once paint dries inside the brush, it becomes much harder (and sometimes impossible) to fully clean out.
5: How to Clean Paint Brushes (Step-by-Step)
This is my simple method that works for most water-based paints.
Rinse Out Excess Paint
Start by rinsing the brush under warm water. Use your fingers to gently work through the bristles and remove as much paint as possible.
Wash with Dish Soap or Gentle Detergent
I usually use dish soap, which works great for breaking down paint. Sometimes I’ll use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent, but only gentle formulas. Harsh or heavy-duty detergents can break down the glue that holds the bristles in place over time.
Scrub the Bristles
Using a scrub brush (or an old toothbrush), gently brush the paint brush from the handle toward the tip of the bristles. This helps remove paint while keeping the bristles in good shape.
Rinse Until the Water Runs Clear
Continue rinsing and lightly scrubbing until the brush looks clean. I keep running clean water through the brush until no colored water comes out at all. If the water is clear, the paint is gone.
6: Extra Paint Brush Cleaning Tips
- Don’t soak brushes bristle-down in water — it can bend the bristles
- Gently reshape the brush with your fingers after cleaning
- Let brushes dry flat or hanging, not standing on the bristles
- A clean brush means smoother paint and fewer brush marks next time
