How To Clean Dried Paintbrushes

You’ve accidentally let your paintbrush harden overnight—don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Fortunately, you don’t need to run to the nearest hardware store to buy a new one. You can restore your brush with the right techniques and materials. This guide will walk you through the process of cleaning dried paintbrushes so you can continue to use them for future do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. In the video above, expert painter Mauro Henrique shows Kevin O’Connor how to bring an old paintbrush back to life using a chemical brush cleaner.

The Importance of Paintbrush Care

Paintbrushes aren’t usually a one-and-done deal. If you care for them properly, high-quality paintbrushes can last years. When paint dries on a brush, it can impact its performance. Here are a few signs your brush needs a cleaning:

• The bristles become stiff and lose their flexibility.
• Paint buildup affects the brush’s ability to hold and distribute paint evenly.
• The shape of the brush is distorted, making precise application difficult.

To avoid the hassle of cleaning dried paintbrushes, always clean them immediately after use. Hang them or stand them on their handles when you aren’t using them, and use brush covers or wrap bristles in plastic when taking breaks during a project.

Materials Needed To Clean Dried Paintbrushes

Before you begin the cleaning process, gather the following materials:

• 2-inch x 4-inch x 2-foot lumber scrap
• Chemical brush cleaner
• Clean water
• Paintbrush comb
• Rubber gloves
• Soft-bristled brush
• Two small paint buckets

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Dried Paintbrushes

Follow these steps to clean your dried paintbrushes:

1. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from the chemical cleaner.
2. Place the dried brush in an empty, clean paint bucket. If the bucket has a magnet, position the ferrule (the metal part) of the brush against it to hold it in place.
3. Pour the brush cleaner into the bucket, filling it to just above the height of the dried paint on the brush.
4. Allow the brush to soak in the cleaner for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush to gently loosen and remove the paint. Brush from the ferrule toward the tip of the brush.
6. Continue brushing until all chunks of paint are loose. If necessary, soak the brush again.
7. Once the paint is removed, rinse the brush with clean water in a separate bucket. Use the 2-inch by 4-inch scrap as a work surface in the bucket to brush against as you rinse.
8. Continue rinsing until the water running from the paintbrush is clear.
9. Spin the brush handle between your palms to remove excess water, with the tip inside the rim of the bucket.
10. Use a paintbrush comb to straighten the bristles and prepare the brush for its next use.

For the best results when cleaning your dried paintbrushes, always brush in the direction of the bristles, away from the ferrule. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging the bristles, and use room-temperature or lukewarm water for rinsing.

Pro Tip: Skip the wire brush when working paint out of your bristles. On Ask This Old House, painting contractor Mario warns that a wire brush is “gonna damage the ferrule and also you’re gonna damage the bristles” because it’s too aggressive. If you need extra scrubbing power beyond a soft-bristled brush, use a scrub pad — “just nice and gentle,” Mario says — to remove remaining paint near the ferrule.

Alternative Methods To Clean Dried Paintbrushes

While chemical brush cleaners are effective, there are other methods you can try.

Vinegar Method

Vinegar can be an eco-friendly alternative for cleaning dried paintbrushes. Start by heating white vinegar in a pot on the stove until it’s warm but not boiling. Dip the paintbrush in the warm vinegar for about 20 minutes, then use a wire brush or old comb to remove loosened paint. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dish soap.

Pro Tip: While vinegar can work in a pinch, painting pro Mario, featured on This Old House, cautions against relying on it as your go-to method. As he explains: “There’s a lot of people that use wrong ways to clean brushes. They use vinegar, they use additive chemicals. It all don’t keep it simple.” His preferred approach is to clean brushes immediately after painting with just water and proper technique.

Fabric Softener Technique

Fabric softener can help soften dried paint. Mix equal parts fabric softener and warm water in a bucket. Soak the brush for about an hour, then rinse with clean water and work out the paint with your fingers or a brush comb.

Specialized Cleaning Products

You can achieve impressive results by using specialty paintbrush cleaning solutions available at most home improvement stores. These products are specifically designed to break down both oil- and water-based paints. For the best outcome, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.

Pro Tip: When cleaning a dried brush with a chemical brush cleaner, avoid the temptation to leave it soaking overnight. As painting expert Jim advises on Ask This Old House: “If you leave it overnight, the bristles will turn much, much too soft.” Instead, soak for a couple of hours and keep testing the bristles as you go.

Preserving Brushes During Short Painting Breaks

If you need to take a short break during a painting project, place the brush inside a plastic bag. Squeeze all the air out of the bag and seal it tightly. If you’re using a grocery bag, use painter’s tape to seal the opening. This method works for breaks of a few hours but isn’t suitable for overnight storage.

For painting jobs that last more than a day, scrape excess paint off your brush, seal it in a plastic zipper bag with as much air pressed out as possible, and pop the bag in the refrigerator. According to This Old House Magazine, this technique will keep your brush fresh for up to a week.

Pro Tip: For even better results, consider using household plastic wrap instead of a bag. Jim Clark, a painting contractor featured in This Old House Magazine, wraps his brushes tightly in plastic wrap rather than cleaning them when painting is interrupted. “Wrapping a brush prevents air from stiffening the paint, and the bristles will be ready to go as soon as the plastic comes off,” Clark explains. A wrapped brush even holds up overnight, though on hot days Clark takes an additional precaution: “We throw wrapped brushes in the refrigerator.”

Proper Paintbrush Storage

After your project is finished and you’ve cleaned your brushes, hang them vertically with the bristles pointing down. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can use brush covers to protect the bristles from dust and maintain their shape.

When To Replace Your Paintbrush

Despite your best efforts, sometimes a brush is beyond saving. Consider replacing your brush if the bristles remain bent or misshapen after cleaning or if there’s significant bristle loss. You should also replace the brush if the ferrule is loose or damaged or if the brush no longer applies paint evenly.

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