Clean your roller cover immediately after use. If cleaning oil-based paints, varnishes, lacquers and shellacs from your roller cover, closely follow manufacturer’s instructions in selecting the proper cleaning solvent (mineral spirits or paint thinner for paint and varnish, denatured alcohol for shellac, etc.).
How to Clean Paint Brushes and Rollers to Last Longer
Experts share their best tips for cleaning paint brushes and rollers, so they’re not ruined and can be used in the future.
Updated on September 27, 2023
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Learn how to clean paint brushes and rollers correctly with expert tips from some of the industry’s biggest paint brands. If paint brushes and rollers aren’t properly cleaned (or if you allow the paint to dry on them), you could be destining them straight for the trash—or, at the very least, compromising the quality of any future paint projects. After investing in (not-so-cheap) painting supplies, you want your gear to last—follow our guide for cleaning paint brushes and rollers.
How Often to Clean Paint Brushes and Rollers
It’s best to clean paint brushes and rollers ASAP post-painting. Paint is infinitely harder to clean once it has begun to dry, and you could risk ruining your tools altogether if you wait until hours later to complete the job.
“Proper cleaning and storage of all your paint tools [are] important,” says Rick Watson, the director of product information and technical services at Sherwin-Williams. “I try to wash my brushes after each use as soon as I’m done.”
How to Clean Paint Brushes With Dish Soap
What You Need:
- Mild dish soap
- Paint brush scraper
- Brush and roller spinner (optional)
Step 1: Wash Brushes
Use warm water and a bit of mild dish soap to clean the paint from your brushes, gently working the soap through the bristles until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Remove Paint From Brushes
Grab a paint brush scraper ($5, lowes.com) to help remove all of the paint more quickly, including dislodging any dried paint bits near the ferrule. Run the scraper through the bristles, then rinse under warm water and repeat.
Step 3: Use a Spinner
Our experts suggest investing in Purdy’s Brush and Roller Spinner ($32, amazon.com), which spins paint brushes and roller covers above a container, helping to remove all of the paint and water more quickly. Just make sure the area and your clothing are protected against flying paint first.
Step 4: Dry Brushes
Once clean, allow paint brushes to air-dry completely before reusing or storing them.
Step 5: Store Brushes
As much as possible, store paint brushes by replacing their protective cover. “Keep the original cover your brushes came with when you purchased them,” Watson recommends. “They’re great for keeping bristles intact and helping the brush maintain its original form.”
If you don’t have the brush’s original cover, make one with cardboard and duct tape to protect the bristles before storing.
How to Clean a Paintbrush For latex/water-based paints, stains and clears
Immediately after use, wash your synthetic brush with soap or mild detergent and warm water. Soften dried-on paint with hot soapy water, just make sure to work quickly. Never soak or let the water seep into the base of the filaments, into the ferrule. After the dried paint has softened, work the soap through the brush bristles and follow with a clear water rinse. Repeat the process if necessary. For best results, use a Purdy® Brush Comb or Brush and Roller Cleaner to straighten bristles and place in its protective keeper. Hang to dry.
You should never use natural bristle brushes for latex/water-based coating. If you make this mistake, you can still restore your brush’s softness by conditioning it. First, clean the brush with warm soapy water and let it dry completely. Then, use a dime-sized amount of linseed oil in the palm of your hand and work it into the bristles. You may need to repeat this step several times to completely repair the brush. Once soft, comb out the brush and place it in its yellow Purdy brush keeper until you’re ready to use it again.
For oil/solvent-based paints, stains and clears
Clean your brush immediately after use. Check the back of the can label for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solution. Do not clean directly in the sink. In a lined paint tray or another disposable container, work the solution into the bristles to remove the coating by dipping and swirling the bristles against the surface. Change the solution periodically when it gets too dirty. Do not soak.
Once the bristles are clean, use a Purdy Brush Comb or Brush and Roller Cleaner to straighten bristles and place in its protective keeper. Hang to dry. Read cleaning solution’s label instructions on how to properly dispose of the used cleaning solution.
How to Clean a Roller Cover For latex/water-based paints, stains and clears
Remove the roller cover sleeve from the painting frame immediately after using. Do not allow the paint to begin drying on the paint roller and never leave the roller sleeve soaking in water or solvent. Wash with soap and warm water.
Use Brush and Roller Cleaner to scrape the paint from the fabric. Always use a clean container with clean soapy water and follow with a clear water rinse. For best results, use Brush and Roller Spinner to quickly remove excess water and then leave the roller cover to dry.
