Do you ever look at your favorite paintbrushes, stiff and caked with old color, and sigh? It feels like a waste to toss out good brushes just because cleaning them is a chore. Finding the perfect cleaner for those brushes can feel like a treasure hunt with no map. So many bottles promise magic, but often leave bristles crunchy or the paint still stubbornly stuck.
This is a common problem for artists and DIYers alike. You need a cleaner that works fast, protects your tools, and doesn’t smell like a chemical factory. Choosing the wrong product can ruin expensive bristles, costing you time and money. We know that frustration!
In this guide, we break down the best cleaners available today. You will learn exactly what ingredients matter, how to match the cleaner to your paint type (like acrylic or oil), and simple steps to restore your brushes to like-new condition. Get ready to say goodbye to stiff bristles forever.
Top Cleaner For Paint Brushes Recommendations
- A 16-ounce bottle of U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer. A highly effective cleaning solution for restoring brushes with dried-on acrylic, oil, gouache, inks, and water-based paints.
- This high-performance brush cleaner is also excellent for removing dried-on paint from airbrushes and all your artist tools and supplies.
- Use this premium cleaner to keep all your art supplies clean, long-lasting, and ready for use. You will no longer be tossing out brushes with dried-on paint, as you can quickly restore them so you can reuse them repeatedly.
- Directions for Use: Soak brushes as necessary and remove softened residue with a wipe, knife, or toothbrush. Cleans paint off brushes within minutes to hours for dried acrylic, oil, and water-based paint. For brushes loaded with fully dried acrylic and oil paint, soak for up to 24 hours. After cleaning brushes, wash them with mild soap and water. Reshape bristles so the brushes are ready for use.
- For airbrush cleaning use, fill airbrush cup with cleaner and spray cleaner between color changes and immediately after each use. For dried paint in the airbrush, soak affected airbrush parts in cleaner overnight if necessary. Do not soak the whole airbrush in cleaner.
- Safely cleans and reconditions synthetic bristle brushes and roller covers to a like new appearance
- The only biodegradable brush cleaner on the market
- A safe alternative to solvent-based brush cleaners
- Brush-Wash Cleaner & Renewer removes dried paint from most types of paint applicators. Specially formulated to clean and recondition synthetic bristle brushes and roller covers. This biodegradable, Water Based formula is safe, fast and effective on oil, latex and enamel paints, varnish, lacquer, shellac, and polyurethaneSafely cleans and reconditions synthetic bristle brushes and roller covers to a like new appearanceThe only biodegradable brush cleaner on the marketA safe alternative to solvent-based brush cleanersApplication: Removes Oil, Latex, Enamel Paints, Varnish, Lacquer, Shellac, Polyurethane
- Brush-Wash Cleaner & Renewer removes dried paint from most types of paint applicators. Specially formulated to clean and recondition synthetic bristle brushes and roller covers. This biodegradable, Water Based formula is safe, fast and effective on oil, latex and enamel paints, varnish, lacquer, shellac, and polyurethaneSafely cleans and reconditions synthetic bristle brushes and roller covers to a like new appearanceThe only biodegradable brush cleaner on the marketA safe alternative to solvent-based brush cleanersApplication: Removes Oil, Latex, Enamel Paints, Varnish, Lacquer, Shellac, Polyurethane
- A 4-ounce bottle of U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer. A highly effective cleaning solution for restoring brushes with dried-on acrylic, oil, gouache, inks, and water-based paints.
- This high-performance brush cleaner is also excellent for removing dried-on paint from airbrushes and all your artist tools and supplies.
- Use this premium cleaner to keep all your art supplies clean, long-lasting, and ready for use. You will no longer be tossing out brushes with dried-on paint, as you can quickly restore them so you can reuse them repeatedly.
- Directions for Use: Soak brushes as necessary and remove softened residue with a wipe, knife, or toothbrush. Cleans paint off brushes within minutes to hours for dried acrylic, oil, and water-based paint. For brushes loaded with fully dried acrylic and oil paint, soak for up to 24 hours. After cleaning brushes, wash them with mild soap and water. Reshape bristles so the brushes are ready for use.
- For airbrush cleaning use, fill airbrush cup with cleaner and spray cleaner between color changes and immediately after each use. For dried paint in the airbrush, soak affected airbrush parts in cleaner overnight if necessary. Do not soak the whole airbrush in cleaner.
- "The Masters" Brush Cleaner is the world's finest total care product for brushes that cleans and conditions in one step.
- Contains no harsh thinners, is non-flammable and environmentally safe.
- Made in the USA with domestic and imported materials
- Only water is needed to make it work
- DEEP CLEANS : Removes dried acrylics, oils, watercolors, and inks to keep your art brushes performing like new.
- RESTORES BRISTLES : Gently conditions natural and synthetic fibers, helping prevent fraying, stiffness, and damage.
- TRUSTED BY ARTISTS : A longtime favorite in studios, classrooms, and art workshops for reliable, professional brush care.
- NON-TOXIC : Tested by the Art & Creative Materials Institute (AP Seal). Safe for artists and approved for educational use.
- EASY TO USE : Portable, No-Spill Solid Soap. Just wet, swirl, rinse, and reshape. Perfect for travel, plein air painting, and studio work.
- ✅ GENTLE ON HANDS, TOUGH ON PAINT: No paint thinner, no turpentine — just a powerful natural cleaner that removes wet or dry paint in seconds. Safe to use directly on your hands and brushes.
- 🎨 WORKS ON EVERY TYPE OF PAINT: Whether it’s acrylic, latex, oil, or shellac, Green Piece easily breaks down paint buildup and restores your brushes so they feel brand new again.
- 🌿 100% NATURAL & NON-TOXIC (Made in USA): Made from fruit extracts and minerals, this cleaner is fully biodegradable and eco-friendly. No chemicals, no fumes — just clean brushes and peace of mind.
- 💪 REAL CLEANING POWER: Goes beyond paint — removes epoxy, caulking, dirt, and stains from wood, metal, and other surfaces. Keeps your brushes soft and conditioned for long-lasting use.
- 🍊 FRESH CITRUS SCENT & VERSATILE USE: Smells like oranges and can be used to clean your art desk, tools, or even pre-treat paint stains on clothes. Works great on glass, jewelry, pots, and pans too!
- DOES IT ALL - Excellent for use to clean oils, acrylics or watercolors from brushes
- HELPS BRUSHES LAST LONGER - Acts as a brush cleaner, preserver and conditioner
- LEAVES NO GREASY RESIDUE - Doesn not contain any chlorides, phosphates, solvents or alchohol
- ACMI CL
- Cleans brushes and tools.
- Removes latex and oil-based paint.
- Do not use as a general-purpose cleaner.
- Follow directions carefully.
- Read entire label prior to use or storage.
The Essential Buying Guide for Cleaner for Paint Brushes
Keeping your paintbrushes clean is vital. Clean brushes last longer. They also give you better painting results. This guide helps you pick the best cleaner for your tools.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, check for these important features. These points make cleaning easier and safer.
1. Effectiveness on Different Paints
Does the cleaner work on oil-based paints, latex paints, or both? If you use many paint types, choose a versatile cleaner. A good cleaner removes dried paint easily.
2. Brush Material Compatibility
The cleaner should not harm your brush bristles. Look for formulas safe for natural hair and synthetic fibers. Harsh chemicals can ruin soft bristles.
3. Speed of Action
How fast does the cleaner work? Fast-acting formulas save you time. You should not have to soak brushes for hours.
4. Ease of Rinsing
A great cleaner rinses out quickly with water. Leftover cleaner residue can affect your next paint job.
Important Materials in Brush Cleaners
The ingredients matter a lot. They determine how strong and safe the cleaner is.
Natural vs. Chemical Bases
- Water-Based Cleaners: These are often gentler. They are great for latex or acrylic paints. They smell less harsh.
- Solvent-Based Cleaners: These are necessary for oil-based paints and varnishes. They work very powerfully. However, they need good ventilation.
Safety Components
Check if the formula includes conditioning agents. These ingredients help keep the bristles soft after cleaning. Avoid products with very strong, harmful fumes if you clean indoors often.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The overall quality of the cleaner affects your tools and your work.
Quality Boosters
- Conditioning Oils: These help the bristles maintain their shape. This improves paint application next time.
- Low Volatility: Cleaners that do not evaporate too fast let you work longer before needing more product.
Quality Reducers
Harsh solvents can dry out natural bristles. This makes them brittle. If a cleaner requires excessive scrubbing, it means the formula is weak or you are trying to remove very old, dried paint.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how and where you will use the cleaner.
For the Hobbyist (Occasional Use)
If you paint only sometimes, a simple, ready-to-use solution works well. Look for small containers that store easily.
For the Professional (Daily Use)
Professionals need bulk containers. Efficiency is key. They often prefer heavy-duty formulas that clean quickly, even after long days of use.
Ventilation Needs
Always check the label for ventilation warnings. Strong cleaners require an open, airy space. If you must clean in a small room, choose low-odor or water-based options.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Paint Brush Cleaners
Q: Can I just use dish soap instead of a special cleaner?
A: Dish soap works well for rinsing latex paint brushes. It is not strong enough for oil-based paints or very dried-on acrylics.
Q: How long can I leave paint on my brushes before cleaning?
A: Clean your brushes as soon as you finish painting. Dried paint is very hard to remove, even with the best cleaner.
Q: Will this cleaner remove old, hardened paint?
A: Some heavy-duty cleaners are designed for this. Check the product description carefully. Mild cleaners usually cannot remove rock-hard paint.
Q: Is it safe to use these cleaners on my skin?
A: Always read the safety warnings. Many strong cleaners can irritate skin. Wear gloves when using solvent-based products.
Q: Do I need to soak my brushes in the cleaner?
A: Short soaking, maybe 5 to 15 minutes, helps loosen grime. Do not soak brushes overnight, as this can damage the glue holding the bristles.
Q: What is the difference between a thinner and a brush cleaner?
A: Thinners are mainly for thinning paint consistency. Brush cleaners are made to strip and condition the brush after the paint job is done.
Q: Are natural bristle brushes cleaned differently than synthetic ones?
A: Yes. Natural bristles absorb liquids more easily. Use gentler cleaners on natural brushes to prevent them from drying out too much.
Q: How do I store the leftover brush cleaner?
A: If the cleaner is water-based, you can often dispose of small amounts down the sink with plenty of running water. For solvent cleaners, keep them in a sealed container for reuse, and dispose of them according to local rules.
Q: Does a good cleaner make my brushes last longer?
A: Absolutely. Proper cleaning removes damaging paint residue. This keeps the bristles flexible and maintains the brush’s original shape.
Q: Should I condition my brushes after using a solvent cleaner?
A: Yes, conditioning is very important after using strong solvents. Look for a cleaner that includes a conditioning agent, or use a small amount of linseed oil on natural brushes afterward.