How to clean paint brushes with vinegar

How To Clean A Paintbrush with VinegarHere's what you need to know about How To Clean a Paintbrush EASILY even when it's covered in dried and crusted paint. The secret? VINEGAR!

Paintbrushes can be expensive and I always try to clean them as soon as I'm done using them but if I know I'll be using them again the same day I usually wrap them in foil and place them in a ziplock bag in the freezer...strange, I know, but that works to keep the brush from drying out. A few months ago I had to get a new refrigerator so when I emptied the old refrigerator and freezer I came across a paintbrush from when I was touching up my kitchen cabinets. I intended to put it in the new freezer but somehow it ended up in my bill sorter....and sat there for months.

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How To Clean A Paintbrush with VinegarHere's what you need to know about How To Clean a Paintbrush EASILY even when it's covered in dried and crusted paint. The secret? VINEGAR!
But here's how to clean it and make it almost as good as new again!
This next step is what makes it all work!
One more step - we're almost done!
Can you clean paint brushes with white vinegar?
What's the best thing to clean paint brushes with?
Does vinegar clean oil paint brushes?
How do you revive old paint brushes with vinegar?

But here's how to clean it and make it almost as good as new again!

*Please note that this is ONLY for water-based paints - please see additional notes at end of post.

I came across it yesterday and almost threw it away but thought I would see if I could 'save' it. I found this great tip on Apartment Therapy and it really worked!

First, I soaked the brush in Heinz Cleaning Vinegar in a glass jar.

This next step is what makes it all work!

Next, I boiled some vinegar in a cast iron skillet {you can use a pot} with the brush in it and then reduced the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. I turned off the heat and allowed the vinegar {and brush} to cool down.

One more step - we're almost done!

Once cooled I removed the brush from the skillet and started to work out the dried paint. I used my fingers and a toothbrush. At first, I wasn't sure it was going to work but after a few minutes, it started to flex and bend. I rinsed the brush thoroughly with water and I kept working the paint out of the bristles. I did have to repeat the process one more time before I was happy with the results. I'm so glad I didn't toss that brush and the best part is I was able to clean it up without harsh chemicals.

IMPORTANT!!!!! The article on Apartment Therapy noted this disclaimer: Additional Notes:
This method can involve an open flame so only use this for water based paints.

Can you clean paint brushes with white vinegar?

Place brushes into the vinegar. I clean my brushes one at a time, because I'm using a jar it's too small to add more than one. Let the brush sit in the vinegar for up to 30 minutes, then rinse well. If you still have paint stuck on your brush, use this Painters comb to remove paint from bristles.

What's the best thing to clean paint brushes with?

How to clean paint 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..

Grab a paint brush scraper to help remove all of the paint more quickly, including dislodging any dried paint bits near the ferrule..

Does vinegar clean oil paint brushes?

Most people use oils or solvents to clean their oil paintbrushes. Vinegar is best used for the softening of dried paint on brushes. To do this, soak your brush in vinegar for about an hour, then leave your brush in a saucepan of simmering vinegar for a few extra minutes. Rinse before use.