5 DIY Oil Brush Cleaner Recipes for Paintbrushes

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Art is a journey, not a destination, and an important part of that journey is maintaining the tools of your craft. Imagine you're creating a breathtaking oil painting masterpiece on a sunny afternoon. Suddenly, you realize your brushes have become caked with hardened oil paint. Don't fret! This blog post is here to help you with five easy, effective, and budget-friendly DIY oil brush cleaner recipes. This way, you can focus on your creativity while ensuring the longevity of your brushes. Let's start our DIY adventure with a classic method—soap and water.

1. Simple Soap and Water Method

When it comes to cleaning oil paint from brushes, sometimes the simplest method can be the most effective. The soap and water method is a tried-and-true classic that many artists swear by. It's simple, cheap, and—most importantly—it works! Here's how you can do it:

Gather Your Materials

First things first, you'll need some basic supplies. This includes:

A soft, clean cloth or paper towel
A gentle dish soap (Dawn is a popular choice among artists)
A container filled with warm water

Once you have everything ready, it's time to get down to business!

Apply the Soap

Take your paintbrush and gently massage a small amount of dish soap into the bristles. You want to make sure you work the soap in well. This will help dissolve the oil paint and make it easier to rinse away. But remember, be gentle! Being too rough can damage the bristles.

Rinse and Repeat

Next, rinse the soap and dissolved paint out of the brush with warm water. Make sure the water runs clear before you proceed. If there's still paint in the brush, simply apply more soap and repeat the process. Once your brush is clean, gently squeeze out any excess water using the cloth or paper towel and leave it to dry flat. Voila! Your brushes are now fresh and ready for your next artistic endeavor. This simple DIY oil brush cleaner method is as easy as pie!

2. Use of Paint Thinners

While soap and water can be effective, sometimes you need a little extra kick to get all that stubborn oil paint out. Enter paint thinners. Paint thinners, like turpentine or mineral spirits, can dissolve oil paint quickly and efficiently. But remember, safety first! Here's how you can use paint thinners as a DIY oil brush cleaner while staying safe:

Select The Right Thinner

First off, you'll need to choose the right paint thinner. Turpentine and mineral spirits are the most commonly used, but they come with a strong smell. If you're sensitive to odours, you might want to opt for a low-odor mineral spirit instead. In any case, make sure your work area is well-ventilated. This will help disperse any fumes and reduce the risk of headaches or dizziness.

Caution While Using

Secondly, it's important to remember that paint thinners are flammable and can irritate the skin. Always use gloves when handling them and keep them away from heat sources. If you spill any, clean it up promptly and carefully.

Clean Your Brushes

Now, onto the cleaning part. Simply swirl your brushes in a container of paint thinner until the paint dissolves. Then, rinse them under running water. Make sure all the thinner is washed out, as it can damage the bristles if left to dry. Finally, pat your brushes dry with a clean towel and let them air dry. With this method, even the most stubborn oil paint doesn't stand a chance! Using paint thinners as a DIY oil brush cleaner is a reliable and effective way to keep your brushes in top shape.

3. Vinegar Solution

Did you know that your pantry holds a secret weapon for cleaning oil paint brushes? It's vinegar! Yes, the same stuff you use on your salads. Vinegar is a gentle yet effective cleaner that can break down oil paint and restore your brushes to their original glory. Here's how you can whip up a DIY oil brush cleaner using vinegar:

Prepare The Solution

First, you'll need to create your vinegar solution. It's as simple as heating up some white vinegar on your stove. You don't need it boiling, just warm enough to be effective. The heat will help the vinegar penetrate and break down the oil paint.

Soak The Brushes

Next, soak your brushes in the warm vinegar for about an hour. You'll notice the paint starting to dissolve and come off. If you've got some seriously stubborn paint stuck in the bristles, you might need to give them a gentle scrub with an old toothbrush. But be careful not to damage the bristles.

Final Cleaning

After soaking, rinse your brushes under warm water and wash the bristles with a mild soap. This will help get rid of any remaining paint and vinegar. Finally, rinse again and pat dry. Now your brushes are ready for your next masterpiece! Who knew that a DIY oil brush cleaner could be as simple as a trip to your pantry?

4. Fabric Softener Method

Ever thought about using fabric softener for something other than laundry? Well, in the world of DIY oil brush cleaner recipes, fabric softener has a surprising use. It turns out, it's not just good for making your clothes smell fresh, it can also be a paintbrush's best friend. Here's how:

Mix Softener and Water

Start by mixing one part fabric softener with two parts warm water. You're looking for a milky solution that's going to gently coax the oil paint out of your brushes. Remember, it's always a good idea to use warm water as it helps to break down the oil paint more effectively.

Soak and Rinse

Once your solution is ready, it's time to soak your brushes. Leave them in the mixture for about an hour, then rinse under warm water. You should see the paint come off quite easily. If not, a bit of mild soap and a soft scrub can help remove any stubborn remnants.

Use of Downy Fabric Softener

While any fabric softener will do, Downy Fabric Softener is often a top pick among artists for its effectiveness and gentle formula. Plus, your brushes will smell great! So, next time you're at the grocery store, don't forget to grab some Downy for your art studio – it's a DIY oil brush cleaner game changer!

5. Olive Oil and Dish Soap

Let's talk about a DIY oil brush cleaner concoction that you probably never thought of — olive oil and dish soap. Yes, you heard it right! This everyday kitchen combo can work wonders on your oil-soaked paintbrushes. Here's how you can whip up this mixture yourself.

Prepare The Mix

Start by filling a small bowl with a tablespoon of dish soap, adding in an equal amount of olive oil. Mix the two together until they form a milky solution. The dish soap helps to break down the oil paint while the olive oil conditions the brushes, keeping them soft and ready for your next masterpiece.

Clean with The Mixture

Next, you'll want to dip your brush into the mixture. Swirl it around a bit to make sure all the bristles get coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This gives the soap and oil time to break down the paint and condition the bristles.

Rinse and Dry

When time's up, rinse your brush under warm water until the water runs clear. Use a clean cloth to gently squeeze out any excess water, then leave your brushes out to dry. You'll be amazed at how well this DIY oil brush cleaner method works! Plus, it's a great way to use up any spare olive oil you might have lying around the kitchen.

If you enjoyed learning about DIY oil brush cleaner recipes, you'll definitely want to check out the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract paintings using everyday items found in your home, giving you even more opportunities to express your creativity and experiment with different techniques.