The Right Way to Clean and Store Paint Brushes and Rollers

March 12, 2025

How to Keep Your Paint Brushes and Rollers Looking Brand New

We’ve all been there—you finish up a painting project, step back to admire your work, and feel that wave of satisfaction wash over you. Then reality hits. Your brushes and rollers are sitting in a paint-covered mess, slowly turning into unusable bricks. Cleaning them might be the last thing you feel like doing, but trust me, future you will be grateful. A well-looked-after brush or roller lasts longer, works better, and saves you money in the long run.

Rinse Right Away or Regret It Later

The golden rule of paintbrush care? Don’t let the paint dry. If you’re working with water-based paints, rinse your brushes and rollers under warm water as soon as you're done. Give them a swirl in a bucket, squeeze out the excess, and repeat until the water runs clear.

Oil-based paint takes a bit more effort. You’ll need mineral turpentine (or another suitable solvent) to break down the paint, followed by warm, soapy water to clean off any residue. Just make sure you dispose of the used solvent responsibly—don’t go pouring it down the sink.

The Secret to Deep Cleaning

Even with a good rinse, paint can sneak its way into the base of your bristles or deep into a roller. Every couple of uses, take things up a notch:

For brushes, mix a bit of dishwashing liquid with warm water. Swish the brush around, then gently comb through the bristles with a brush comb or an old fork to remove stubborn paint.
For rollers, after rinsing, massage the fibres while running water through them. If the paint still lingers, use a touch of dish soap and keep squeezing until it’s clean.

Once everything is free from paint, give brushes a final rinse, shake out excess moisture, and reshape the bristles.

Dry Them Properly (Patience Is Key)

Never leave brushes sitting bristle-down in a jar of water. They’ll end up bent, sad, and completely unusable. Lay them flat or hang them so the water drains out naturally.

For rollers, stand them upright on a clean, dry surface or use a roller spinner to get rid of excess moisture. Whatever you do, don’t store them while they’re damp—mould and mildew will set in faster than you’d think.

Storage Tricks for Long-Lasting Tools

Once your brushes and rollers are dry, it’s time to store them properly. Here’s how to keep them in top shape:

Wrap brushes in paper or store them in their original sleeve to keep the bristles in shape.
Use a clean plastic bag or a roller storage container for rollers to keep them dust-free.
Store everything in a dry, cool space. Extreme temperatures can mess with the fibres and bristles, making them stiff or brittle.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Even the best-intentioned DIYers can make mistakes. These are the big ones to avoid:

Skipping the rinse and thinking, “I’ll deal with it later.” Dried paint is a nightmare to remove.
Using hot water on brushes with natural bristles—it causes them to swell and lose their shape.
Storing brushes upright while wet—the water collects at the base and ruins them.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Taking the time to clean and store your painting tools properly isn’t just about keeping them tidy—it’s about making them last. When you pick up a perfectly shaped brush or a smooth roller for your next project, you’ll thank yourself.

Need quality gear to get started? Pop into Strathalbyn H Hardware for top-notch paint brushes, rollers, and all the supplies you need. Plus, we’re always happy to share a few extra tricks to make your projects a success!

Happy painting!
Candeece