Top 5 Best Paint Brush Cleaners (2023 Review)

Last Updated On September 8, 2023

Are you looking for the best paintbrush cleaners out there?

You've come to the right place!

In this ProperMechanic.com guide, you will learn the following:

  • The best paintbrush cleaners on the market today
  • Tips for making paint cleanup easy
  • How to properly clean your paintbrush 

And much more!

Top 5 Best Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean-Up (2020 Review)
Image Product

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Purdy Contractor Stain Steel Brush Cleaning Tool
  • Extremely durable
  • Rustproof
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Extremely durable
  • Rustproof
  • Lifetime guarantee
View on Amazon

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Sunnyside Pure Odorless Paint Thinner
  • For use with oil-based paints
  • Completely odorless
  • Also removes grease, oil, and grime
  • For use with oil-based paints
  • Completely odorless
  • Also removes grease, oil, and grime
View on Amazon

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LOONENG Air Tight Brush Washer, Leak-Proof Brush Cleaner
  • Airtight stainless steel container
  • Removable grill for scrubbing brushes
  • For use with all solvents
  • Airtight stainless steel container
  • Removable grill for scrubbing brushes
  • For use with all solvents
View on Amazon

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General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver
  • Non-toxic
  • Restores oil-paint brushes
  • Lemon scented
  • Non-toxic
  • Restores oil-paint brushes
  • Lemon scented
View on Amazon

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Bob Ros Brush Conditioner
  • Maintains paintbrush in like-new condition
  • 118 ml container
  • Cleans and conditions paintbrushes
  • Maintains paintbrush in like-new condition
  • 118 ml container
  • Cleans and conditions paintbrushes
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On September 8, 2023

Purdy makes our favorite products because they make home painting manageable. 

For example, the stainless steel brush and roller cleaning tool is super versatile, and it makes cleaning up after painting a room ridiculously easy. 

Purchase both the stainless steel hand tool along with the Purdy 140755200 Brush and Roller Spinner Cleaning Tool, and you will never stress about paint cleanup again.

Plus, you will be able to reuse rollers and paintbrushes time and time again without having to replace them.

Aside from techniques and tricks for keeping your paintbrushes impeccable, there are also products that you can use to get your paintbrush clean and ready for the next job. 

Calling all DIYers! Do you want to keep up with the best products? 

Scroll down to learn the best paintbrush cleaners for your next big project. 

Find all of your painting solutions and advice at Pro Paint Corner!

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use these paint cleaning products.

Top 5 Best Paint Brush Cleaners

In a hurry? Check out our top five paint brush cleaners! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.

  1. Purdy Contractor Stain Steel Brush Cleaning Tool
  2. Sunnyside Pure Odorless Paint Thinner
  3. LOONENG Air Tight Brush Washer, Leak-Proof Brush Cleaner 
  4. General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver
  5. Bob Ros Brush Conditioner

What Are Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean-Up?

After painting with a brush, it must be cleaned to avoid damage/failure. Cleaning up the paint job isn't the funniest part--but it doesn't have to be hard, either. 

With the assistance of paintbrush cleaners like the ones listed in this guide, you can have your brushes and rollers cleaned up and be on your way without stressing too much. 

But before you purchase the right paintbrush cleaner, you need to know what your options are.

Read More >> How Do You Paint Without Leaving Brush Strokes?

What Are The Different Types of Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean-Up?

Hand tool/Brush comb

You can purchase hand tools like our top pick by Purdy that has one side for cleaner rollers, the other for cleaning brushes, and also opens paint lids. 

Small tin container

Paintbrush cleaners like General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver come in a tin just like pomade would, but instead of sticking your fingers in and taking a little bit of the product out, you simply open the container, and rub the paintbrush in the formula. 

Roller and brush spinner

The Purdy 140755200 Brush and Roller Spinner Cleaning Tool is the perfect solution for after you have rinsed off your paint equipment with the hose or cleaned it with the proper solution.

This is a fantastic solution for water-based paints. Eye protection is recommended when using this product. 

Hooks up to the hose

Another cool product that you might want to try for cleaning paint rollers is the Clean N Roll Paint Roller Cleaner

Bottled

You can buy products like paint thinner, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, etc that simply come bottled and ready for use.

Air-tight container

Products like the LOONENG Air Tight Brush Washer are an air-tight container that aids in cleaning and also storing paintbrushes. 

Brush rinsing pad

There are various silicone pads on the market that have been known to be effective when cleaning paintbrushes.

Read More >> How Do You Clean A Paint Sprayer?

Did you know: Nylon bristles are the most commonly used in paint brushes today. Luckily, unlike other types of bristles, they're resistant to rodents, insects, and fungi and that means you can store them safely for long periods.

How Do Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean Up Work?

Paint clean up is really easy if you know how to do it correctly. If not, it can be a disaster! And you can ruin paintbrushes fast. 

After you have cleaned all the paint off of your paintbrush, you might try spinning it in the palms of your hands to quickly dry it out. 

And let's not exclude the classic trick of leaving paintbrushes with latex paint sealed in a plastic bag inside the fridge if you don't feel like cleaning them right away. That eliminates the immediate need to clean off the brush. 

For Latex Paint

Latex paint is water-based. 

This means that you don't need anything but hot water(or just water) to get the brush clean. 

You could also use hand soap if necessary to break up some of the beads that can form in the lower part of the brush tip.

For Oil-based Paint

You can use paint thinner to clean oil-based paint off your brush. Most paint thinner is the same thing as mineral spirits.

Oil paints are typically made from linseed oil and can be modified with solvents like turpentine and mineral spirits. You can also add varnish to oil paint for a glossier finish.

For Lacquer

Lacquer thinner is used for effectively removing lacquer from the brush. 

Lacquer is an extremely good option when painting cabinets, trim, vehicles, etc because it dries super hard and polishes up nicely with sandpaper. 

Lacquers are resin-based--they dry hard as a rock.

Tip: You never want to get paint close to the ferrule(where the bristles meet the handle) of the brush. Once the paint has reached its way throughout the length of the bristles, that's when you know it's time to clean off the brush. 

You also never want to pour water down into the ferrule of the brush because there is an epoxy inside the ferrule that holds the bristles together, and excess water inside will damage it. 

Here is a video that will give you a good idea on how to clean your paintbrushes with care:

What To Look For In The Best Paint Brush Cleaners?

Is it the right product?

It is very important that you use the correct product(if any) to clean your paintbrush, and it all depends on what type of paint you are working with. 

Price

Be sure to compare prices when shopping on Amazon. 

Different products offer the same function, and prices are always changing. Paying the best price for the best product is ideal.

Function

How does the function of the cleaner make your life convenient? Can you use it indoors? 

Or is it more for outdoor use? Does it hook up to a hose? Does it clean all types of paint off the brush? 

These are all valid questions when choosing the appropriate cleaning solution.

Our Reviews Of The Best Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean Up

Looking for the right-hand tool for the job? That's right.

Cleaning your paintbrush involves more than rinsing them in liquids, and that's where the Purdy Stainless Steel Brush and Roller Cleaning Tool comes into play.

This brush comb and roller squeegee has earned its spot in your paint bucket. 

The perfect cleanup tool that keeps bristles uniform, dry, and ready for the next job.

Pros

  • Small size and convenient use
  • Combine with the spinner cleaning tool for an easy cleanup
  • Cushion grip for added comfort

Cons

  • Not ideal for artistic paintbrushes
  • Isn't a storage solutionNo liquid solution included/suggested

Paint thinner is necessary for cleaning oil-based paints, and it is also useful for dissolving grease and oil off of surfaces like the garage floor.

One of the great qualities of Sunnyside is that it can be safely used indoors.

Pick up a 32 fluid ounce canister of Sunnyside off of Amazon for a steal of a price.

Pros

  • Effectively cleans varnishes, stains, primers, and oil-based paints
  • Also dissolves oil and grease
  • Safe for indoor use

Cons

  • Not VOC approved (not for sale in California)
  • Not for use with latex or water-based
  • More toxic than other solutions

This leak-proof brush cleaner from LOONENG is a solution that will cure your paintbrush cleaning needs, and the great part about it is that it cleans any paintbrush effectively. Why?

Because it's a classic stainless steel container with a grill insert that helps scrub the brush. 

All you need to do is put the cleaning solution inside; whether it be warm water, paint thinner, lacquer thinner -you name it.

Plus its airtight, so you have a place to store the cleaning solution while on the go.

Pros

  • Cleans virtually any size brush
  • Remove cleaning grill included
  • Great for on-the-go painting

Cons

  • No cleaning solution included
  • Doesn't spin the brush dry
  • No liquid solution included

Here is an easy solution for any painter who is constantly using small brushes.

One of the miracles of General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver is that it can restore old paintbrushes to the original form and remove dried paint from the brush.

Although it may not be ideal for painting walls, General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver is a great product for all small brushes. 

For example, if you are constantly painting furniture, staining small areas and also painting artistically with watercolors, etc then this is a great option.

Pros

  • Lemon-scented
  • Restores old paintbrushes
  • Non-toxic and water-soluble

Cons

  • Not ideal for wall painting/industrial use
  • Won't clean bigger brushes effectively
  • Small container

If you want to try something different, you may want to try the Bob Ross brush cleaner and con

Although Bob Ross' paintbrush cleaning solution may not be ideal when painting walls, it will surely help keep your oil-based brushes used for staining furniture, etc. and not a bad item to keep in your paint bucket as it comes in a small and easily transportable container.

Pros

  • Maintains paintbrushes in their original condition
  • Produced according to Bob Ross specifications
  • Small and easy to transport/ship

Cons

  • Contents not listedToxicity unknown
  • May not be ideal for home/industrial applications

Purdy is our top pick because it provides a fast solution for cleaning and spinning off brushes, but it doesn't mean that you shouldn't try other products on this list. 

You should never use a metal brush to clean a paintbrush because it will damage the bristles and fray them out. 

The Purdy brush cleaning tool, however, is a great solution because it keeps the bristles uniform and also has an opposite side for removing water from roller pads.

Check out the lowest price now on Amazon!

Read More >> How Do You Paint A Wall Like A Professional?

Final Thoughts On Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean Up

Let us remind you to always paint safelyEye protection is always a good idea when painting. And don't forget to use a cotton mask/respirator when using toxic paints. 

Caring about the environment is important. Small amounts of latex paint won't hurt to pour down the drain, but you should never pour paint directly down the drain on purpose when cleaning up your project.

And remember, if you have any other questions don't forget to ask one of the professionals on our Pro Paint Corner page! We'll be happy to quickly respond with some sound advice concerning your next painting project.

Meet Your Pro Paint Corner Author

Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols

I first painted professionally in my late teens. I have painted everything from long military base walls to spraying cedar wood siding on cabins in the mountains of Utah. I am also an automotive technician with plenty of auto body and paint experience. In my spare time, I even enjoy artistic oil painting.

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Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols

I first painted professionally in my late teens. I have painted everything from long military base walls to spraying cedar wood siding on cabins in the mountains of Utah. I am also an automotive technician with plenty of auto body and paint experience. In my spare time, I even enjoy artistic oil painting.

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