How to Clean Oil Paint Brushes the Right Way

Ever ruined a perfectly good paintbrush because you didn’t clean it right? (Yep, we’ve all been there.) The good news is, keeping your oil paint brushes soft, clean, and ready for your next masterpiece is easier than you think. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to clean oil paint brushes and keep bristles soft so you can save money, avoid stiff bristles, and keep your creativity flowing without the mess.

Why It’s Important to Clean Oil Paint Brushes the Right Way

Before we jump into steps, let’s talk about why cleaning oil brushes isn’t just another chore:

Prevent stiff bristles and ruined brushes

If oil paint dries in your brushes, especially near the ferrule (the metal part), it makes them stiff. That means fewer precise strokes, more frustration, and eventually, a brush that’s unusable.

Avoid color mixing disasters

Leftover pigment = muddy colors. If you don’t clean especially between colors, subtle tones get lost, unwanted tints creep in, and your palette suffers.

Extend your brush’s lifespan

Quality brushes aren’t cheap. With the right care, they last years. Clean them right away, don’t let paint bake in, take care of the shape — and you’ll save money AND time.

Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Oil Paint Brushes

Here’s your toolkit. Gather these before you start so you’re not running around mid-cleanup.

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• Solvent or odorless mineral spirit
• Denatured Alcohol
• Dish soap (any kind will do)
• (4) Container/jar for soaking or swirling brushes
• Gloves (if using solvent)
• Wire brush
• My favorite Oil Brushes
• Gloves
• Rags

Watch this Step-By-Step Video

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Step-by-Step: How to Clean Oil Paint Brushes

How to Clean Oil Paint Brushes with Solvent and Soap

Okay, here’s where the magic happens. Think of this like giving your brushes a spa day.

Step 1 – Add your solvents to each container

Mineral Spirits in container 1, 50/50 Denatured Alcohol and Mineral Spirits in container 2, and Denatured Alcohol in container 3.

Step 2 – Clean the brush

Dip the bristles (just up to the ferrule, not the handle) in container one and swirl gently. The oil helps break down the oil paint.

Wipe off with your rag or paper towel. Repeat until most of the paint comes off. Repeat this for all 3 containers until the brush is completely clean.

Work in a well-ventilated space, with gloves on.

Artist cleaning oil paint brush with solvent in a jar to remove paint and keep bristles soft

Step 3 – Drip brush in fabric softener

After cleaning the brush in the solvent, wash the brush with mild soap and warm water. Work the soap gently from ferrule to tip, and rinse clean until the water runs clear.

Step 4 – Reshape, dry, store properly

Shake off extra water, blot with a towel or rag, and gently reshape the bristles with your fingers. Lay the brush flat or hang the tip down to dry (never bristle-up when wet, it damages them). Once dry, store upright so bristles keep their shape.

Extra Tips & Tricks

These are little things people often miss, but they can make a big difference:

• Don’t let paint reach the ferrule: it damages the glue that holds bristles in place.
• Be gentle — too much scrubbing can damage natural bristle or sable brushes.
• Clean between colors, not just at the end of a session.
• Use a wire brush for stubborn areas

Take the time to clean right, and your brushes will treat you well in return. They’ll stay springy, give you sharp lines or soft blends when you want them, and you’ll save yourself the heartache (and cost) of replacing them.

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XOXO Cheryl,