Painting & Decorating · 5 min read · Beginner

How to Clean & Store Paint Brushes and Rollers

Clean decorating tools according to the paint type, reduce waste between coats and store brushes and rollers so they can be reused.

Key points & steps

Check whether the paint is water-based or solvent-based before cleaning. Follow the product label and local disposal guidance rather than pouring unknown paint or solvent into drains.
Remove as much paint as possible from brushes and rollers back into the paint container or onto the working surface before washing.
For water-based products, rinse tools in an appropriate container with warm water and work paint out of the bristles or roller pile until the water is substantially clear.
For solvent-based coatings, use only the cleaner or solvent specified by the coating manufacturer and handle/dispose of it in accordance with the product instructions.
Straighten brush bristles after cleaning and allow tools to dry with airflow rather than leaving them sitting in water or crushed against a surface.
Between coats on the same job, follow the paint maker’s advice; tightly wrapping a loaded brush or roller for a short interval can reduce repeated washing where appropriate.
Store dry brushes protected so the bristles are not bent, and store clean roller sleeves where dust cannot contaminate the pile.

Do not wash solvent-based paint residues into household drains.
Cheap rollers can shed badly after repeated washing; replacing a poor sleeve can be more efficient than fighting fibres in the finish.
Label containers if you temporarily store used cleaning liquid and keep them safely away from children, pets and ignition sources.