How to Soften Paint Brushes with Vinegar - Don't Throw Those Hard Paint Brushes Away - Try This Method

After I paint a room I will clean the brushes as quick as I can, but sometimes I don't get to it in time, or sometimes the paint simply didn't wash out and the brushes are now hard.

In the past I would throw them out, but this is such a waste.  Give this method a try first before throwing them out.  This will surprise you, I know it surprised me just how well it works.

How to Soften a Stiff Paint Brush

Step 1 - Get out a small pot that maybe you don't use so much (although it can be cleaned).  Fill with enough white vinegar to cover the bristles of your brushes.

(Don't put the entire brush in, just the bristle part so a small pot works best and uses less vinegar)

Step 2 - Bring the white vinegar to a low simmer and place your brushes in this solution and simmer for about 5-10 minutes.  Don't leave the kitchen, you need to watch them as you don't want to boil them too long which can happen if you leave the room :)

Step 3 - Flex the brushes a bit on the bottom of the pan to get them flexible again after a few minutes simmering (being careful of the hot vinegar)

Step 4 - Wash your Brushes in hot soapy water, let dry naturally and they should be ready to go.

How to Get Paint Brushes Soft Again

So, don't throw them out.  It seems sometimes no matter how hard you try to clean brushes, they end up stiff next time you need one.

Follow the above steps and stiff brushes will be soft again.  Also try using this on hardened paint brushes that still have paint on them.  You will be surprised at how the hot vinegar breaks down the paint residue.

Don't use the microwave for this process, it is better done on the stove with the brushes simmering.

Do a few at a time, and gauge your results.

Brushes can be Expensive

When using a brush for trim and edges, I usually purchase quality ones with the wooden handles, and they can be upwards of 12 dollars or more, so it is worth using this cleaning method.

Are Your Paint Brushes Curled?

When storing them, they should always be stored flat, but on occasion, mine have been left standing in clean paint bucket downwards, which has then curled the bristles.

Use this vinegar method to reshape them.  Simmer in the hot vinegar, wash with soap and water and then simply shape them yourself while they dry.

How to Soften Old Paint Brushes - Artist Brushes

This method works well for artist brushes too.

I know you can get specialized cleaners for artist brushes, but I have found dipping them in the simmering vinegar and then some soap and water and a rinse will help to rejuvenate artist brushes too!  Much cheaper than the specialized cleaners.

The above is another great reason to keep vinegar around.  It is affordable and so useful for everything!  No need to buy toxic cleaners.  Also check out my latest post on,
How to Clean Suede Shoes at Home With Vinegar and also check out some of my posts at the side of this blog.