Clean and store brushes and rollers

Clean, dry and store paintbrushes and rollers properly so they last for years and are ready to use next time.

CB-01Set up a cleaning areaWork somewhere with a sink or bucket, good ventilation, and old newspaper or a dust sheet down. If you used oil-based paint (gloss, satinwood, some primers), you'll need white spirit, so avoid doing this near a naked flame or boiler pilot light.

1 each · Dust sheet or old newspaper

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

CB-02Scrape off excess paintRun the brush or roller against the edge of the paint tin or a piece of card to remove as much paint as possible before washing. For rollers, use a roller scraper or the back of a knife along the sleeve. The less paint left on, the easier and cheaper the clean.

1 each · Roller scraper tool

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

CB-03Clean water-based paint (emulsion, acrylic) toolsHold the brush or roller under running water and work the bristles or nap with your fingers until the water runs clear. A bit of washing-up liquid helps break down stubborn paint. Squeeze out water gently rather than twisting hard, which can damage the bristles.

1 bottle · Washing-up liquid

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

CB-04Clean oil-based paint (gloss, satinwood) tools with white spiritPour a small amount of white spirit into a clean jar, dip the brush or roller and work it against the sides to loosen the paint. Change the spirit once it turns thick and cloudy, then follow with a wash in warm water and washing-up liquid to remove the last traces. Work in a ventilated space and keep white spirit away from any flame.

1 litre · White spirit

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Clean glass jar

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

CB-05Rinse and check the tool is cleanGive brushes and rollers a final rinse under clean water until no colour comes out at all. If any colour is still bleeding, repeat the wash step rather than storing it half-clean, as dried-in paint ruins the tool.

CB-06Reshape and dry brushesSqueeze out excess water with your hand, then pull the bristles back into their original shape. Wrap the brush head in kitchen paper or its original card sleeve and lay it flat to dry, bristles straight, so it doesn't dry splayed or bent.

1 each · Kitchen paper or brush storage sleeve

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

CB-07Dry roller sleeves properlyStand the roller sleeve on its end on some newspaper so it doesn't develop a flat side, and let it air dry fully before storing. A roller put away damp can go mouldy or stick to the frame.

CB-08Store brushes flat or hangingOnce completely dry, store brushes flat in a drawer or hang them by a hole in the handle, never standing on their bristles, which bends them out of shape over time. A dry, room-temperature spot away from damp is best.

CB-09Store roller sleeves and frames separatelySlide dry roller sleeves off the frame and store them upright or flat, not resting on the nap, so it doesn't get crushed. Wipe the metal frame and cage dry to stop it rusting, and keep it somewhere dry.

CB-10Dispose of waste water and white spirit properlyNever pour paint, paint-laden water or white spirit down a sink, drain or onto the ground; it can pollute water courses and it's an offence to cause water pollution under UK environmental law. Let paint-water settle, or absorb it in cat litter or newspaper, then bin it once solid; take used white spirit and any liquid oil-based waste to your local household waste recycling centre.

RULES

1 bag · Cat litter or absorbent granules

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

KNOW THE RULES

It's an offence to pour paint, solvents or contaminated water into a drain, watercourse or onto the ground under UK environmental protection law. Dispose of liquid waste via your local household waste recycling centre.

Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides