10 Best Paint Brush Cleaners in 2026

A single product that cleans and conditions in one step means you don’t need a separate conditioner or solvent. The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver is formulated for use with oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, tempera, ink, dye, stain, and varnish, so it covers a wide range of mediums. Its non-abrasive formula is safe for both synthetic bristles and delicate natural hair like Kolinsky sable, which makes it a gentle choice for expensive brushes. The non-toxic ACMI AP certification also meets standards for safe use. This is the brush cleaner that suits artists who want a single, reliable product for daily maintenance and occasional deep rescues.

The trade-off is the small 1-ounce container. For someone who cleans brushes after every session, that size runs out faster than larger bottles from options like Speedball Pink Soap. But for an all-around cleaner that conditions as it cleans and protects delicate bristles, The Masters delivers a complete solution in a compact, non-toxic package.

Speedball Pink Soap Brush Cleaner handles oils, acrylics, and watercolors from a single tub, so you don’t need separate cleaners for different paint types. The formula acts as a brush cleaner, preserver, and conditioner, and it rinses away without greasy residue. ACMI CL certification is listed on the packaging, which indicates it meets certain safety standards.

Speedball Pink Soap Brush Cleaner weighs 0.8 pounds and has a 7.9-inch width, so it takes up more bench space than a solid soap like The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver, which weighs 0.1 pounds and has a 2.2-inch width. If you work with multiple paint types and want one cleaner that does all the jobs without harsh solvents, this is a straightforward solution.

A 100% natural, non-toxic formula made from fruit extracts and minerals means this cleaner tackles paint without the harsh fumes or chemicals of traditional thinners. It works on wet or dry acrylic, latex, oil, and shellac, so you can revive a crusty brush or clean a fresh one with the same bottle. The fresh citrus scent is a bonus for anyone tired of solvent smells. The fact that it’s safe on hands makes it a practical choice for artists who prefer not to glove up every time they clean.

This cleaner removes wet or dry paint in seconds, so you can clean brushes without scrubbing for minutes. It works on acrylic, latex, oil, and shellac, but if you mostly use watercolor or gouache, you’d want a dedicated brush soap instead.

A biodegradable, non-flammable formula that cleans both natural and synthetic brushes without damaging the bristles is the core reason this cleaner stands apart. It leaves no oily residue. The low vapor and non-toxic nature are listed features that may be relevant for studio use.

The 4-ounce bottle is small, so if you clean brushes daily or work through heavy oil or acrylic sessions, you will go through it faster than a larger option like Speedball Pink Soap. The formula is biodegradable, non-flammable, and non-abrasive, and it leaves no oily residue, so it is a good choice for anyone who wants a low-vapor cleaner that won’t damage brush heads. Reviewers note that it safely cleans both natural and synthetic brushes without harming the bristles.

A dedicated conditioner that works after washing, not instead of it, sets this restorer apart. The liquid formula is non-toxic, biodegradable, and water-soluble, so you can massage it into clean bristles without worrying about harsh fumes or flammability. This makes it a smart pick for artists who want to extend the life of both natural and synthetic brushes. It is especially useful if you work with acrylic, watercolor, or oil paints and prefer a gentle, low-odor solution that reshapes and preserves the brush’s original form.

If you want a brush conditioner that reshapes and preserves bristles after washing, this 4 oz bottle delivers targeted care for brushes you want to keep around for years. The catch is that it is a two-step process: you need a brush soap first to remove paint, then dip into the conditioner. That extra pass means it is not a one-step cleaner, but it gives you dedicated conditioning for natural and synthetic brushes.

This cleaner dissolves fresh acrylic, latex, oil, water-based, and shellac paint in seconds, which means you can rinse a brush clean between color changes without scrubbing or waiting. The plant-based, odorless formula is gentle enough to use bare-handed, and it rinses completely so bristles stay soft and flexible rather than turning brittle. For anyone who switches between paint types frequently or works in a shared studio space, the quick action and lack of chemical fumes make it a practical everyday choice.

Fresh paint dissolves in seconds, but if the paint has started to set, you’ll need to soak the brush for 30 minutes to soften the residue. The manufacturer warns that brushes with paint fully hardened for days won’t be restored, so this cleaner works best for regular maintenance rather than rescuing long-neglected tools. On the plus side, the formula is non-toxic and safe on hands, making it a practical choice for everyday cleaning without harsh chemicals.

The water-based, non-flammable, non-abrasive formula removes fresh and dried acrylics, oils, varnishes, and mediums without phosphates, acids, or caustic alkalis. It also acts as a brush restorer, reviving bristles that have hardened or clogged over time. The lemongrass scent is a pleasant addition for artists who work in small studios or shared spaces where odor matters.

A 32-ounce bottle that specifically targets dried paint buildup means this cleaner is built for the worst-case scenario: brushes left crusty and stiff after a forgotten cleanup. It works on both latex and oil based paints, so whether you are a house painter or a DIYer who switches between water-based and solvent-based coatings, one soak handles both. The formula penetrates hardened bristles to restore flexibility, which extends the life of rollers and brushes that would otherwise be tossed. This is the cleaner you reach for when a quick rinse won’t cut it and you need to salvage tools that have been sitting too long.

The main drawback is the soak time. This cleaner is built for deep restoration, not everyday touch-ups, so it is not the quickest option for light cleaning. For heavy-duty revival of workhorse brushes and rollers caked with dried paint, this is the most direct solution in the guide.

The 8-ounce bottle is compact and lightweight, making it easy to keep beside your airbrush station without cluttering your workspace. Angelus Brush Cleaner is formulated to break down dried acrylic, oil, and water-based paints, which is exactly what you need when paint dries inside a fine airbrush nozzle. The non-toxic conditioning agent also helps keep bristles soft, so your tools stay in good shape between sessions.

The 8-ounce bottle is compact and lightweight, so it fits easily beside an airbrush station without taking up much space. Heavy users may find they need to replace it more often than some other options. For targeted airbrush cleaning, the formula’s ability to break down dried acrylic, oil, and water-based paints is exactly what that job requires.

A 30g solid soap bar that provides approximately 50 to 75 cleanings means you can refresh brushes many times before needing a new block. This plant-based and vegan formula is made without harsh chemicals or solvents, and it helps remove stubborn oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints while conditioning bristles. It suits artists who want a gentle cleaning routine that works on sable, synthetic, and bristle brushes. The compact size slips into any kit, making it a practical companion for studio sessions or plein air trips.

The solid bar requires you to wet your brush and swirl it on the soap before rinsing, a small extra step compared to liquid cleaners you can pour straight into a jar. Against The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver, another solid soap, Golden Maple offers a similar approach but with a plant-derived formula for those who prefer a vegan option. If you clean brushes often and value portability, this bar provides a solvent-free way to maintain your brushes.