Can You Wash Paint Brushes In The Sink

Can You Wash Paint Brushes In The Sink

Thankfully, the answer to this question is “Yes!” But there are a few things you should know before you get started. When it comes to washing paint brushes, not all surfaces are created equal. You wouldn’t think that sinks would be that different from one another, but when it comes to washing your paint brushes after you’ve finished with them, there are some sink options that work better than others. Keeping in mind what will be underneath your sink once you’ve finished washing your paint brushes will help guide you towards the right surface and the best way to clean your painting utensils. If you don’t have a second sink or another area of your home to work with, consider these three tips before jumping in and getting started with cleaning those paint brushes:

Can You Wash Paint Brushes In The Sink? 

Yes, you can wash paint brushes in the sink. The main concern is making sure the sink is clean and dry. You can even soak your brushes in soapy water to make cleaning easier. After you are done cleaning your brushes, make sure to rinse them well and let them dry before putting them back in use.

How To Wash Your Paint Brushes In The Sink?

With Dish Soap

Dish soap is a cheap and easy way to clean brushes, and it’s likely that you have some in the kitchen anyway. Make sure that you always have a different brush cleaning soap to your regular brush soap, though, because there is a chance that your regular soap will leave behind a residue on the bristles that will interfere with the adhesion of your next paint. Dishes soap is formulated to break down oils and dirt, which means that it will make quick work of any grime on your brushes. Some dish cleaning soaps come with antibacterial properties too, which is an added bonus. To wash your brushes with dish soap, simply fill a sink (or a bowl if you have a smaller brush) with water and add a dollop of dishwashing liquid. Make sure that the water is warm but not too hot – you don’t want your brushes to swell up and get ruined. Next, swirl your brushes around in the water and dish soap mixture, rubbing the bristles against the side of the sink or bowl to help break down the dirt. Leave them there for about a minute before pulling them out, rinsing them thoroughly, and drying them out with a paper towel.

With A Little Bleach

Bleach is one of the most common ingredients used for household cleaning, and it’s also a great way to clean paintbrushes. It’s not the most suitable method for clean brushes that you plan to use with oil-based paints, but if you’re using water-based paints then it should work fine. Make sure you use regular bleach, not scented bleach or any other special types. To clean your brushes with bleach, take a small bowl and fill it with water. Then, add a few drops of bleach. Swirl your brushes around in the water and bleach mixture, making sure that they’re fully covered. Leave them in the water for around 30 seconds before pulling them out and rinsing them thoroughly under running water. Make sure that you leave the water running while you’re brushing them to make sure there’s no bleach residue left behind. Once they’re clean, leave them out to dry.

With Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another great product to clean your brushes with. It’s a quick and easy process, but it does leave behind a smell that may linger around for a few days. Make sure that you use isopropyl rubbing alcohol. You can also use ethyl alcohol, but avoid using methyl alcohol as this is toxic. To clean your brushes with rubbing alcohol, take a bowl and fill it with water. Add a few tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, swirling it around to mix the two together. Swirl your brushes through the water and rubbing alcohol mixture, making sure that they are fully covered. Leave them in the water for 30 seconds before pulling them out and rinsing them under running water. Leave them out to dry when they’re clean.

By Washing Them In The Sink

One of the most basic ways to clean your brushes is to wash them in the sink. This might not be the most thorough way to clean your brushes, and it’s not suitable for particularly dirty brushes, but it’s an easy and quick way to get them clean between painting sessions. You don’t need to use any special products for this – just fill a sink with water and swirl your dirty brushes around. Make sure that the water is warm, but not too hot – you don’t want your brushes to swell up and get ruined. If you plan on doing this, make sure that you don’t leave your brushes sitting in water for long periods of time. Rinse them thoroughly and leave them out to dry.

What Type of Sink Should I Use?

  • When you’re choosing what surface to use to clean your paint brushes in the sink, you’ll want to think about the material your sink is made out of. 
  • If your sink is made out of a porous material, like wood or ceramics, you’ll want to avoid using it as a surface to clean your brushes. 
  • While these materials can work as a surface to wash brushes, the paint will soak into the material and become difficult to remove. 
  • Instead, use a sink made out of acrylic or stainless steel, two materials that are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.

Which Surface Should I Use?

  1. We’re not trying to get you to use a dirty sink to clean your brushes, but you’ll want to choose a surface that’s easy to clean and won’t absorb the paint. 
  2. You might also want to consider adding an old towel to the bottom of your sink to protect the surface from the water and paint.
  3.  If you’re doing a large brush cleaning session, you might also want to get a bucket and add water to help contain the mess. 
  4. You’ll also want to have a place to put the dirty water that will make cleaning it out later easier. This could be a bucket or a tray that you can easily tip out.

How To Clean Your Brush While Washing In The Sink?

  • When you’re cleaning your brushes while you wash in the sink, you’re going to want to keep a few things in mind. First, be sure to use a brush cleaner that’s appropriate for water-based paints; solvent-based paints will degrade the cleaner and impact its effectiveness. 
  • Second, work quickly to minimize the number of paint particles that get stirred up into the water. Third, use soap to help lift the paint off the brushes. Use lukewarm water to keep the paint from hardening in your brushes and causing damage. And finally, rinse the brushes thoroughly to get rid of that soap. 
  • Note that you’ll want to make sure you clean your brushes with water-based paint the same day that you finish a project. If you wait longer than that, you’ll have a much harder time getting the paint out of the brushes.

Final Words

Brushes typically collect paint particles during the painting process. While they are great for applying paint, they are not great for cleaning up after the job has been completed. That’s why it’s important to have a place where you can clean them off and get them ready for their next project. A sink is a great place to do this because it is often the easiest area to access and clean. However, it’s important to use the correct sink and follow correct cleaning procedures so that your brushes are kept safe and the surrounding area remains free from paint particles.