How to Revive Paintbrushes With Vinegar

Last Updated: February 14, 2022 Approved

It doesn't matter if you're the next Da Vinci or just need to paint the bedroom, you can't operate with a set of crusty, old brushes. Follow these simple steps and find out how to revive your old paintbrushes and make them soft and supple. Using distilled white vinegar is safe, highly effective and very inexpensive.

Steps

1
Soak the bristles.^{[1]
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- Pour the vinegar into the bottom of the saucepan. You'll only need enough vinegar to cover the bristles.^{[2]
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- Drop in your brushes.
- Let the brushes soak for about an hour.^{[3]
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2
Allow time to simmer. After letting your brushes pre-soak, put the saucepan on the stove and turn up the heat. Use enough heat to let the brushes simmer in the vinegar. The heated vinegar will help moisturize and restore your paintbrushes to their original condition.^{[4]
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3
Rinse. After simmering in the saucepan for a few minutes, drain the vinegar and rinse your revived paintbrushes under running water. Your brushes should be like new and you're ready to paint.^{[5]
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4
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Is apple cider vinegar okay to use?

Bo$$yNJ

Community Answer

Yes, apple cider vinegar is okay for most everything. It will work the same as white vinegar.
Question

How do I restore a can of old paint?

Bo$$yNJ

Community Answer

Add just a little bit of paint thinner in it. Do not overdo it; if you make it too thin, it will be ruined.