10 Best Brush Cleaners for Oil Painters (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have ever spent good money on a set of hog bristle brushes only to watch them stiffen into unusable clubs after a few painting sessions, you know the pain firsthand. I have been oil painting for years, and brush care was one of those things I learned the hard way after ruining more brushes than I care to admit. Finding the best brush cleaners for oil painters is not just about keeping your tools looking nice. It is about protecting an investment that directly affects the quality of your work.

The right brush cleaner removes dried oil paint from deep inside the ferrule, conditions the bristles so they retain their shape, and extends the life of each brush by months or even years. After testing dozens of products and comparing notes with other artists in communities like r/oilpainting, I have narrowed down the field to 10 products that actually deliver results.

This guide covers everything from non-toxic soap-based cleaners to professional-grade solvents and stainless steel brush washing pots. Whether you are a studio painter who cleans brushes daily or a weekend artist looking for a simple, odorless solution, there is something here for you.

Top 3 Picks for Best Brush Cleaners for Oil Painters (June 2026)

Best Brush Cleaners for Oil Painters in 2026

1. The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver – Best Overall Pick

I have used The Masters Brush Cleaner for over two years now, and it remains the single product I reach for most often. The cake formula is dead simple to use. You wet the brush, swirl it on the cake, work up a lather, and rinse. The paint comes out clean, even from deep inside the ferrule where it tends to accumulate and stiffen bristles over time.

What sets this cleaner apart is how it treats the bristles. After cleaning, my hog bristle brushes feel softer and more responsive than before I started painting. The formula contains conditioners that preserve the natural oils in the hair, which matters a lot if you are working with expensive sable or natural bristle brushes.

The non-toxic and odorless formula is a huge plus. I can clean brushes at my kitchen table without filling the room with chemical fumes. At 2.5 ounces, one cake lasts me about three months with regular use, and I paint almost every day. Users on r/oilpainting consistently rank this as their top recommendation, and after testing it against competitors, I understand why.

It handles oil, acrylic, and watercolor paint with equal effectiveness. I have even used it to rescue brushes that had been left with dried paint on them for weeks. A second application usually gets the last bits out near the ferrule.

Best For Daily Brush Maintenance

This is the cleaner I recommend for everyday end-of-session cleaning. If you paint regularly and want one product that handles everything without requiring separate solvents, conditioners, and soaps, The Masters does it all in a single step. It is especially good for artists who work with multiple paint types throughout the week.

The conditioning effect means you can skip buying a separate brush conditioner entirely. I have noticed my brushes hold their shape longer between uses, and the tips stay sharp enough for fine detail work even after months of regular cleaning cycles.

Things to Know Before Buying

The 2.5 ounce size is compact, which is great for travel but means you will need to restock more often if you paint daily. There is a larger 24 ounce tub available for studio artists who go through cleaner quickly. Also, while it works on dried paint, you will get the best results if you clean your brushes right after each session rather than letting paint dry overnight.

2. Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner and Restorer – Best for Reviving Old Brushes

Winsor & Newton is a name that carries weight in the art world, and their Brush Cleaner and Restorer lives up to that reputation. I tested it on a set of filbert brushes that had been sitting in my drawer with dried oil paint for six months. After an overnight soak, the paint came out completely, and the brushes were usable again.

The liquid formula works differently from cake-style cleaners. You pour it into a small container and let your brushes soak. The solution breaks down dried paint at the molecular level, which makes it particularly effective for deep cleaning brushes that have been neglected or for removing stubborn pigment buildup near the ferrule.

The biodegradable formula is a nice touch for artists who are environmentally conscious. I have reused the same batch of cleaner for multiple brush cleaning sessions, and it keeps working until the solution becomes visibly saturated with paint. The 16 ounce bottle goes a long way when used this way.

One thing to watch out for is the ethanol content. I learned the hard way that it can melt nitrile gloves if you soak them for too long. If you have sensitive skin, handle this product with care and wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Best For Restoring Old Brushes

If you have a collection of brushes that have been gathering dust with dried paint caked on them, this is the product that will save them. The soaking method gets paint out of places that surface cleaning simply cannot reach. It is also a solid choice for artists who use heavy-body oil paints that tend to build up quickly in the ferrule area.

Professional artists on WetCanvas forums frequently recommend this product specifically for brush restoration. The combination of effective cleaning and biodegradable formulation makes it a responsible choice for shared studio spaces and classroom environments.

Things to Know Before Buying

The ethanol content means this product requires more careful handling than soap-based alternatives. It can dry out your skin with repeated exposure, and it will degrade nitrile gloves over time. Also, the 16 ounce size is generous but the bottle design could be better. Some users report difficulty pouring without spilling, so I recommend decanting it into a smaller container with a wider mouth for actual brush soaking.

3. U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer – Best for Deep Cleaning

The U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner sits at the number three best seller rank in its category for good reason. I used it on a set of palette knives and old brushes that had layers of dried oil and acrylic paint baked on. After a two-hour soak, most of the paint lifted off cleanly, and for the stubborn spots, a second overnight soak did the trick.

What makes this cleaner stand out is its versatility beyond just brushes. I have used it to clean airbrush parts, palette cups, and even dried paint spots on my mixing trays. The formula handles oil, acrylic, gouache, and water-based paints without any issues.

The 16 ounce bottle gives you plenty of cleaner to work with, and you can use it in a soak-and-reuse method that stretches the value even further. For artists who work across multiple mediums, having a single cleaner that handles everything simplifies the cleanup process significantly.

I did notice that for fully dried acrylic paint, you really do need to be patient with the soaking time. Quick dips will not cut it. But for oil paint, which is the primary focus here, the cleaning action is noticeably faster.

Best For Deep Cleaning Dried Paint

This product shines when you need to rescue brushes that have been sitting with dried paint. The soak-based approach means the cleaner does the work while you focus on other things. It is also an excellent choice for airbrush artists who need a reliable solution for cleaning between color changes. Simply fill the cup, spray through, and your airbrush is ready for the next color.

Artists who paint in multiple mediums will appreciate not having to buy separate cleaners for each paint type. The broad compatibility makes it a practical choice for mixed-media studios.

Things to Know Before Buying

The soaking requirement means this is not the fastest option for quick between-session cleaning. If you need something that works in seconds rather than hours, a cake-style or spray cleaner would be more convenient. Also, the lack of Prime eligibility means shipping times may be longer than other options on this list. Plan ahead if you are running low.

4. Weber Odorless Turpenoid – Best Solvent for Studio Use

Weber Odorless Turpenoid has been a staple in professional oil painting studios for decades, and I keep a bottle on my shelf at all times. Unlike regular turpentine, which can clear a room with its fumes, Turpenoid has a mild, barely noticeable odor that makes it practical for indoor studio use, especially in shared spaces or small apartments.

I use it primarily as a brush rinse between colors during painting sessions and for end-of-day brush cleaning before finishing with soap. It dissolves oil paint quickly and does not leave any residue on the bristles. The 32 ounce bottle lasts me several months, even with daily use.

The liquid consistency makes it easy to use in any brush washer pot or jar. I pour it into my stainless steel washer with the strainer basket, and it works perfectly for swishing brushes clean during a painting session. It also doubles as a paint thinner for underpainting and glazing techniques.

While it is called odorless, I should note it is not completely scent-free. There is a faint mineral smell, but it is nothing like the harsh, headache-inducing fumes of regular turpentine. If you are sensitive to solvents, you will still want good ventilation, but it is far more tolerable.

Best For Studio Use and Thinning

Turpenoid is the go-to choice for artists who need a reliable solvent for both cleaning and thinning paint in a studio setting. It pairs perfectly with a stainless steel brush washer for efficient between-color cleaning. If you do a lot of underpainting with thinned washes or use glazing techniques, having a jug of Turpenoid on hand is essential.

The multiple size options from 4 ounces up to 128 ounces mean you can buy exactly what fits your usage level and budget. I recommend the 32 ounce size as a good starting point for most artists.

Things to Know Before Buying

Although marketed as odorless, it is still a petroleum-based solvent and should be used with proper ventilation. It is also flammable, so storage safety matters. If you are looking for a completely non-toxic, solvent-free cleaning option, this is not it. For that, consider pairing Turpenoid with a soap-based cleaner like The Masters for a two-step cleaning process that minimizes solvent exposure.

5. Pink Soap Brush Cleaner and Conditioner – Best All-Natural Conditioner

Pink Soap has been around for years, and it remains one of the most trusted brush cleaners in the art community. The pink liquid has a subtle baby powder scent that is a welcome change from the chemical smell of most solvents. I started using it on the recommendation of a fellow painter at a workshop, and it quickly earned a permanent spot in my cleaning routine.

The formula cleans and conditions simultaneously. After cleaning, my natural bristle brushes feel noticeably softer and more springy. The conditioning effect is real and not just marketing. I have compared brushes cleaned with Pink Soap against brushes cleaned with plain dish soap, and the difference in bristle softness and flexibility is obvious.

It contains no chlorides, phosphates, solvents, or alcohol, which makes it safe for use around kids and pets. The ACMI certification gives me peace of mind that I am not exposing myself to harmful chemicals every time I clean my brushes. A small amount creates plenty of lather, so the 12 ounce bottle lasts for months.

I have found Pink Soap especially effective for cleaning gesso off brushes. If you prime your own canvases, you know how quickly gesso can ruin a good brush. Pink Soap cuts through it without damaging the bristles.

Best For Conditioning Natural Bristles

If you work with natural hair brushes like hog bristle or sable, Pink Soap does more than just clean. It actually conditions the bristles, keeping them from becoming brittle over time. Artists who invest in premium brushes will appreciate how this product helps maintain that initial responsiveness and spring that makes expensive brushes worth the cost.

The non-toxic formula also makes it ideal for classroom settings where multiple students share cleaning stations. No special ventilation or safety precautions are needed.

Things to Know Before Buying

Pink Soap works best on fresh paint. If you have brushes with paint that has been dried for days or weeks, you will likely need to soak them overnight rather than relying on a quick wash. Also, check the cap when you receive it. Several users have reported leaking bottles during shipping, so I recommend storing it upright and tightening the cap after each use.

6. MyLifeUNIT Stainless Steel Brush Cleaner Pot – Best Compact Brush Washer

Technically this is not a cleaning fluid but a cleaning tool, and it is one of the best investments I have made for my studio. The MyLifeUNIT Stainless Steel Brush Cleaner Pot holds 13.5 ounces of solvent or water, and the airtight rubber seal means you can store your cleaning fluid between sessions without it evaporating or spilling.

The removable porous filter basket at the bottom is the key feature. When you swish your brush against it, the textured surface helps work paint out of the bristles, and the paint particles settle below the basket so you are not constantly brushing through dirty solvent. This simple design feature extends the life of your cleaning fluid significantly.

The stainless steel construction means it will not rust or react with solvents like turpentine, mineral spirits, or odorless turpenoid. I have used mine with OMS for over a year, and it still looks brand new. The compact 3.4 by 3.4 by 4.0 inch size fits easily on my taboret without taking up too much space.

The portability is another win. If you paint en plein air or attend workshops, you can fill it with solvent, seal it tight, and toss it in your bag without worrying about leaks. The handle makes it easy to carry, and the bail closure is secure when properly latched.

Best For Solvent-Based Cleaning Setup

This pot pairs perfectly with Weber Odorless Turpenoid or any mineral spirits for a complete brush cleaning station. Fill it with your preferred solvent, and you have an instant brush washer that keeps your solvent clean longer thanks to the settling basket. It is also useful for artists who work with both oil and watercolor, since you can dedicate separate pots to different cleaning solutions.

The airtight seal also means your solvent will not evaporate between sessions. This saves money over time, especially if you use premium solvents like Gamsol or Turpenoid.

Things to Know Before Buying

The medium size holds 13.5 ounces, which is adequate for most brush sizes but may feel cramped if you use large flat brushes wider than one inch. The wire bail handle can pop off if you pull it too aggressively, so be gentle when opening and closing. The inner basket can also shift slightly during vigorous brushing, though this does not affect cleaning performance.

7. Jack Richeson Linseed Oil Studio Soap – Best Natural Cleaning Soap

Jack Richeson Linseed Oil Studio Soap is built around a natural linseed oil base, which is a clever approach because oil dissolves oil. The soap leverages this chemistry to break down oil paint without the need for harsh solvents. I tested it on a set of stiff round brushes that had been neglected, and after working the soap in and rinsing, the bristles were noticeably more flexible and clean.

The lavender scent is genuine and pleasant, not overpowering. It makes the cleaning process feel almost therapeutic rather than a chore. For artists who are sensitive to chemical odors, this natural approach is a breath of fresh air, literally.

Beyond brush cleaning, I have used it to remove paint spots from my hands, my painting smock, and even from the wooden surface of my easel. It works on all types of artist paint including oil, acrylic, and watercolor, making it a versatile addition to any studio.

The conditioning properties are especially valuable for natural bristle brushes. Linseed oil is naturally compatible with the oils in natural hair, so the soap cleans without stripping away the natural condition of the bristles. My brushes feel nourished after cleaning rather than stripped and dry.

Best For Artists Seeking Natural Cleaners

If you are trying to reduce your exposure to solvents and petroleum-based products, this linseed oil soap is one of the best options available. The natural formula aligns with a solvent-free painting practice and pairs well with oil-based painting mediums. It is also a great choice for art classrooms where safety is a priority.

The 250 mL bottle provides enough soap for months of regular cleaning. A small pump or dollop is sufficient for most brushes, so it is economical despite the premium positioning.

Things to Know Before Buying

Some users have reported that the formula has become more watery in recent batches, and ingredient separation can occur if the bottle sits unused for a long time. Give it a shake before each use to redistribute the components. The price has also increased over time, which is worth factoring into your decision if you clean brushes frequently.

8. Angelus Brush Cleaner – Best Fast-Acting Budget Cleaner

Angelus Brush Cleaner surprised me with how quickly it works. With an 89 percent five-star rating across over 900 reviews, the numbers tell the story. I applied it to brushes with dried oil paint and saw results within minutes rather than the hours that some soak-based cleaners require.

The formula includes conditioning agents that leave bristles feeling soft and supple after cleaning. This is not common among fast-acting cleaners, which tend to clean aggressively at the expense of bristle health. Angelus manages to do both effectively.

The non-toxic formula means you can use it without gloves or special ventilation. I appreciate that I can clean brushes at the end of a session without having to move to a ventilated area or put on protective gear. It works on acrylic, oil, and water-based paints, and is equally effective for cleaning airbrush components.

The 8 ounce bottle is a practical size that is easy to handle and store. The twist-top cap makes it easy to dispense just the amount you need without wasting product.

Best For Quick Between-Session Cleaning

If you need to clean brushes quickly between painting sessions and do not want to wait for soaking, Angelus is one of the fastest options in this roundup. It is perfect for artists who paint in short bursts throughout the day and need to switch colors without a long cleaning interruption.

The conditioning formula also makes it a good choice for artists who use delicate synthetic brushes that can be damaged by harsher solvents. The gentle formula preserves the integrity of synthetic bristles while still removing oil paint effectively.

Things to Know Before Buying

The 8 ounce size is the only option currently available. For studio artists who clean large numbers of brushes daily, this might mean more frequent restocking. If you prefer larger bottles, the U.S. Art Supply or Winsor & Newton products offer bigger volumes. Despite the smaller size, the concentrated formula means a little goes a long way, so the actual value per use is quite good.

9. LOONENG Stainless Steel Brush Washer – Best Large Capacity Washer

The LOONENG Stainless Steel Brush Washer is the larger sibling of the brush washer category, and it is the one I reach for when I am working with bigger brushes. At 4.4 inches in diameter and 4.7 inches tall, it comfortably fits my size 12 flat brushes and larger filberts that feel cramped in smaller washers.

The clip-on lid with rubber gasket creates an airtight seal that is noticeably more secure than wire bail designs. I have knocked this pot over on my table twice, and not a drop escaped. The clips require a deliberate motion to open, which means no accidental spills in your paint box or bag.

The removable strainer sits at the bottom and does the same job as other brush washers: it gives you a textured surface to work your brush against while allowing paint particles to settle below. The stainless steel construction holds up well to solvents, and I have had no rust or corrosion issues after months of use.

Face painters and artists who work at conventions particularly praise this washer for its portability and leak-proof design. The carry handle and secure lid make it practical for transporting solvent to off-site painting locations.

Best For Large Brushes and Portability

If you work with brushes larger than a size 8 or use wide flat brushes for backgrounds and washes, the extra diameter of the LOONENG washer makes a real difference. You can actually swirl larger brushes without the bristles hitting the sides. For plein air painters, the secure clip-on lid means you can transport solvent without worrying about spills in your car or backpack.

The washer is available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. I recommend the large size for most oil painters since it accommodates the widest range of brush sizes without taking up excessive table space.

Things to Know Before Buying

The inner sieve cup sits slightly higher than in some competing designs, which means you need to use more solvent to reach the brushing surface. This can increase your solvent consumption over time. The lid clips can also be stiff when new and require some effort to open, though they loosen up with use. Stock can be limited, so if you see it available, grab it rather than waiting.

10. Chelsea Classical Studio Lavender Essence Brush Cleaner – Best Non-Toxic Premium Option

Chelsea Classical Studio has built a reputation for making artist supplies that prioritize health and safety without sacrificing performance. Their Lavender Essence Brush Cleaner replaces toxic solvents like turpentine and mineral spirits with a natural lavender-based formula that cleans oil paint brushes effectively.

I tested it during a weekend painting session, and the cleaning power was genuinely impressive for a natural product. It removed wet oil paint from my hog bristle brushes in one pass, and after rinsing, the bristles felt conditioned and soft. The lavender scent fills the studio with a relaxing aroma rather than the harsh chemical smell I am used to.

The cleaner is particularly good at keeping bristle hair subtle and maintaining maximum working quality. Brushes cleaned with this product seem to hold their shape well between sessions, and I did not notice any splaying or stiffness even after multiple cleaning cycles.

For artists who have moved toward solvent-free painting practices, this product bridges the gap between natural safety and professional-grade cleaning performance. It is also excellent for professional classrooms where multiple students need to clean brushes without exposure to harsh chemicals.

Best For Health-Conscious Artists

If you are sensitive to solvent fumes, painting in a small enclosed space, or simply want to minimize your exposure to petroleum products, Chelsea Classical Studio Lavender Essence is the clear choice. It provides effective oil paint cleaning without the health trade-offs that come with traditional solvents. Many artists pair it with natural oil mediums like walnut oil for a completely non-toxic painting practice.

The conditioning effect on bristles is a significant bonus. Natural hair brushes, especially expensive sable brushes, benefit from the gentle formula that cleans without stripping natural oils from the hair.

Things to Know Before Buying

The 4 ounce bottle is small, and the product is often out of stock due to limited production runs. If you find it available, consider buying the 8 ounce option if it is in stock. The lavender scent is strong and may be overwhelming in small, poorly ventilated spaces. Some artists love the aroma while others find it too intense for extended use. The price per ounce is higher than most alternatives on this list, so budget-conscious artists may want to reserve this for special brushes rather than everyday cleaning.

How to Choose the Right Brush Cleaner for Oil Painting

Picking the right brush cleaner depends on how you paint, what brushes you use, and how sensitive you are to solvents. Here is what I have learned matters most after years of testing different products and methods.

Solvent-Based vs Solvent-Free Cleaners

Solvent-based cleaners like Weber Odorless Turpenoid dissolve oil paint fast and are ideal for between-color rinsing during painting sessions. They require ventilation but are the most efficient option for active painting. Solvent-free cleaners like The Masters Brush Cleaner, Pink Soap, and Jack Richeson Studio Soap use surfactants and natural oils to break down paint. They are safer and odorless but may need more time or elbow grease for dried paint. Many professional artists use both: a solvent during painting and a soap for final cleaning at the end of the day.

Brush Type Considerations

Natural hair brushes like hog bristle and sable require gentler treatment than synthetic brushes. Hog bristle can tolerate brief water exposure but prolonged soaking causes the hair to swell and lose its natural flagging. Sable brushes are even more delicate and benefit from conditioning cleaners like Pink Soap or Chelsea Classical Studio. Synthetic brushes are more forgiving and can handle stronger solvents and longer soaking times without damage.

Cleaning Frequency and Method

For between-color cleaning during a session, a quick rinse in solvent using a stainless steel brush washer is fastest. For end-of-day deep cleaning, a soap-based cleaner applied with a gentle scrubbing motion removes all remaining pigment. For brushes with dried paint that has been sitting for days or weeks, a liquid soak cleaner like Winsor & Newton or U.S. Art Supply will do the heavy lifting that surface cleaning cannot manage.

Odor and Toxicity

If you paint in a shared space, small apartment, or around children, non-toxic cleaners should be your priority. Products like The Masters, Pink Soap, and Angelus carry non-toxic certifications and produce no harmful fumes. If you must use solvents, Weber Odorless Turpenoid has the mildest odor profile among petroleum-based options. Chelsea Classical Studio offers a natural lavender alternative for artists who want professional cleaning power without any petroleum exposure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake I see is letting paint dry in the ferrule before cleaning. Once paint cures deep inside the ferrule, it pushes bristles apart and permanently alters the brush shape. Clean your brushes after every session, even if you plan to resume painting the next day. Another common error is using dish soap on natural bristle brushes. While Dawn works in a pinch for synthetics, it strips the natural oils from hog bristle and sable, leaving them brittle over time. Stick with artist-grade cleaners that are formulated for the specific needs of painting brushes.

Storing brushes resting on their bristles is another quick way to ruin them. Always lay brushes flat or hang them bristle-down to dry. And never leave brushes soaking in water for extended periods, as this loosens the glue that holds the bristle bundle inside the ferrule.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Brush Cleaners for Oil Painters in 2026

Finding the best brush cleaners for oil painters comes down to matching the product to your workflow. For most artists, The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver is the best all-around choice thanks to its non-toxic formula, cleaning power, and bristle conditioning in one simple step. Pair it with a stainless steel brush washer like the LOONENG for between-session rinsing, and you have a complete cleaning system that will keep your brushes in top shape for years.

Whether you go with a solvent-based approach, an all-natural soap, or a combination of both, the most important thing is to clean your brushes after every session. Your brushes are the direct connection between your vision and the canvas, and taking care of them is one of the simplest ways to improve your painting results.