Cleaning paint brushes and rollers - water based only

[ghostlymoron]

Thought I would share this tip with you all.
You know what a pain it is after decorating, having to spend ages with your hands in a sink of cold water trying to get all traces of paint of the equipment. Well, I've discovered that the rinse cycle on our washing machine brings them up like new. Obviously you have to wait until the usual user of the machine is out the same as you do when washing lines and halyards. I must confess that I'm trying it out on brushes for the first time at the moment but I'm confident in the results. I'll let you know if brushes or machine are wrecked!
DON'T TRY THIS WITH OIL OR SOLVENT BASED PAINTS.

 

[Vara]

Manky boat tools benefit from a good turn in the dishwasher, spray GT40 or similar after. Specially good for adjustables.

 

[oldsaltoz]

You can now purchase a tool that uses a standard drill to spin brushed / rollers to clean them, water or solvent based, works fine amd avoids gumming up the pump in the washing machine.

Good luck and fair winds.

 

[Poignard]

Or without needing an electric drill:

http://www.thepaintstore.com/Roller_Brush_Spinner_Cleaner_p/380.htm

These are brilliant. I've been using them for years. Not only do they get the brushes clean, they leave them dry ready for immediate re-use.

 

[Appleyard]

+ it ruins good brushes ! Good for rollers though.

 

[lw395]

An ultrasonic cleaner is pretty effective too!

 

[ghostlymoron]

How does the brush spinner work? Do you put it in a bucket?