Soak Brushes in Fabric Softener to Keep Brushes Soft

Sep 13, 2018 | Maintenance Tips

Soak Brushes in Fabric Softener to Keep Brushes Soft
Every DIY painter has been privy to the horrors of a day-old brush with stiff bristles that makes round two nearly impossible.

To keep paintbrushes soft:

Rinse thoroughly (no soap)
Mix half a cup of fabric softener with a gallon of warm water
Swish brushes in the mixture for 10 seconds or so.
Lay them flat or hang them on a peg for overnight storage.

Rinse thoroughly (no soap).
Mix half a cup of fabric softener with a gallon of warm water
Swish brushes in the mixture for 10 seconds or so.
Lay them flat or hang them on a peg for overnight storage.
“That way, the bristles won’t develop a bend and will retain their usefulness for your next painting adventure,” says Artem Filikov, vice president of marketing and product development for home improvement website HomeYou.

Also, there’s no need to rinse before using. The softener actually helps distribute paint more smoothly.