Best Brush & Pen Cleaners of 2026

"This product is fantastic for keeping my art brushes in top shape. It easily removes old paint, leaves the bristles soft and well-formed, and is gentle enough for frequent use. As an artist who works with oil, acrylic, and watercolor, I consider it an essential part of my art supplies."

"After using this cleaner on my brushes, I'm amazed at how smooth, silky, and glossy they feel. I trust it completely for my artists' brushes—it's the best brush cleaner I've ever tried. However, since the company doesn't recommend it for cosmetic brushes and won't disclose the full list of ingredients, I only use it for art, not on anything that touches my skin."

"I paint miniatures and often use brushes that have been neglected. This cleaner restored five-year-old brushes with dried acrylic paint, making them almost like new again. Highly recommend for reviving old and expensive brushes."

"I've been using this brush cleaner for over 15 years, and it has consistently kept my watercolor, acrylic, and even makeup brushes in top condition. It's gentle yet effective, and I love that it's safer than most makeup brush cleaners. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants to protect their brush investment."

"At first, I wasn't sure if this product would do much, but after trying it, I'm thrilled with the results. It's simple to use, lasts a long time, and leaves my brushes soft and ready for action. The scent is a nice bonus. I highly recommend it for anyone who cares about their brushes."

"This is the only brush soap I'll use for my Kolinsky brushes. It keeps them feeling like new for years, and I know it will pay off in the long run. I won't use anything else for my art tools."

"I had a set of vintage watercolor brushes that were in rough shape, some even caked with pigment and glue. After using this cleaner, I was amazed at how well it revived even my oldest, most neglected brushes. I also tried it on my newer brushes, and it brought them back to a nearly new condition by removing hidden pigment. This product truly showed me the importance of a quality brush cleaner, and I don't plan to be without it again."

"I was a bit skeptical at first because the container looked so small, but I quickly realized a little goes a long way. I use synthetic brushes from various brands, and it works perfectly across all of them. The compact size is actually handy for saving space. Highly recommend for anyone looking to keep their brushes in top shape."

"I've been a fan of this brush cleaner for years because it keeps my brushes soft, clean, and in great condition. It's especially effective for soft watercolor brushes and is much better than regular soap or solvents. It even helps preserve the shape and handling of my expensive brushes. I use it for storage, travel, and after heavy painting sessions. Although it could be more effective on dried acrylic paint, I still consider it indispensable for gentle cleaning and reconditioning."

"As someone who paints regularly, I appreciate the excellent quality and thoughtful design of this brush washer. The strong seal and sturdy construction give me peace of mind when transporting it, and I love that the basket helps keep water cleaner for longer. Even the lid doubles as a mini-palette or brush rest, which is super handy."

"I've tried several containers, but this one stands out for its robust sealing system and leak-proof performance. The heavy-duty build and stable base make it reliable for my oil painting sessions. The scrubbing basket handles excess oil efficiently, and it's easy to clean after use."

"This is definitely an upgrade from my old brush washer. The locking mechanism keeps chemicals contained, and the generous size fits even my largest brushes without any trouble. I also find the carrying handle convenient for painting on the go."

"I've found this cleaner to be incredibly effective at removing even dried acrylic paint from my brushes. It saves me money by reviving brushes I thought were ruined. Truly worth every penny!"

"This product is a must-have for anyone who does arts and crafts. It not only cleans paintbrushes effortlessly but also removes paint and glue from my hands and surfaces. After trying other cleaners with no luck, this one really stands out!"

"While the cleaner works well for my everyday brush cleaning, I've noticed it has a strong smell and the bottle sometimes leaks. Still, a small amount does the job, so it lasts a long time."

"As a professional calligrapher, I find this cleaner exceptionally effective for removing ink from my dip nibs, holders, and flanges. Even when ink dries on my tools, a soak and quick rinse make them spotless. Super easy and reliable—definitely a staple in my workspace."

"I had a major ink leak in my Estie Sunflower, and this solution completely cleared stubborn stains and unreachable residue, even after soaking overnight. No damage to my pen, and now I always keep a bottle handy for emergencies."

"My 25-year-old Rapidograph pens were almost tossed due to caked-on ink, but after soaking the nibs in this cleaner, they came back to life. Although the bottle seemed a bit pricey for the size, the results were worth it—my old pens are usable again!"

"I've been using this during my painting sessions and it saves me from constantly changing water. It's simple to clean, doesn't hog desk space, and functions exactly as intended. The only small issue is the lid sometimes sticks, but overall, it's been very reliable over months of use."

"This product is a great tool for my acrylic painting. The ridges help clean my brushes effectively, and the water reservoir lasts a long time, so I don't have to stop often. Excellent value for the price."

"I love that it's adorably shaped and stable, much better than a regular cup. It makes brush cleaning much easier, though the water volume is a bit limited for heavy paint. Still, it's perfect for lighter painting projects."

"As someone who paints several times a week, I find this brush cleaner and holder to be extremely useful and convenient. The dual water reservoirs help me clean my brushes thoroughly while I paint, and the compact design fits perfectly on my worktable. The lid is great for keeping pets out of the water, and doubling it as a palette makes cleanup a breeze."

"I originally bought this for my young granddaughter but ended up getting another for my teenage daughter because it keeps painting messes contained and makes brush cleaning effortless. We genuinely enjoy how simple it is to use."

"Transitioning from using two mugs for rinsing to this all-in-one container with separate chambers and brush holders has made keeping my brushes clean much more efficient. The ridged platform inside really helps remove paint, and the lid prevents water evaporation during breaks."

"I’ve actually purchased this product twice. Just using plain water in the tank keeps my brushes clean—avoid adding anything else! I love that I can use it with or without turning it on, and the self-timer is handy. It’s perfect for keeping brushes in good condition as long as you don’t let paint dry on them."

"This device is awesome and super simple to operate. I don’t have to change the water constantly, and with just a touch of soap, my brushes get really clean. It’s made cleaning up after painting so much easier."

"I use this electric paint brush cleaner for my watercolor and acrylic brushes. It’s the right size for smaller to medium brushes and gets them nicely clean. The included USB-C charging cord makes recharging a breeze. The accessory brush holder is convenient for keeping my tools organized and ready. It’s much easier than washing by hand!"

"I've relied on this for years because it's excellent at cleaning brushes and even works on grease stains. The scent is pleasant, and it keeps my brushes in great shape."

"As a mixed media hobbyist, I use this mainly to remove gesso and acrylics from my brushes, and it works brilliantly. I love that it's gentle, keeps my brushes soft, and has a light baby powder scent. A little goes a long way—definitely a staple in my studio."

"I was skeptical at first, but after trying it, I'm really impressed by how thoroughly it cleans my brushes. It's easy to use, affordable, and leaves no residue. I can't see myself using anything else now."