Best Brush & Pen Cleaners of 2025

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Brush & Pen Cleaners are essential tools for artists and calligraphers alike. These cleaners are specifically designed to effectively remove ink and paint residue from brushes and pens, ensuring that they remain in top condition for future use. They come in a variety of formulas, including gentle cleansers for delicate brushes and heavy-duty solutions for stubborn stains. Some even contain conditioning agents to help extend the life of your tools. Whether you're a professional artist or a beginner, using a brush and pen cleaner can help you maintain the quality of your tools and produce better results in your work.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer Cover #TOP 1
U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
General 105-BP Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver Cover #TOP 2
General 105-BP Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver Cover #TOP 3
The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Brush & Pen Cleaners

#TOP 1

U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer

USA BC-04
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer Cover
U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer, 4 Ounce Bottle - Quickly Cleans Paint Brushes, Airbrushes, Art Tools - Cleaning Solution to Remove Dried On Acrylic, Oil and Water-Based Paint Colors

U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is a 4-ounce bottle of cleaning solution that can quickly clean paint brushes, airbrushes, and other art tools. The high-performance brush cleaner is effective in removing dried-on acrylic, oil, gouache, inks, and water-based paints. It is an excellent solution to restore brushes, making them long-lasting and ready for reuse. The cleaner is easy to use, and it takes only minutes to hours to clean the paint off brushes. After cleaning, the brushes can be washed with mild soap and water, and the bristles reshaped for use.

What We Like
Effective cleaning power
Convenient liquid form
Little goes a long way
Brushes feel soft after
Pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
Small bottle size
Strong smell for some
#TOP 2

General 105-BP Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver

GENERAL'S
105-BP
Clear
1 Pack
General 105-BP Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver Cover
General Pencil General 105-BP Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver, 1 Pack, Clear

Revive your old, hardened brushes with General 105-BP Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver. The lemon-scented, non-toxic water-soluble cleaning compound works effectively on oils, acrylics, or watercolors. The cleaner restores the original snap and luster of your brushes, keeping them like new.

What We Like
Excellent cleaning performance
Works on natural and synthetic brushes
Easy to use with instructions
Effective for makeup brushes
Reconditions old brushes
What We Don't Like
Small size may run out quickly
#TOP 3

The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver

GENERAL'S
100-BJ
Clear
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver Cover
General Pencil The Master's Brush Cleaner & Preserver, 1 oz

The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver by General Pencil Company is a versatile brush cleaner that works well with oils, acrylics, and watercolors. The plastic jar contains 1 ounce of cleaner that can remove dried-on paints and stains, leaving brushes clean and fresh-scented. This cleaner not only cleans but also preserves brushes, making it a great addition to any artist's toolkit.

What We Like
Effective brush cleaning
Restores brush condition
Works on various bristle types
Compact size for storage
Low odor formula
What We Don't Like
Smaller size than expected
Price for mini size
#TOP 4

SUZAMI Paint Brush Cleaner Set

P-001
Pink
SUZAMI Paint Brush Cleaner Set Cover
Paint Brush Cleaner Set, Paint Brush Rinser with Drain and Brush Holder, Water Circulation Paintbrush Cleaner Rinser for Acrylic, Watercolor, Water-Based Art Supplies Paint Brush Cleaner Tool, Pink

The SUZAMI Brush Cleaner is a lightweight and durable tool perfect for artists of all levels. Its clever design includes a leak-proof feature and convenient brush holders, allowing you to keep your brushes organized while you paint. The innovative water circulation system lets you easily switch out dirty water with a simple touch, so you can focus on your creativity without interruptions. Plus, it uses minimal water, making it an eco-friendly choice that can clean your brushes up to 25 times, avoiding unwanted color mixing. Enjoy a hassle-free painting experience with this essential tool.

What We Like
Kid-friendly design
Easy to set up
Organizes brushes effectively
Sturdy construction
Prevents contamination of brushes
What We Don't Like
Water leakage issues
Poor plug design
#TOP 5

B & J Brush Cleaner by GENERAL'S

GENERAL'S
MAST-56315
B & J Brush Cleaner by GENERAL'S Cover
B & J Original Brush Cleaner - 2.5 Oz/12ct Display

The GENERAL'S Brush Cleaner is your go-to solution for maintaining your brushes in top condition. It effectively eliminates oils, acrylics, watercolors, stains, and varnishes, ensuring your brushes perform like new every time you use them. This all-in-one cleaner simplifies your brush care routine, allowing you to focus more on your art. It's versatile too, working on various brush types, including sable, bristle, and synthetic materials. With just one simple step, you can protect your investment and keep your brushes ready for your next creative project.

What We Like
Effective for various brush types
Removes dried paint easily
Conditioning properties for longevity
Quick rinsing process
Trusted by long-time users
What We Don't Like
Non-textured lid design
#TOP 6

YAGHVEO Electric Brush Cleaner

A3-1
Blue
1 Count (Pack of 1)
YAGHVEO Electric Brush Cleaner Cover
YAGHVEO® Electric Paint Brush Cleaner Rinse Cup, Paint Brush Cleaner, Brush Rinser for Painting, Artist Brush Cleaning Washer Rinser for Acrylic, Watercolor, Oil, Gouache Painting

The YAGHVEO Brush Cleaner is designed to make your painting experience smoother and more efficient. With its ultra-soft silicone cleaning heads, you can clean and dry multiple brushes in under a minute, saving you valuable time. It features three adjustable speeds to accommodate different brush types and cleaning preferences, ensuring that you achieve the best results without damaging your brushes. The detachable design allows for easy cleaning and storage, making it convenient for any artist. This versatile tool is perfect for various mediums, including acrylics and watercolors, making it a must-have for any art enthusiast.

What We Like
Compact design
Easy to use
Effective brush cleaning
Good for delicate brushes
Convenient USB-C charging
What We Don't Like
Small capacity
Can spill water
#TOP 7

CUGEBANNA Stainless Steel Brush Washer

CUGEBANNA
CBBW01
silver
1 Count (Pack of 1)
CUGEBANNA Stainless Steel Brush Washer Cover
CUGEBANNA Paint Brush Washer,Airtight Stainless Steel Brush Cleaner for Oil Painting Acrylic,Brush Washer with Cleaning Beads and Wringer

The CUGEBANNA Brush Cleaner is designed to make your painting cleanup easier and more efficient. Its high-quality stainless steel construction features a sealed lid, preventing any leaks of brush cleaner. The built-in wringer allows you to squeeze out excess paint and cleaner from your brushes, ensuring a thorough clean while saving your cleaning solution. Additionally, the included stainless steel cleaning beads help to scrub your brushes without damaging their soft bristles, extending their lifespan. This portable washer is perfect for use in your studio or while sketching outdoors, making it a versatile tool for artists.

What We Like
Effective brush cleaning
Durable stainless steel construction
Compact size for easy use
Airtight lid prevents leaks
Steel balls enhance cleaning
What We Don't Like
Small water capacity
Higher price point
#TOP 8

Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner

3230895
White
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner Cover
Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner & Restorer, 4.0-oz Bottle

The Winsor & Newton Cleaner is designed to make cleaning your brushes a breeze. It effectively removes paint from both natural and synthetic brushes without causing any harm to the bristles. You'll appreciate that it leaves no oily residue behind, ensuring your brushes are ready for use right away. With its low vapor emission and non-toxic formula, it’s safe for you and the environment. Plus, being biodegradable and water-soluble means you can clean up without worry. This convenient 4-ounce bottle is perfect for artists looking for an easy and effective cleaning solution.

What We Like
Effectively removes dried paint
Non-toxic for skin and surfaces
Revives old, damaged brushes
Works on various paint types
Minimal odor during use
What We Don't Like
Requires careful usage
Small bottle size
#TOP 9

Paint Puck Rinse Cup

URC003-M
Blue
Paint Puck Rinse Cup Cover
Paint Brush Cleaner Rinse Cup (All-in-One) Fine Art, Studio, Classroom | Brushes Holder & Silicone Cleaning System for Acrylic, Watercolor, and Water-Based Mediums (Mug, Blue)

The Paint Puck Cleaner Cup is a versatile tool for artists of all ages. It’s perfect for use in classrooms, studios, or at home, accommodating acrylic, watercolor, and water-based paints. The cup features a flexible silicone lid with designated areas to rest brushes, keeping them organized while rinsing. Its silicone bristle cleaner gently removes paint without harming your brushes. Additionally, the wide base effectively catches excess water and paint, ensuring your workspace stays tidy. With its easy-to-clean design, this rinse cup makes post-painting cleanup a breeze.

What We Like
Durable and lightweight design
Effective brush cleaning
Stores brushes tip-down
Easy to clean
Space-saving and portable
What We Don't Like
Relatively expensive
No size options available
#TOP 10

Kardeep Paint Brush Cleaner

Paint Brush Cleaner
Grey-Green
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Kardeep Paint Brush Cleaner Cover
Paint Brush Cleaner Upgrade Painting Supplies, Painting Station with Drain, Strengthen Water Recycling Brush Rinser, Paint Brush Cleaner Tool for Acrylic, Watercolor and Water-Based Paints, Grey

The Kardeep Brush Cleaner is designed to make your painting experience smoother and more efficient. With its enhanced water circulation system, you can easily recycle dirty water with just a button press, eliminating leaks for uninterrupted creativity. The one-touch water change feature allows you to refill clean water effortlessly, ensuring your brushes are always ready to use. Plus, this cleaner uses minimal water, letting you flush your brushes around 30 times before needing to empty the reservoir. Lightweight and portable, you can take it anywhere, making it perfect for artists on the go.

What We Like
Great for cleaning paint brushes
Compact and user-friendly design
Extra brush holders included
Efficient waste water disposal
Excellent customer service
What We Don't Like
Potential for leaks
Setup can be tricky
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do professional artists clean their brushes?

Professional artists clean their brushes using brush cleaners like Bristle Magic or Turpenoid. They may also use oil painting solvents such as turpentine or mineral spirits. Additionally, they may use drying oils like linseed oil or safflower oil.

2. What is clean strip brush cleaner?

Clean Strip brush cleaner is a product that is used to clean synthetic bristle brushes, artist brushes, roller covers, trays, and equipment after a project. It effectively removes hardened latex and oil-based paint, enamel, varnish, shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane, leaving tools looking like new.

3. Will Dawn dish soap clean paint brushes?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is an effective option for cleaning oil paint from brushes. To clean the brush, pour a quarter-sized amount of soap in your palm, then scrub the brush into the soap in circular motions. Rinse the brush and repeat until the soap suds are clear.

4. Can you use Dawn dish soap to clean acrylic paint brushes?

Acrylic paint brushes can be cleaned using water, dish soap, or another cleaning solution. Simply scrub the brushes with soap and water, rinse them thoroughly, and let them dry before storing them away.

5. What do professionals use to clean paintings?

Professionals often use a white cotton cloth soaked in gentle soapy water to clean oil or acrylic paintings on canvas. Olive oil-based soap is a popular choice. It is important to be gentle, especially with paintings that have thick impasto, to avoid damaging the hardened paint.

6. What do salons use to clean brushes?

Salons use a product called Ship-Shape Comb & Brush Cleaner to clean brushes. This cleaner effectively removes lotions, oils, hair color, gels, sprays, and dirt from combs and brushes. It complies with state laws and EPA requirements for pre-cleaning tools before immersing them in a disinfectant.

7. Does distilled vinegar clean paint brushes?

Distilled vinegar can be used to clean paint brushes. Heat the white distilled vinegar in a saucepan or in the microwave until it is hot. Then, place the brush in the hot vinegar and let it soak. Afterward, rinse the brush well. For stubborn paint, a painter's comb can be used to remove it from the bristles.

8. Does vinegar clean paint brushes?

Vinegar can be used to clean paint brushes. Place the brushes into vinegar, allowing them to soak for up to 30 minutes. Then, rinse the brushes well. If there is still paint stuck on the bristles, a painter's comb can be used to remove it.

9. What do hairdressers clean their brushes?

Hairdressers typically use Barbicide, a blue solution, to clean their combs and brushes. Barbicide has been a salon staple since the 1940s and can be found at beauty supply stores.

Editor's Notes

During our brush & pen cleaner research, we found 24 brush & pen cleaner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 90,762 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brush & pen cleaners list. We found that most customers choose brush & pen cleaners with an average price of $13.11.

The brush & pen cleaners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brush & pen cleaners, including U.S. Art Supply, GENERAL'S, SUZAMI, YAGHVEO, CUGEBANNA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 10,098 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.

Brush & Pen Cleaners Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand U.S. Art Supply GENERAL'S GENERAL'S SUZAMI GENERAL'S YAGHVEO CUGEBANNA Winsor & Newton Paint Puck Kardeep
Item Form Liquid - Solid - Cream Bar stainless steel Liquid - Liquid
Specific Uses For Product Paint Brushes, Airbrushes, Art Tools - Cleans & conditions paint brushes Brush Cleaner Brush clean paint brushes brush washer Art Utensil - -
Material Feature Spray - Mild Lemon Scent - Unscented Non-Toxic stainless steel Biodegradable Warning - -
Scent - - Mild Lemon - Unscented no stainless steel Natural - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy