Cleaning a wax brush may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks it can be a breeze. It’s inevitable that at some point your wax brush will need a good clean. Whether the bristles get clogged with wax or it becomes covered in paint, cleaning a wax brush is a quick and easy process.

If you’re a painter, you know the importance of keeping your tools in good condition. A dirty brush can ruin a painting, and even worse, it can shorten the life of your brush. In this post, we’ll show you how to clean a wax brush so that it stays in good shape for years to come. Follow these simple steps and your brushes will be looking and working like new!
Do You Wash Annie Sloan Wax Brush?
Yes, Annie Sloan wax brushes should be washed. This is especially important if you’re switching between different colors of paint or wax. To clean an Annie Sloan brush, simply soak it in warm soapy (preferably liquid) dish soap for a few minutes.
Then use your fingers to agitate the bristles and remove any remaining wax. Rinse with clean water and then lay the brush flat on a towel to air-dry. If you’re looking for an even deeper clean, use a brush cleaner or shampoo specifically designed for wax brushes. This will ensure that all of the wax is completely removed from the bristles before they become dried and stuck in the brush.
10 Methods How to Clean a Wax Brush
1. Boiling
One of the easiest ways to clean a wax brush is to boil it in water. This will melt away any wax that is stuck to the bristles and make it easier to remove. Simply fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, add your wax brush and let it soak for a few minutes.

Once the brush has soaked, use a pair of tongs to remove it from the pot and then rinse it under cold water. Although this method is effective, it’s important to note that boiling water can weaken the bristles of the brush, so use caution when doing this.
2. Vinegar
Another simple way to clean a wax brush is to soak it in vinegar. Vinegar is a natural solvent that can break down wax buildup. Simply fill a bowl with vinegar and let your brush soak for a few hours. Once the brush has soaked, rinse it off with cold water.
You can also use a brush cleaner or shampoo specifically designed for wax brushes to ensure all of the wax is completely removed. Try to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products on your wax brush as this can damage the bristles.
3. Dish Soap
Dish soap is another effective way to clean a wax brush. The dish soap will break down the wax and make it easier to remove from the bristles. Simply wet your brush and then add some dish soap to the bristles. Use your fingers to work the soap into the bristles and then rinse the brush off with cold water.
Dish soap is a mild cleaner, so it won’t damage the brush bristles or affect the performance of your brush. However, be sure to rinse off all of the soap residue before you start painting again.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean a wax brush. The alcohol will dissolve the wax and make it easier to remove from the bristles. Simply wet your brush and then add some rubbing alcohol to the bristles. Use your fingers to work the alcohol into the bristles and then rinse the brush off with cold water.
Cleaning your brush with rubbing alcohol is an effective way to remove wax buildup, but be sure to rinse off all of the alcohol before you start painting again. Although rubbing alcohol is a mild cleaner, it can damage the bristles of your brush if used too often.

5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural solvent that can be used to clean a wax brush. Simply fill a bowl with lemon juice and let your brush soak for a few hours. Once the brush has soaked, rinse it off with cold water.
Lemon juice is a mild cleaner, so it won’t damage the bristles of your brush. However, be sure to rinse off all of the lemon juice before you start painting again. If you’re looking for an even deeper clean, use a brush cleaner or shampoo specifically designed for wax brushes.
6. White Distilled Vinegar & Baking Soda
Another effective way to clean a wax brush is with white distilled vinegar and baking soda. Mix equal parts of the two ingredients together to form a paste. Then, wet your brush and apply the paste to the bristles.
Use your fingers to work the paste into the bristles and then rinse off with cold water. However, be sure to rinse off all of the paste before you start painting again. This method is a great way to remove stubborn wax buildup, but it can be harsh on the bristles of your brush.
7. Brush Cleaner or Shampoo
Brush cleaner or shampoo is another great way to clean a wax brush. This type of product will help remove any remaining wax from the bristles, leaving them looking and working like new! Simply wet your brush and then add some cleaner or shampoo to the bristles. Use your fingers to work it into the bristles and then rinse off with cold water. Shampoo or brush cleaner can help ensure that all of the wax is removed from your brush, so it’s a great option for deep cleaning.
8. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can also be used to clean a wax brush. This is especially useful for removing stubborn wax from the bristles. Simply wet your brush and then add some petroleum jelly to the bristles. Use your fingers to work it into the bristles and then rinse off with cold water.

9. Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover is another great way to clean a wax brush. The remover will dissolve the wax and make it easier to remove from the bristles. Simply wet your brush and then add some nail polish remover to the bristles.
Use your fingers to work it into the bristles and then rinse off with cold water. Nail polish remover can be very harsh on the bristles of your brush, so be sure to rinse off all of the residue before you start painting again. However, it is a great way to remove stubborn wax buildup.
10. Freeze the Brush
The last method to clean a wax brush is to freeze it. This will help loosen any remaining wax from the bristles, allowing you to easily remove it when you thaw out the brush. Simply put your wax brush in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for a few hours.
Once the brush has frozen, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour before attempting to remove any remaining wax from the bristles. Though freezing the brush is an effective way to remove wax buildup, be sure not to leave it in the freezer for too long as this can damage the bristles of your brush.
Once you have cleaned your wax brush, make sure to hang or store it properly so that none of the excess moisture remains on the bristles. You should also never use heat to dry your wax brush as this may damage the bristles.
Using any of these methods, you should be able to keep your wax brush clean and looking like new! With proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that your wax brush will last for a long time.
Things to Consider When Cleaning Wax Brush
- Always use a soft cloth to remove extra wax from the brush after each use for easier cleaning.
- Never submerge the brush in water, as this will damage the bristles and ruin the brush.
- If your brush is made of natural hair (like hog bristle or badger), you should use a mild soap and warm water to clean it. Rinse thoroughly with cool water afterwards and leave to dry naturally with the bristles pointed downwards.
- Synthetic brushes can be washed more aggressively; pour a small amount of detergent into some lukewarm water and swirl the brush around until all wax has been removed before rinsing with cold water and drying upright.
- If your brush becomes stained over time, you can restore its original colour by using a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water. Dip the brush into the mixture and leave to soak for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water, again leaving the brush to dry upright.

Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean a wax brush, it’s time to get out there and start applying some great finishes to your woodworking projects. After following these simple steps on how to clean a wax brush, your wax brush will be as good as new and ready for its next use.
Whether you’re an experienced waxer or a first-timer, taking care of your tools is important to ensure a flawless finish. With a little bit of time and effort, you can prolong the life of your wax brush and get the most out of your investment.
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