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There’s one hack I’ve been using for ages that has saved YEARS on the lives of my paintbrushes. No, it’s not buying fancy brushes over and over again…it’s actually just a lice comb! 

The idea came to me when I was trying to figure out how to separate the bristles near the ferrule. If only I had something that could break up the bits of paint that had become lodged in there. I remembered how a lice comb would remove nits from the hair shaft. I thought maybe it would work to remove paint too! 

And over the years, I’ve found that it really is the BEST way to dig into those brush bristles and remove all the paint buildup. 

Want to see exactly how I use said lice comb to make my paint brushes last longer? Come with me to get a step-by-step look. Just hit play on the video below, or keep reading for the Cliff Notes!

The secret to making your paint brushes last longer

One of the biggest reasons for wear and tear on your paint brushes is, well…wear and tear! When you’ve had your brushes for years, or you use them at a high rate (like at paint parties), over time they fray or lose their shape. 

While wear and tear is expected, not cleaning your brushes properly can actually do a  lot of damage, too. This is where the lice comb comes in — because a simple rinse in the kitchen sink won’t do!

You have to give them a deep clean to remove all that paint buildup! 

I recommend deep-cleaning your brushes every XX, but if you want to do it more often, it can’t hurt!

And when it’s time to clean them, here’s what you’ll do…

Supplies you’ll need to make your paint brushes last longer

Along with your lice comb, you’ll need a few additional supplies to clean your brushes. 

You’ll need some hot water and a container to put it in. 

I recommend using a cup to a handful of paintbrush ratio, but you can adjust depending on how many brushes you’re cleaning. Just make sure you don’t overcrowd your container, or it will be harder to get the brushes clean!

You’ll also need some soap. You can use dish soap, but I highly recommend using Linseed Studio Soap instead. It gets everything SO clean, helps reduce elbow work, and helps the brushes stay soft and keep their shape when cleaning. It’s like a Magic Eraser for paint buildup!

Also, Mason Jars (or even that old glass container from your Ragu sauce!) work well for holding your brushes. A bowl is too short, a cup is too tall, but jars like this fit just right and keep your brushes sitting at a good angle to get the best clean possible!

Step-by-step: How to clean your paint brushes so they last longer

Once you have all your supplies ready, getting your brushes clean is as easy as one…two…three (literally — there are only three steps!):

• Step #1: Mix a dollop of the Linseed Studio Soap and a cup of warm water in a small container. Stir until the soap is completely dissolved.
• Step #2: Place your brushes in the container with the mixture. Leave them to soak overnight. 
• Step #3: Using your lice comb, comb through the bristles of each of your brushes one by one. The paint should come right off since most of it dissolved in the solution overnight.

Once you’re done, give your brushes an extra rinse for good measure, and leave them out to dry. 

Easy peasy, right? I told you — the lice comb (and okay, maybe the Linseed Studio Soap, too!), is THE thing to have in your painter’s toolbox. A game changer!

Additional tips for making your paint brushes last longer

Want more tips for cleaning and caring for your paint brushes? There’s more where that came from!

• For brush recommendations (that stand the test of time and require less maintenance): Try these favorites here!
• To keep the handles from splitting: NEVER leave your brushes upside down when wet. The water will drip down into the handle and cause splitting/cracking.
• If your brushes are losing their shape: Boil a tiny bit of water and dip the brush in and out. Then, leave aside to dry. Taa-daa! Good as new. (Want to see it in action? Watch the video here!)

All you need to take care of your brushes for the long haul are a few cleaning and maintenance tips. Then, they’ll last for a long while, and you’ll know you can rely on them to help you create beautiful door hangers for years to come!

Want more DIY door hanger help?

I’ve got ya covered! I have an entire library dedicated to showing you my top recommendations for ALL things door hangers. See what I use to paint, cut out my own wood blanks, and even what I recommend for paint parties, all in one place. 

Check out my crafting favorites here!

(P.S. — Need more in-depth door hanger tips and tricks? My Door Hangers for Beginners Mini Course will take you step-by-step through the process of making a door hanger, so you know exactly what to do!)