Paint

How To Clean Paint Rollers

We’ve done a lot of painting over the years. Definitely, more than we’ve wanted to because after all, painting is probably our least favorite thing to do when it comes to building and remodeling. We know all too well that a paint roller is a must-have tool for any painting project, even when you are using a paint sprayer. But what do you do when you are finished painting and your paint roller is covered in paint? Years ago, we started cleaning our paint rollers when were finished with a project. That probably sounds like a lot of extra work, but it’s actually pretty easy. In this blog post, I’m going to tell you how you can clean paint rollers so you can use them over and over, and save a little money.

Materials Needed

  • newspaper
  • putty knife
  • old toothbrush or old knife
  • soap or detergent
  • water
  • white vinegar
  • mineral spirits

Step 1: Remove As Much Paint From the Roller As Possible

Before you start cleaning your roller, you’ll want to remove as much paint from it as possible. Start by trying to recapture as much paint from the roller cover as you can. Use a putty knife to scrape the paint from the roller cover back into the paint can.

Then work on getting any remaining paint off of the roller. The best way to do this is to simply roll the paint roller on a piece of newspaper or scrap paper until most of the excess paint has been removed. Alternatively, you can also use a putty knife or old toothbrush to scrape off any remaining paint. Just be sure not to damage the roller in the process!

Step 2: Rinse Off the Roller Cover

Once you’ve removed as much paint as possible, it’s time to rinse off the roller. The best way to do this is to run it under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Use your hand to work any remaining paint out of the roller cover. You may need to do this a few times before all of the paint is gone. If necessary, you can also use a mild soap or detergent to help remove any stubborn paint. Just be sure to rinse off the soap completely afterward!

Step 3: Use Soap and Water to Clean Roller

After rinsing the roller, you can use soap and water to get rid of any remaining paint. Dish soap or laundry detergent both work well for this purpose. Just lather up the roller and then rinse it off until the water runs clear.

Step 4: Use White Vinegar to Remove Any Remaining Paint

If soap and water don’t seem to be doing the trick, you can try using white vinegar. Just soak the roller in white vinegar for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. The vinegar should help break down any remaining paint so that it’s easy to remove.

Step 5: Mineral Spirits

If all else fails, you can try using solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine. Just soak the roller in one of these substances for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. These solvents will break down even the most stubborn bits of dried paint so that they can be easily removed. Note: Be sure to use these solvents in a well-ventilated area–and avoid breathing in their fumes. Also, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using them since they can be harmful if ingested.

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