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Vinegar Uses: The Best Way to Clean Paint Brushes & More

I know when you think “paint projects” that you don’t normally think “vinegar”.  Well I’m going to give you a few tips that might make you think otherwise.
#1 Removing Paint from glass
This past summer I restored a couple of old windows and used paint stripper to get the paint off the glass.  I sure wish I had known this trick because it would have been nice to use a product that isn’t so toxic!  To remove paint from glass all you need is hot vinegar.  “Heat up the white vinegar [in the microwave] and use a cloth to wipe away [the] paint.”  Way less headache {literally} than using paint stripper!
# 2 Cement floors
 

 When painting cement the paint tends to peel or crack over time.  “You can keep the paint stuck to the cement longer by giving the floor an initial coat of white vinegar before you paint it.  Wait until the vinegar has dried” and then paint.  Using this simple trick will ensure that you painted floors will shine and be beautiful longer!

#3 Metal
Often times painting metal can be tricky.  Depending on the type of paint you’re using, the paint may have a hard time sticking to the metal.  But don’t worry, vinegar will come to the rescue!  To prepare the metal surface and reduce the tendency of peeling paint, “[wipe] down clean metal surfaces with a vinegar solution made of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water.”

#4 Paint brushes

Do you ever finish a painting project, get side tracked and forget to clean your brushes?  Well it happens to me all the time!  Also there are times when for some reason I just can’t seem to get all the paint out of the brushes.  Well I wish I had known this trick years ago because it would have saved me from having to throw out a bunch of brushes!  To soften paint brushes “bring a pan of white vinegar to [a] boil on the [stove].”  Once the vinegar is boiling add the paint brushes.  “Allow [the] brushes to simmer for around 5 minutes.  Remove from the pan and wash in hot soapy water.” A super easy trick and best way to clean paint brushes!
That’s all for today, I’m off to paint something now!!!
Vinegar uses
Day 1: Laundry Tips
Day 2: Even More Laundry Tips
Day 3: A Natural Pesticide
Day 4: Cleaning Tips
Day 5: Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
Day 6: Cleaning the Bathroom
Day 7: How to clean paint brushes & more

This series is based on a book I received from my mom at Christmas. All items in quotations are referenced from Vinegar: 1001 Practical Household Uses.

 

Cleaning// Green Cleaning// Vinegar

About Anna

"Hi, I'm Anna! Wife, mother, child of God, and the founder of Ask Anna. I have always enjoyed cleaning, organizing, decorating and helping people, so I've put that all together on the pages of this blog. I truly hope my tips help you in your home and make sure to contact me if you have a question!"

« Vinegar Tips: How to Clean the Bathroom
Vinegar Uses: Do It Yourself Tips »

Comments

  1. London Accountant says

    June 25, 2012 at 4:05 am

    Vinegar is also supposed to be amazing as a streak-free window and glass cleaner, right?

    • Anna says

      June 26, 2012 at 9:31 am

      Yep!

      Anna

  2. Megan says

    November 2, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas. 🙂

  3. Leslie Stewart says

    November 2, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    Wow! Thanks for sharing this great information! Wish I had known this years ago…
    Leslie
    House on the Way

    • Anna says

      November 2, 2012 at 3:01 pm

      Haha, I know, me too! 🙂

  4. Dick says

    November 3, 2012 at 6:52 am

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
    Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

  5. Vicki I. says

    March 25, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    I just found half a dozen forgotten paint brushes in a closet in our basement this weekend and was wondering how to try to salvage them. The timing on this post is perfect, thank you!

  6. Summer says

    April 13, 2013 at 8:11 am

    I am notorious for leaving my brushes out. Esp on big jobs, when I am tired! Doing this now, I hope it works!!

  7. Trisha says

    July 25, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Thankyou Soooooo much for this tip. I could have used it last week, but it will be good for future painting.

  8. April says

    May 31, 2014 at 7:03 am

    On the paintbrush cleaning trick. When you said bring the “water” to a boil, you did mean “vinegar” right? And if not could you explain better, bcuz I just did this and it didnt work at all

    • Anna says

      June 10, 2014 at 10:26 am

      Yes, I meant to write vinegar, thank you for pointing that out! I just fixed it so hopefully no one else will be confused. 🙂

  9. Rosanne says

    July 14, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    Hello,
    I followed your instructions for cleaning the paint brushes in boiling vinegar and then in soapy water and it ruined both of them. They lost their shape and their snap 🙁

    • mreynolds says

      August 25, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      Hey Rosanne,

      This is Monique, Anna’s assistant. We are so sorry to hear that this solution did not work for you and that you ended up with ruined brushes. It has worked for Anna before. She wanted me to suggest using Klean Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits to clean your brush next time. Anna has found that this product works great also. We are so sorry again!

  10. Janice says

    September 21, 2014 at 8:22 pm

    Cleaning paint brush with boiling vinegar was a disaster. Lost my favorite brush.

  11. Azelle says

    January 21, 2015 at 8:36 am

    Love the tips!!!!

  12. Carly says

    August 2, 2018 at 5:24 am

    I’m guessing it would depend on the type brushes or bristles as to whether or not they can withstand the boiling water. Some may melt, I would assume.

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