An Alternative for Cleaning Paint Brushes

SAN MATEO — After completing a painting project, the next thing to do is clean your brushes and other painting tools. This can be a frustrating process, not only because it’s messy, but also because you have to exercise care when handling and disposing of solvents like paint thinner, which is considered a hazardous waste substance. However, if you’re using oil-based paint, you’ll be glad to know there’s a natural alternative to conventional solvents: vegetable oil.

The benefits of using vegetable oil to clean your painting tools are obvious: It has the same effect as paint thinner, but without the toxicity. Also, you don’t have to worry about getting it on your skin or disposing of it properly—just pour it down your kitchen sink. To boost its cleaning effectiveness, consider mixing your vegetable oil with dishwashing detergent or another co-ingredient.