How to Clean and Store Paint Rollers

A fresh coat of paint is a great way for any professional or DIYer to make something that's old and worn look nice and new again. And as with most any project, starting with the best tools possible for the job will ensure the best results. Pay the price for a good, quality roller knowing you'll clean it thoroughly so you can reuse it often. This article will review the best way to clean your paint roller—and roller frame and paint tray—so they're ready when you need them again.

To begin, gather the materials and tools required to clean the items most effectively. Dish soap, mineral spirits or paint thinner, rags, newsprint, disposable plastic bottles, and warm water are materials you'll likely need. The tools to have on hand include rubber gloves, safety glasses, a 5-in-1 tool or putty knife, a bucket, and a firm bristle brush.

The nap of any paint roller absorbs a lot of paint, so you'll want to ensure all of it is removed before storing away. Protect the area where you'll clean the roller, frame, and tray from any spilled paint or cleaning liquids by putting down a drop cloth, old newspaper, or other protective covering.

Now, with safety glasses and rubber gloves on, start by using the large, rounded part of the 5-in-1 tool or the long side of a putty knife to scrape off paint using long and slow deliberate strokes. When you believe you have enough paint removed from the roller, use a piece of newspaper laid out on a flat, hard surface to roll the roller over. Use a back and forth motion until there isn't any more paint released on the newspaper by the roller. You're trying to get as much paint out of the roller before washing it, which will make the job much easier.

Clean the Roller Frame First

Next, remove the roller from the frame and set it aside. This is a good time to clean the frame since it's easier to clean when the paint is still wet. If using latex paint, submerge it in a bucket of warm water with a little dish soap added. Swish it around in the bucket to help remove the wet paint. If there are some stubborn spots where paint remains, use a stiff bristle brush to scrape away the paint. If you used oil-based paint, apply some paint thinner or mineral spirits to a rag and rub the frame with it until the paint comes off. When done, dry it off so it's ready for the next time it's needed.

Clean the Roller

For latex paint, again, add some warm water and dish soap to one container and plain warm water in another container. Submerge the roller in the warm water with dish soap and let it soak a few minutes. Then take it out and use your hands to wring out the soapy water and paint from the roller. Start at one end of the roller and hold it firmly as you press and move your hand from one end of the roller to the other to "squeeze" the water and paint out of the roller. Do this a few times to extract the paint and then drop the roller in the water-only container. Soak it thoroughly in this container and then repeat the wringing and squeezing procedure until the water runs clear. If you have a faucet or hose handy, you can simply run the roller under it to rinse it as well.

For oil-based paint, fill a container with enough mineral spirits or paint thinner to submerge the roller. Use a container that's not too big yet still allows you to submerge the roller completely. You want to use the least amount of cleaner possible while still completely cleaning the roller. Let the roller soak for approximately 5 minutes to allow the solvent to work. With the roller still in the solvent, use your hands to work over the roller so it begins releasing the paint. After a few minutes, remove the roller, and wring and "squeeze" the roller over the container to remove more paint and solvent. When done, set aside the roller and pour the used solvent into a disposable bottle. Wipe the container dry and add fresh, clean solvent to rinse the roller again. Let it soak a few minutes, and then remove the roller and let the excess solvent drip back into the container. After it's done dripping, set it aside in a well-ventilated area to slightly dry. Pour the remaining solvent into the disposable bottle, also. Finish cleaning the roller using warm, soapy water and set it on its end to dry.

NOTE: Do not throw out the disposable bottle of solvent! Allow the paint solids to settle, then pour off the (relatively) clean solvent into a bottle reserved for reclaimed solvent and save for reuse. Allow the remaining solvent in the dirty bottle to evaporate, then dispose of it in the trash.

Clean the Tray

Start by pouring off any remaining paint in the paint tray back into the can. Remove any excess with a paper towel or disposable rag. If it's latex paint, use warm, soapy water as you used on the roller and frame to thoroughly clean the tray. Rinse with clean water and dry for using the next time. For oil-based paints, pour solvent in the tray and use a brush to work the solvent around the tray to loosen and thin the paint. When done, pour the solvent in a disposable bottle (see NOTE above). Wipe the inside and outside again with rags or paper towels soaked with some additional solvent to remove any stubborn left-on paint. Finish by cleaning one last time with warm, soapy water and dry so it's ready when you need it again.

Buying the best painting tools you can and providing proper care and cleaning for them will ensure you end with the best results for your job.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.