How to Clean a Brush for Applying Glue to Wood

Rinse the bristles of the brush in hot water if they are still wet with glue. Hang up the brush or place it on a flat surface to dry. Go on to Step 2 if the glue has dried and the bristles are hard.

Pour enough solvent in a container to cover the bristles. Effective solvents include mineral spirits, acetone and paint thinner. Place the brush in the container so the bristles are submerged, and let them soak for approximately one minute.

Pour three drops of liquid dish soap in a container and mix the soap with hot water. Place the brush in the soapy mixture and let the bristles soak for about 30 minutes.

Hold the paintbrush by the handle and swish the bristles in the water to remove any remnants of the adhesive. Remove the brush from the water and run your fingers through the bristles. If they still feel hard, then repeat the process, starting from Step 2. If the bristles feel soft, then rinse the brush in cold water. Let the bristles dry.