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A good paintbrush is one of the staples for keeping your home fresh and clean with updated looks or colors (See how to Green Your Painting).

Keeping that special brush clean isn't tough but it does require that you clean the brush properly after every use. For water-based latex paint (I wouldn't recommend anything but latex for staying green, and in the low VOC variety at that), simply wash THOROUGHLY with warm water and a mild solution of soap.

• Hot water will expand the ferrule which can cause bristles to come dislodged.
• Ensure that you squeeze the bristles and rise until the water coming from the brush is completely clear.
• Ensure the core/center of the brush is free of paint.
• Rising in a cup of clean water is also a good way to clean the brush but do not push down very hard on the bristles.

And if you fail to properly clean your brush? All it takes is one time, and you'll find it stiff and unusable. Not water nor paint will restore it to its original condition. So what to do?

Soak it in hot vinegar for about 10 minutes and it'll be rejuvenated and usable!

Images from BrushKeep and About.com