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Cleaning up is the part of oil painting nobody photographs, yet it decides how long your brushes last and how pleasant your studio is to work in. The traditional answer was turpentine, with its strong smell and harsh fumes. Today most painters clean with refined odorless mineral spirits, and some skip solvent for cleanup entirely. The best oil painting solvents for cleaning remove paint efficiently, leave little residue, keep odor low and can be reused once the pigment settles out.
This guide explains the main cleaning options, how to use solvent safely and economically, and six products on Amazon: four odorless mineral spirits in different sizes, a plant-based solvent-free brush cleaner and a sealed stainless steel washer that makes any solvent last longer.
Quick answer: For most painters, Gamblin Gamsol is the benchmark odorless mineral spirit, sold in a 16.9 oz bottle for thinning and cleanup. For a lower-cost large bottle, PHOENIX Oil Paint Thinner offers the same volume. If you want to avoid solvents for brush cleaning, Green Piece Paint Brush Cleaner is a plant-based option that works on wet or dry paint.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best overall cleaning solvent
- PHOENIX Oil Paint Thinner, 16.9 oz — Best value large bottle
- U.S. Art Supply Odorless Mineral Spirits, 125 ml — Best small bottle for occasional painters
- Bellisinno Odorless Mineral Spirits, 100 ml — Best travel-size solvent
- Green Piece Paint Brush Cleaner & Restorer — Best solvent-free brush cleaner
- MyLifeUNIT Stainless Steel Brush Washer — Best container for reusing solvent
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamblin Gamsol | Everyday cleanup and thinning | 16.9 oz odorless mineral spirits | Benchmark artist solvent | $$ |
| PHOENIX Oil Paint Thinner | Frequent painters | 16.9 oz hydrotreated distillates | Large volume, low odor | $$ |
| U.S. Art Supply OMS | Occasional use | 125 ml (4.2 fl oz) | Small, affordable | $ |
| Bellisinno OMS | Travel and classes | 100 ml | Aromatic-free formula | $ |
| Green Piece Brush Cleaner | Solvent-free cleaning | Plant-based, made in USA | Removes wet or dry paint | $ |
| MyLifeUNIT Washer | Reusing solvent | 10 oz stainless, sealed lid, filter | Cuts evaporation | $ |
How We Chose
We did not clean brushes with these products for this guide. Picks are based on the Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, established guidance on safer solvent use in oil painting, how well each product fits a cleaning routine, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers.
- Odor and aromatics: refined, low-odor solvents with aromatics removed.
- Cleaning strength: breaks down oil paint quickly with little residue.
- Bottle size: matched to how often you paint.
- Safety labeling: clear warnings and ASTM D-4236 conformance where stated.
- Reuse potential: solvents and containers that allow settling and reuse.
Your Options for Cleaning Oil Brushes
Odorless mineral spirits
Odorless mineral spirits (OMS) are petroleum distillates refined to remove most aromatic compounds, which cuts odor and some of the health concerns of older solvents. Artist-grade OMS is more refined than hardware-store paint thinner, which is why painters pay a little more for it. OMS dissolves oil paint well, evaporates more slowly than turpentine, and can be reused once pigment settles out.
Turpentine
Gum turpentine is a traditional solvent distilled from pine resin. It is a strong solvent but has a pronounced smell and is more irritating to breathe. Most modern studios use it, if at all, only in mediums rather than for cleanup.
Solvent-free cleaners
Plant-based brush cleaners and soaps remove paint without petroleum solvents. Some painters also wipe brushes into a vegetable oil such as safflower, then wash with soap and water. Solvent-free cleaning is popular in shared homes, classrooms and studios without strong ventilation.
Soap and water finish
Whatever you clean with first, a final wash with mild soap and lukewarm water removes residue and keeps bristles soft. Reshape the tip and let brushes dry flat or bristle-up.
Using Solvent Safely and Economically
Even odorless solvents still release vapors; low odor does not mean no exposure. Work with fresh airflow, keep containers closed when not in use and never heat solvent. Use the minimum amount needed.
The economical approach is a two-jar or sealed-washer system. Clean brushes in the first container, where most paint comes off. Over a day or two, pigment settles to the bottom and the solvent above turns clear. Pour off the clear solvent for reuse and collect the sludge in a sealed container for proper disposal under local hazardous waste rules. Oily rags should be laid flat to dry or stored in a sealed, water-filled metal container, because oil-soaked rags can self-heat.
A Simple End-of-Session Cleaning Routine
- Squeeze and wipe each brush firmly on a paper towel or rag until little color comes off.
- Swirl the brush gently in your washer, pressing it against the filter or coil, then wipe again.
- Repeat once in cleaner solvent or cleaner if the brush still shows color near the ferrule.
- Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water, working lather into the base of the bristles.
- Rinse, reshape the tip with your fingers and lay the brush flat or stand it bristle-up to dry.
Best Oil Painting Solvents for Cleaning Reviewed
1. Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits — Best for everyday cleanup and thinning
Gamsol is Gamblin’s artist-grade odorless mineral spirit and one of the most familiar cleaning solvents in US studios. The listing describes it as an excellent solvent for thinning mediums and general painting, including brush cleanup, and positions it as safer for painters, paintings and the environment than turpentine and harsh mineral spirits.
Gamsol is highly refined, with aromatic solvents removed, which is why it smells far milder than hardware-store thinners. It evaporates slowly enough to reuse many times in a sealed washer, and it is compatible with Gamblin mediums and varnishes, which matters if you work within one brand’s system.
The 16.9 oz (500 ml) bottle is a sensible size for regular painters.
Best suited for: Most oil painters, especially those using Gamblin mediums and Gamvar varnish.
Key features:
- Artist-grade odorless mineral spirits
- 16.9 oz (500 ml) bottle
- For thinning and brush cleanup
- Positioned as safer than turpentine
Pros:
- Trusted benchmark in many studios
- Low odor
- Works within the Gamblin system
Cons and limitations:
- Costs more than generic thinners
- Still requires ventilation
Buying consideration: Use it in a sealed washer and reuse the settled solvent to stretch each bottle.
2. PHOENIX Oil Paint Thinner, 16.9 oz — Best for frequent painters on a budget
PHOENIX’s thinner is made from highly refined, low-odor hydrotreated petroleum distillates, which is the same broad category as odorless mineral spirits. The listing presents it as a safer alternative to turpentine for thinning oil paint and cleaning brushes, palettes and tools.
The seller describes it as virtually odorless and non-toxic, conforming to ASTM D4236, and suitable for indoor studio use with proper ventilation. The leak-proof 16.9 fl oz bottle matches Gamsol’s volume at a lower price tier.
It is a sensible pick for painters who clean several times a week and go through solvent quickly.
Best suited for: Regular painters who want a large bottle of low-odor solvent for less.
Key features:
- Hydrotreated petroleum distillates
- 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) bottle
- Low odor, ASTM D4236 conforming
- Leak-proof bottle
Pros:
- Large volume at a lower price
- Gentle on natural and synthetic bristles per listing
- Thins paint as well as cleaning
Cons and limitations:
- Less established brand than Gamblin
- Still a petroleum solvent requiring ventilation
Buying consideration: A good choice if cost per ounce matters more than brand.
3. U.S. Art Supply Odorless Mineral Spirits, 125 ml — Best for occasional painters
U.S. Art Supply’s OMS comes in a 125 ml (4.2 fl oz) bottle. The listing describes it as a highly refined solvent that thins oil-based paints, stains and varnishes and cleans brushes, tools and equipment immediately after use with minimal residue.
The specialized odorless formula is said to eliminate the strong fumes of standard mineral spirits. The listing also mentions use for blending wax-based colored pencils, a handy extra for mixed-media artists.
Two practical notes from the listing: the product is combustible and harmful if swallowed, and it is not intended for sale or use in California, so painters there will need another option.
Best suited for: Hobby painters who paint occasionally and do not want a large bottle sitting around.
Key features:
- 125 ml (4.2 fl oz) bottle
- Highly refined odorless formula
- Thins and cleans
- Also blends wax-based colored pencil
Pros:
- Small, affordable bottle
- Established art supply brand
- Multi-use for mixed media
Cons and limitations:
- Not for sale or use in California
- Small volume for frequent painters
Buying consideration: Check shipping eligibility if you live in California.
4. Bellisinno Odorless Mineral Spirits, 100 ml — Best for travel and classes
Bellisinno’s 100 ml bottle is made from odorless mineral oil described as free of aromatic solvents. The listing says it thins oil paint while preserving color and flow, and cleans brushes effectively.
The small size suits workshops and classes where you need a little solvent for a few hours, and car-based plein air trips. The seller also offers replacement if the bottle arrives damaged.
Best suited for: Students, workshop attendees and painters who want a compact bottle.
Key features:
- 100 ml bottle
- Aromatic-free odorless mineral oil
- Thins and cleans
Pros:
- Compact size
- Low price tier
- Low odor
Cons and limitations:
- Highest cost per ounce
- Small bottle runs out fast for regular use
Buying consideration: Decant from it into a small sealed jar for classes rather than carrying an open container.
5. Green Piece Paint Brush Cleaner & Restorer — Best for solvent-free cleaning
Green Piece takes a different approach: no paint thinner and no turpentine. The listing describes a natural cleaner made from fruit extracts and minerals, biodegradable and made in the USA, that removes wet or dry paint from brushes and is safe to use on hands.
It is listed as working on acrylic, latex, oil and shellac, and as restoring brushes that have hardened. That restoration claim is useful for oil painters who occasionally forget a brush and find it stiff the next day.
Note that a solvent-free cleaner is for cleaning only; it does not thin paint or mediums. Many painters pair one with a small amount of OMS for thinning, or skip solvent entirely and use oil mediums.
Best suited for: Painters in shared spaces, homes with children or pets, or anyone avoiding petroleum solvents.
Key features:
- Plant-based, biodegradable formula
- Removes wet or dry paint
- Works on oil, acrylic, latex and shellac
- Citrus scent
Pros:
- No petroleum solvent fumes
- Restores hardened brushes
- Safe on hands per listing
Cons and limitations:
- Does not thin paint
- Small size
Buying consideration: Follow with a soap-and-water rinse so no cleaner residue stays in the bristles.
6. MyLifeUNIT Stainless Steel Brush Washer — Best for reusing solvent
A good container is what turns a bottle of solvent into weeks of cleaning. This 10 oz stainless steel washer has a rubber sealing loop in the lid to stop solvent escaping and a removable porous filter that gives a scrubbing surface while letting pigment fall below.
Because the solvent sits sealed between sessions, evaporation and studio odor drop noticeably compared with an open jar. Once the sludge settles, clear solvent at the top can be reused. The washer is compact, rust-resistant and has a handle for carrying.
Best suited for: Any oil painter using solvent who wants to use less of it.
Key features:
- 10 oz stainless steel body
- Sealing rubber ring in lid
- Removable porous filter
- Carry handle, 2.8 x 2.8 x 3.5 in
Pros:
- Reduces evaporation and odor
- Lets you reuse settled solvent
- Durable and rust-resistant
Cons and limitations:
- Small for large brushes
- Sludge needs regular removal
Buying consideration: Pair it with any solvent here to stretch every bottle further.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Oil Painting Solvent for Cleaning
Choose artist-grade over hardware thinner
Artist-grade OMS is more refined, with fewer aromatics and less odor. Hardware thinners vary and may leave more residue.
Match bottle size to frequency
Daily painters benefit from 16.9 oz bottles; occasional painters waste less with 100 to 125 ml bottles.
Check regional restrictions
Some solvents cannot be shipped to or sold in certain states. The U.S. Art Supply listing, for example, excludes California.
Consider going solvent-free for cleanup
Plant-based cleaners and soap remove paint without petroleum vapors. Keep a little OMS only if you need it for thinning.
Use a sealed container
A sealed washer saves money, cuts odor and lets you reuse solvent once pigment settles.
Plan for disposal
Never pour solvent or sludge down the drain. Collect it in a sealed container and follow local hazardous waste rules.
Keep Painting
Clean brushes make cleaner color. Try a subject that tests edge control, such as our guide on painting fog in oil, or build texture with clean fan and rigger brushes in painting grass in oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming odorless means no vapors; always ventilate.
- Cleaning in an open jar that evaporates all day.
- Pouring used solvent down the sink.
- Leaving brushes standing on their tips in solvent.
- Skipping the final soap-and-water wash, which leaves residue in the ferrule.
- Balling up oily rags in an open trash can.
FAQs
What is the best solvent for cleaning oil paint brushes?
Artist-grade odorless mineral spirits like Gamblin Gamsol are a standard choice. For solvent-free cleaning, a plant-based brush cleaner followed by soap and water works well.
Is odorless mineral spirits safe?
It is safer than turpentine and harsh thinners because aromatics are removed, but it still releases vapors. Use good ventilation, keep containers closed and avoid skin contact.
Can I reuse mineral spirits?
Yes. Let used solvent sit in a sealed container until pigment settles, then pour off the clear solvent for reuse.
Can I clean oil brushes without solvent?
Yes. Wipe out excess paint, work the brush in a vegetable oil or a solvent-free cleaner, then wash with soap and lukewarm water.
How do I dispose of used solvent?
Collect sludge and spent solvent in a sealed, labeled container and take it to a household hazardous waste site. Never pour it down the drain.
Is Gamsol better than hardware-store paint thinner?
Gamsol is more refined, with lower odor and fewer aromatics, which makes it more comfortable for indoor studio use.
Final Recommendation
Gamblin Gamsol is the best all-round cleaning solvent for most oil painters, with PHOENIX as the budget-friendly large bottle. Occasional painters can buy the smaller U.S. Art Supply bottle (outside California) or Bellisinno’s 100 ml size for classes and travel. If you want to avoid petroleum solvents for cleanup, Green Piece is the solvent-free pick. Whatever you choose, a sealed washer like the MyLifeUNIT makes it last longer and keeps your studio air cleaner.
