Quick answer: Here is how to use an OXX brush cleaner and holder: fill the basin with clean water (or the cleaning liquid suited to your paint) to just below the brush rest, rub dirty brushes gently across the ridged or coiled scrubbing area to release paint, then clip or rest the brushes in the holder so the bristles are suspended without touching the bottom. Empty and rinse the basin after every session, wash brushes with soap afterward and dry them flat. Because combined cleaner-holder designs vary, check the instructions that come with your unit for fill lines and holder positions.
Combined brush cleaner and holder units are popular because they solve two problems at once: where to rinse brushes while painting and where to rest them so they do not roll across the table or sit bristles-down in a cup. Units sold under the OXX name fall into this category. Like most of these tools, they are simple, but a few habits make the difference between a tool that protects your brushes and one that slowly bends them.
This guide explains how to use an OXX brush cleaner and holder step by step, how to adapt it for acrylic, watercolor and oil, how to clean the unit itself and which mistakes to avoid. If you are comparing combined units with standalone holders, see our roundup of the best brush holders for artists.
What an OXX-Style Brush Cleaner and Holder Usually Includes
Designs vary between models and production runs, so your unit may differ slightly. Most combined brush cleaner and holder units include some combination of the following parts:
| Part | What it does | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Basin or tub | Holds water or cleaning liquid | Fill to below the holder level, not to the brim |
| Ridged scrubbing surface or coil | Helps release paint from bristles | Use light pressure; let the ridges do the work |
| Brush rest, clips or holes | Holds brushes suspended or horizontal | Keep bristles off the bottom |
| Divider or second compartment (some models) | Separates dirty and clean water | Use one side for first rinse, one for final rinse |
| Lid (some models) | Reduces spills and evaporation | Useful for oil mediums; still empty water after sessions |
Before first use, look over your unit and note which parts it has. Rinse it with warm soapy water to remove any manufacturing residue.
How to Use an OXX Brush Cleaner and Holder: Step by Step
- Set it on a stable, flat surface. Place the unit on the side of your dominant hand, close enough to reach without stretching over your work.
- Fill with the right liquid. For acrylic, watercolor and gouache, use clean water. For oil, use an odorless solvent or a safe brush-cleaning oil as appropriate for your process. Fill to just below the brush rest so ferrules stay mostly dry.
- Wipe excess paint first. Before dipping, squeeze excess paint from the brush with a paper towel. This keeps the water cleaner for longer.
- Rinse and scrub gently. Dip the brush and rub it lightly across the ridges or coil a few times. Avoid hard pressure or grinding the tip, which splays bristles.
- Rest the brush in the holder. Place the brush in the clip, hole or rest so the bristles hang in the water or sit horizontally without touching the bottom.
- Change water when it clouds. Murky water deposits pigment back into bristles and dulls colors, especially light ones.
- Finish with a proper wash. At the end of the session, wash brushes with soap and water (or the appropriate cleaner for oils), rinse, reshape and dry flat.
- Empty and rinse the unit. Pour out the water, rinse the basin and ridges and let the unit dry.
Using It With Acrylic Paint
Acrylic dries quickly into a permanent film, so a cleaner-holder is especially useful during acrylic sessions. A few adjustments help:
- Rinse every few minutes. Even brushes resting in the holder can develop dried paint at the waterline if they hang above the water.
- Check the water level. Bristles should be submerged when resting; ferrules should not.
- Don’t leave brushes overnight. Holders are for session use. Prolonged soaking bends bristles and loosens ferrule glue.
- Clean the ridges after each session. Acrylic residue builds up on scrubbing surfaces and becomes hard to remove once dry.
- Dispose of rinse water responsibly. Let acrylic solids settle in a separate container before disposing of them according to local guidance.
Using It With Watercolor and Gouache
Watercolor and gouache rinse out easily, so the main goal is keeping water clean and protecting delicate tips. Use the divided compartments, if your unit has them, for a dirty rinse and a clean rinse. Scrub very lightly, or skip the ridges entirely for soft natural hair brushes like sable and squirrel, which can be damaged by abrasion.
Using It With Oil Paint
If your unit is designed for or tolerates solvents, it can serve as an oil brush washer. Confirm the material of the basin can handle the solvent you use, since some plastics may react with certain solvents. Keep the lid on between uses to reduce evaporation and fumes, and work in a ventilated space.
Many painters prefer to use oil (such as safflower or linseed oil) or dedicated non-solvent cleaners to remove paint, followed by soap and water. Whatever you use, never pour solvent down the drain, and dispose of solvent-soaked materials safely.
Brush Positions: What to Do and Avoid
| Position | Safe? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bristles suspended in water, not touching bottom | Yes, short term | Keeps paint moist without bending tips |
| Brush resting horizontally on the holder | Yes | Keeps water out of the ferrule |
| Brush standing bristles-down on the bottom | No | Bends and splays bristles permanently |
| Ferrule submerged for long periods | No | Loosens glue; swells wooden handles |
| Wet brush stored upright, bristles up, after session | No | Water runs into the ferrule |
How to Clean the OXX Brush Cleaner and Holder
The unit itself needs regular cleaning, especially after acrylic sessions.
- Empty the basin after each session.
- Rinse with warm water and a little dish soap.
- Scrub the ridges or coil with an old toothbrush to remove trapped pigment.
- For dried acrylic, soak the basin in warm soapy water, then peel or scrub off softened paint. Dried acrylic often peels off smooth plastic surfaces once softened.
- Rinse and dry fully before storing, especially if the unit has metal coils that could rust.
Avoid harsh abrasives on plastic parts, which can scratch surfaces and make paint stick more easily in the future.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overfilling the basin | Ferrules sit underwater; spills | Fill to below the holder level |
| Scrubbing hard on ridges | Splayed, damaged bristles | Use light strokes; let water and ridges do the work |
| Leaving brushes in overnight | Bent tips, loose ferrules | Remove, wash and dry flat after each session |
| Not changing water | Muddy colors, pigment buildup | Change water when cloudy |
| Skipping soap at the end | Paint residue builds near the ferrule | Always finish with soap and water |
| Letting acrylic dry in the unit | Hard residue on ridges | Rinse the unit after every acrylic session |
Tips for Getting the Most From a Combined Cleaner and Holder
- Use two water stages. If your unit has one compartment, keep a second jar of clean water nearby for a final rinse before picking up light colors.
- Group brushes by color family. Rest brushes used for warm colors on one side and cool colors on the other to reduce muddy mixing.
- Keep paper towels nearby. Blotting after rinsing controls how much water goes back into your paint.
- Match brush size to holder slots. Very thick handles may not fit small clips; very thin handles may slip through large holes. Rest those horizontally instead.
- Pair it with a drying rack. The cleaner-holder handles the painting session; a drying rack or flat towel handles drying.
Setting Up Your Workstation Around the Unit
Where the cleaner-holder sits on your table affects how often you actually use it. A layout that keeps rinsing quick encourages good habits.
- Dominant-hand side: Place the unit beside your palette on the side of the hand that holds the brush, so rinsing takes one short movement.
- Palette between unit and canvas: This keeps drips from the brush landing on the palette rather than the painting.
- Paper towels in front: A folded stack of towels between the unit and the palette makes blotting automatic.
- Splash protection: A tray or silicone mat under the unit catches drips and makes cleanup easier.
- Clean water nearby: A second jar of clean water for final rinses keeps the main basin from becoming the only water source.
Using a Cleaner-Holder in Classes and With Kids
Combined units are useful in group settings, where brushes are often left standing in water cups. A cleaner-holder makes the correct position obvious: brushes go in the clips, not on the bottom. In classrooms, assign one unit per table, keep water levels low to reduce spills and set a routine of emptying and rinsing units at the end of each session. For young children using washable paints, plain water is enough; save solvents and stronger cleaners for adult studios.
Storing the Unit Between Sessions
Store the cleaner-holder empty and dry. Leaving water in the basin encourages mildew, stains and, with metal coils, rust. If the unit has a lid, leave it slightly open until all parts are fully dry. Keep it away from direct sunlight, which can make some plastics brittle over time.
Is a Combined Cleaner and Holder Worth It?
For painters who work regularly, especially in acrylic, a combined unit is a convenient upgrade from a plain water jar. It keeps brushes organized, reduces the temptation to leave brushes standing bristles-down and makes rinsing faster. It does not replace a proper soap wash at the end of a session or correct drying habits.
If you paint only occasionally, a jar of water, a paper towel and a flat drying surface may be all you need. If you paint often or teach classes, a combined cleaner-holder can save time and protect brushes.
Alternatives to an OXX Brush Cleaner and Holder
- Coil brush holder clipped to a jar: suspends brushes in water using a simple spring.
- Silicone brush washer: soft ridges and multiple compartments; easy to clean once acrylic dries.
- Two-jar system with a brush rest: inexpensive and flexible.
- Metal oil brush washer: designed for solvents, with a coil for suspending brushes and a sealing lid.
FAQs
How do you use a brush cleaner and holder?
Fill the basin with water or appropriate cleaner, wipe excess paint from brushes, rinse them gently against the scrubbing ridges and rest them in the holder so bristles do not touch the bottom. Wash brushes with soap afterward and dry them flat.
Can I leave brushes in a brush holder with water overnight?
It is not recommended. Prolonged soaking can bend bristles and loosen ferrules. Use the holder during sessions, then wash and dry brushes properly.
Can you use solvent in a plastic brush cleaner?
Only if the manufacturer says the material is solvent-safe. Some plastics may react with solvents. When in doubt, use water-based media or a metal washer for solvents.
How often should I change the water in my brush cleaner?
Change it whenever it becomes cloudy, and always before working with light colors. Dirty water dulls colors and leaves pigment in bristles.
How do you remove dried acrylic from a brush cleaner tub?
Soak the tub in warm soapy water to soften the paint, then peel or scrub it off with a soft brush. Avoid harsh abrasives on plastic.
Is a brush cleaner and holder good for beginners?
Yes. It encourages good habits such as regular rinsing and keeping brushes off the bottom of the water container, which helps beginners protect their brushes.
Final Thoughts
An OXX brush cleaner and holder works best when you treat it as a session tool: keep the water level right, scrub gently, change water often and never leave brushes overnight. Finish with soap and flat drying. If you want to compare other holder designs, including drying racks, rolls and upright organizers, see our guide to choosing the right brush holder for your studio.
