How To Clean Acrylic Nail Brush

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Ever wondered how to achieve those perfectly maintained acrylic nail brushes, ready for a flawless application each time? 

As a passionate nail tech, I believe that hygiene is the heart of every gorgeous nail job, and that’s why I’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to clean acrylic nail brush. 

acrylic nail brush

Read more to discover top-notch techniques, ensuring your brushes not only look good but also last longer.

What You’ll Need To Get Started

The first step is to get all the things that you will need to clean an acrylic nail brush. Check out the list below:

Acrylic nail brush cleaning process for professionals
  1.  Liquid Monomer
  2.  Ceramic Dish
  3.  A Cup Of Water
  4.  A Paper Towel
  5.  Cotton Pads Or Rags
  6.  Soap
  7.  Brush Cleaner

4 Ways On How To Clean Acrylic Nail Brush

How many times have you found yourself staring at your acrylic nail brushes, wondering how on earth you’re going to clean it? 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Cleaning your acrylic nail brushes is a crucial step in maintaining its performance and longevity. 

But with so many methods out there, which one is the best for you? Well, fear not, fellow nail technicians! 

I’m here to break it down for you and share some top tips on how to clean your acrylic nail brushes.

1. Liquid Monomer Method

For the first method, you will need to use a liquid monomer and a ceramic cup or dish. 

Monomers are usually effective in removing acrylic nail paint because they contain acetone.

  • Pour the liquid monomer into the ceramic dish.
  • Then, gently dip each acrylic nail brush into the fresh monomer.
  • If the acrylic nail paint is hard to remove, then leave the brush immersed in the cleaner in the ceramic pot overnight to soak.
  • For the last step, take the brush out of the pot, rinse under warm water to remove leftover residue, then place on a towel to dry completely. Then you’re good to go!

2. Water Method

Another method that will help clean an acrylic brush includes using a cup of water and a towel. It’s easy peasy and pretty quick too.

  •  All you’d have to do is gently dip the brush into the cup of warm water, then take the brush out and dab on the towel.
  • Swish the brush in a cup of water once more, and then air dry. This technique is effective because it removes excess acrylic nail paint.

3. Soap And Water Method

Simply clean your acrylic brushes with soap and water.

  • Apply soap – or shampoo – to the bristles of the brush and thoroughly massage.
  • Then wash off with water.
  • Soak the brushes in a bowl of water. Leave for several hours.
  • Then dry completely using a towel or paper towel.
  • Use a mascara brush or a brow brush and carefully comb through the bristles of the acrylic brushes.

Remember that water alone is not sufficient to clean acrylic brushes.

 Acrylic residue is not water-soluble, so you’ll need to use a solvent like monomer or a brush cleaner to effectively remove it.

4. Cleaning Your Acrylic with Brush Cleaner

If you prefer a gentler approach to brush cleaning, brush cleaners are a fantastic alternative to fresh monomer. 

They are specially formulated to remove acrylic residue from your brushes without the strong odor or harsh effects of traditional solvents.

Here’s how to clean your brush with a brush cleaner:

1. Pour a small amount of brush cleaner into a glass container.

2. Dip your brush into the cleaner, ensuring that the bristles are fully submerged.

3. Swirl the brush in the cleaner for about 30 seconds, allowing the solution to loosen and dissolve any acrylic buildup.

4. Remove the brush from the cleaner and wipe off the excess liquid on a lint-free paper towel.

5. Repeat the process if necessary, until your brush is squeaky clean.

The beauty of brush cleaners is that they are often designed to be more gentle on the bristles, preserving their shape and longevity.

 Plus, they usually have a pleasant scent, making the cleaning process a little more enjoyable.

Can You Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes With Acetone?

While acetone can be used to clean acrylic nail brushes, it is not the most ideal option. 

Acetone is a stronger solvent that can be harsh on the bristles and may cause them to become brittle over time.

It’s best to use dedicated brush cleaners or monomers for regular brush cleaning.

Can You Clean Acrylic Brush With Alcohol?


While alcohol can be used as a temporary cleaning solution in a pinch, it is not as effective as a monomer or brush cleaners. 

Alcohol may not fully dissolve the acrylic residue, leaving your brushless clean than desired. It’s best to stick with dedicated brush cleaning methods for optimal results.

Another thing to bear in mind is that all nail brushes have a limited lifespan. 

Thus, you should make sure you change your brushes once they are completely worn out. You should opt to buy a high-quality nail brushes, too.

How Do You Clean Gel Nail Brushes?

So now you know some of the best ways to clean your acrylic brushes, but how do you deal with the nail gel polish in your brush after application?

Cleaning gel brushes is easy with rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad. 

Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Wet a cotton pad with some rubbing alcohol. Now, wipe your brush handle with it.

Step 2: Place the pad on a table and gently scrub the brush’s bristle on it.

Step 3: If your brush still shows some color, put a little clear nail gel on it. 

Keep scrubbing on the cotton pad until your brush is sparkly clean and has no color. You got this!

Remember, some people might suggest soaking your brush in alcohol for a minute. But, be careful, this could make your brush bristles dry.

Tips on How to Maintain Your Brush

As a nail technician, your acrylic nail brushes are your most important tools. It helps you create flawless nail extensions and beautiful nail art designs. 

But just like any tool, it needs proper care and maintenance to ensure it stays in top shape and lasts for a long time. Here are some useful tips:

But just like any tool, it needs proper care and maintenance to ensure it stays in top shape and lasts for a long time. Here are some useful tips:

1. Clean Your Brush After Each Use

After each use, it’s essential to clean your acrylic nail brushes thoroughly. The residue from acrylic powders and liquids can build up in the bristles, making them stiff and less effective. 

2. Store Your Brush Properly

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the shape and integrity of your acrylic nail brush. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Always store your brush with the bristles facing up to prevent them from bending out of shape.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

When it comes to cleaning brushes, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the bristles. 

Stick to using monomer, which is specifically designed for cleaning and maintaining acrylic brushes. 

Avoid using acetone or other strong solvents, as they can strip the bristles of their natural oils and cause them to become brittle.

4. Replace Your Brush When Necessary

No matter how well you maintain your acrylic nail brush, it will eventually wear out and lose its effectiveness.

Look out for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed bristles or a loss of shape. 

When it’s time to replace your brush, invest in a high-quality one to ensure the best results.

Hygiene Matters

I hope you’ve enjoyed this detailed tutorial on how to clean acrylic nail brushes.

By following these cleaning techniques and maintenance tips, you’ll not only ensure the best nail designs but also prioritize hygiene in your salon.

Remember, clean brushes are essential for both your nail art and the well-being of your clients. So, let’s brush away any doubts and keep those brushes sparkling clean!

What are your thoughts on this guide? Drop your comments below and let’s keep the conversation going.

And if you found this article helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow nail technicians. Until next time, keep creating those stunning nail designs!

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AUTHOR

I'm Lynda Le, a licensed nail technician with over 20 years of experience in the nail and beauty industry. Passionate about sharing my knowledge, I took up blogging in 2016 to connect with others who love beauty as much as I do. For the latest tips and insights, follow me on Twitter at @polishperfectt.

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