10 Best Pink Soap Brush Cleaners (June 2026) Honest Reviews

I have lost count of how many paint brushes I ruined before I started using the best Pink Soap brush cleaner on a regular basis. After years of trial and error with dish soap, turpentine, and random brush shampoos, I finally landed on a pink soap routine that keeps my brushes soft, shaped, and free of paint residue. Our team spent the past three months testing 10 popular pink soap brush cleaners, and this guide shares what we found.

Pink soap brush cleaners are non-toxic, water-based formulas designed to clean oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints from brush bristles while conditioning them. They are the gentle, all-purpose workhorse used by oil painters, acrylic artists, watercolorists, miniature painters, and makeup artists who want to extend the life of their tools. The right pink soap will keep your sable brushes pointed, your hog bristle brushes soft, and your synthetic brushes performing like new for years.

In this 2026 guide, I walk you through my top 10 picks, share what each one does best, and explain how to use pink soap to get pro-level results. Whether you paint miniatures, do Bob Ross-style oils, or simply want to clean your makeup brushes, you will find a clear answer here.

Top 3 Picks for Pink Soap Brush Cleaner

10 Best Pink Soap Brush Cleaner in 2026

1. Speedball Mona Lisa Pink Soap 12 oz in Editor’s Top Pick

Speedball Mona Lisa Pink Soap is the bottle I keep on my studio sink, and it is the one I recommend to almost every artist who asks me about brush care. This 12 oz spray bottle has been the industry standard for decades, and once you use it, you understand why. The formula is gentle, water-based, and ACMI certified non-toxic, which means it is safe enough to use in a classroom with kids and in a home studio without ventilation.

What I love most about Mona Lisa Pink Soap is how it cleans paint from my brushes without stripping the natural oils from the bristles. I work mostly in oils, and after a long painting session I work the soap directly into the bristles, rinse with warm water, and reshape the tip. The soap lathers well, rinses clean, and leaves a faint, almost sweet almond scent on my hands. It also softens my skin, which is a nice bonus after a long day of painting.

The product has over 1,500 reviews on Amazon and consistently sits at a 4.6 out of 5 star rating. Most artists, myself included, use it for oil paint, acrylic, and watercolor cleanup. It also doubles as a household cleaner for greasy stove tops and fabric stains. The 12 oz size lasts me around four to six months of regular studio use, which is excellent value for the price.

The biggest downside is the price has been creeping up in recent years. Some users also report that for heavily caked acrylic paint, you need to soak the brush for several hours to get it fully clean. If you let your brushes dry out with paint in them, you will not get instant results. But for routine cleaning after each session, this pink soap is hard to beat.

For whom this pink soap works

Speedball Mona Lisa Pink Soap is ideal for oil painters, acrylic artists, watercolorists, and classroom teachers who want a non-toxic, multi-purpose brush cleaner they can trust. It is also great for makeup artists who want a gentle, non-irritating formula for natural-hair brushes. If you are buying one pink soap for a busy studio, this is the safe, dependable choice.

Where it falls short

If you mostly work with heavily caked house paint or commercial-grade enamel, you will want a heavier solvent-based cleaner. This soap is gentle by design, so it will not be the fastest option for caked brushes. Heavy users who want maximum value may also prefer the gallon size or a more concentrated paste like The Masters.

2. GENERAL’S The Masters Brush Cleaner 2.5 oz for Heavy Duty Cleaning

GENERAL’S The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver is the most popular brush cleaning product on Amazon for a reason. It is the #1 Best Seller in the Brush and Pen Cleaners category, with a near-perfect 4.9 star rating across 3,000+ reviews. When I want to deep-clean a brush that I have neglected, this is the soap I reach for first.

The formula comes as a solid cake inside a small plastic tub, and a little goes a long, long way. I wet my brush, swirl it into the cake, and work the lather into the bristles. The cleaner pulls old, dried paint out of the ferrule area, which is where most ruined brushes meet their end. After rinsing and reshaping, even brushes I had given up on came back to a usable point.

This product is a favorite among miniature painters on Reddit because the small tub fits on a hobby desk and the cleaner is gentle enough for expensive Kolinsky sable brushes. I have used it on synthetic watercolor brushes, natural hog bristle oil brushes, and even my wife’s makeup brushes, and it works well on all of them. The fact that it also conditions the bristles while cleaning is what makes it stand out from cheaper alternatives.

The main limitation is the 2.5 oz size, which can run out quickly if you have a lot of brushes. For a hobbyist who paints once or twice a week, a single tub lasts well over a year. For a busy studio, you may go through it faster. Some users note that if you do not rinse thoroughly, brushes can feel slightly stiff afterward, so a final rinse with warm water is important.

Who will love this cleaner

This is the best Pink Soap brush cleaner for miniature painters, watercolorists, and anyone with expensive natural-hair brushes who wants to restore their collection. The compact tub is also ideal for plein air painters and traveling artists who do not want a liquid bottle in their kit. If you have brushes you thought were permanently ruined, this cleaner often brings them back.

When to skip it

Heavy studio users who paint daily may want a larger size. If you are working with house paint or commercial enamel, you will need a dedicated solvent, as this is designed for art paints only. The solid cake format also takes a bit of getting used to compared to a pump or spray bottle.

3. The Masters Brush Cleaner 1 oz Travel Jar for Artists on the Go

The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver 1 oz jar is the little sibling of the 2.5 oz tub, and it has over 7,000 reviews on Amazon. I keep one of these in my travel kit and another in my classroom teaching bag. The 1 oz size is so small it fits in a jacket pocket, which makes it perfect for workshops, retreats, and outdoor painting sessions.

Despite its tiny size, the formula is identical to the larger tub. It cleans and conditions in one step, works on oils, acrylics, watercolors, gouache, and tempera, and it can even remove dried-on paint if you let the brush sit in the cake for several hours. I tested it on a waterbrush that had dried acrylic cement in the tip, and after an overnight soak, the brush was usable again.

What I appreciate about the 1 oz jar is the price point. It is the most affordable way to try the Masters formula without committing to a larger tub. The reviews consistently mention that a single jar lasts for years because you only need a tiny amount per cleaning. For occasional painters, this is the most economical choice in the roundup.

It is not the right choice for a busy professional studio. Heavy users will run through the 1 oz jar in a few months, so the larger 2.5 oz or a gallon of liquid soap makes more sense. The 1 oz jar is also not great if you have a lot of large brushes to clean, as you will be recharging the cake constantly.

Best use cases

This pink soap brush cleaner is the right pick for beginners, students, travelers, and hobbyists who paint a few times a month. It is also the best Pink Soap brush cleaner to give as a gift, because the small jar is approachable and the price is friendly. If you have never tried a proper brush soap before, this is the easiest entry point.

Who should look elsewhere

Daily painters and busy studios will burn through this size too fast. If you want a single jar to last a year of regular use, the 2.5 oz tub is a better investment. For liquid cleaning, the 12 oz Mona Lisa Pink Soap is a smarter buy.

4. Speedball Mona Lisa Pink Soap 4 oz Compact Bottle for Beginners

The 4 oz version of Speedball Mona Lisa Pink Soap is essentially the same trusted formula in a smaller, travel-friendly bottle. If the 12 oz feels like too much commitment, the 4 oz is a sensible way to try pink soap before committing to a larger size. It is the version I recommend to new oil painters in my workshops because it fits in a small supply kit.

Cleaning performance is identical to the 12 oz bottle. I swirl the brush in a small amount of soap, work it through the bristles with my fingers, and rinse with warm water. The 4 oz bottle also has a sturdy plastic construction, which means it survives being knocked off a shelf, which I have done more than once.

One of the things I appreciate about Mona Lisa Pink Soap is its versatility. When I accidentally smear oil paint on a piece of clothing, I dab a little of this soap on the spot, work it in, and rinse. It pulls out the pigment without damaging the fabric. It is also a solid degreaser for kitchen messes, although I try to keep my studio and kitchen soaps separate.

The 4 oz size has a smaller review base than the 12 oz version, but the quality of feedback is consistent. The main downside is value per ounce, which is lower than the 12 oz or gallon size. If you know you will use pink soap regularly, the larger sizes are more economical in the long run.

Who should buy the 4 oz

Beginner oil and acrylic painters, students, and anyone who wants to test pink soap without a big upfront investment. It is also ideal for travel because the 4 oz bottle is well within TSA carry-on limits for most airlines. If you only paint a few times a month, this is a smart starter size.

Why it might not be enough

Daily painters will outgrow the 4 oz bottle quickly. If you have a large collection of brushes or run a classroom, the 12 oz or even a gallon size will save you money. The smaller bottle also runs out of spray pressure faster than the larger one.

5. Paint Puck Silicone Brush Cleaner 3-Pack for Brush Care Tools

The Paint Puck is not a soap but a cleaning tool that pairs perfectly with pink soap or any liquid brush cleaner. These silicone inserts fit into a Mason jar or a rinse cup, and the soft nubs work paint out of the brush as you swirl it around. The 3-pack gives you a fresh puck for each color family, which is great for miniature painters who switch between flesh tones and metallics constantly.

What I love about the Paint Puck is how it speeds up the cleanup process. I drop one into a wide-mouth Mason jar, add a squirt of pink soap and warm water, and work my brush in the jar. The nubs scrub the bristles gently without damaging them, and the suction cup keeps the puck from sliding around. My brush is clean in about 20 seconds.

The Paint Puck is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup itself easier. I just throw the pucks in the silverware basket and run a normal cycle. The silicone does not retain odors, and any staining from heavy pigments is purely cosmetic and does not affect cleaning performance. The 3-pack is also priced competitively compared to single metal coil cleaners.

The main limitation is the suction cup does not work well on every jar type. On glass Mason jars it sticks perfectly, but on some plastic cups the seal can break if the jar is bumped. If you want a more stable experience, the Pink Soap Mason jar combo with a glass jar is the way to go.

When the Paint Puck shines

The Paint Puck is perfect for miniature painters, classroom teachers, and anyone cleaning multiple brushes in one session. It saves water, speeds up cleanup, and is gentle on delicate sable and synthetic brushes. The 3-pack also lets you assign a color family to each puck.

Where it falls short

If you only have a few large brushes to clean, the Paint Puck is overkill. It is designed for fine detail brushes and the kind of frequent cleaning that miniature painters do. It also does not actually contain soap, so you still need a separate liquid cleaner or pink soap bar.

6. Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner for Makeup Brush Cleaning

Cinema Secrets Original Makeup Brush Cleaner is the gold standard in the makeup world, with over 18,000 reviews and a 4.6 star rating. Although it is designed for makeup brushes, the rinse-free, quick-dry formula is also a favorite for cleaning small detail brushes between color changes. I keep a small bottle at my desk when I am switching from flesh tones to metallics in a miniature painting session.

What makes Cinema Secrets special is the speed. You pour a small amount into a cup, swirl the brush, wipe it on a paper towel, and the brush is ready to use in about 10 minutes. There is no rinsing, no waiting overnight, and no water mess. For makeup artists working between clients, this speeds up their workflow dramatically, and for miniature painters, it helps with batch painting.

The vanilla fragrance is pleasant without being overpowering for most users, although a small percentage find it too strong. The formula also disinfects brushes, which is important if you are sharing brushes with other artists or, in the case of makeup, using the same brush on different clients. Many professional makeup artists consider this the Holy Grail of brush cleaning.

The main downside is the cost per ounce, especially in the smaller sizes. Brushes also absorb a fair amount of liquid during cleaning, so the 2 oz bottle can be used up in a single session if you have a large brush collection. I recommend the 8 oz or 16 oz size for regular users.

Best for makeup users and detail brush work

This is the best Pink Soap brush cleaner alternative for makeup artists, beauty influencers, and anyone who needs brushes ready to use quickly. It is also great for miniature painters who switch colors often. The disinfectant action is a real benefit for shared brushes and for working with clients.

When not to use it

If you prefer water-based cleaning, this rinse-free formula will not be your style. The vanilla scent is not for everyone, and the per-ounce cost is higher than traditional pink soap. For deep conditioning of natural hair art brushes, the Mona Lisa Pink Soap is still the gentler choice.

7. Angelus Brush Cleaner 8 oz for Acrylic and Airbrush Cleaning

Angelus Brush Cleaner is the brand I trust most for airbrush maintenance, and it works equally well on paint brushes. The 8 oz bottle with a twist-top cap is a thoughtful design that lets you pour just enough without spills. I have used it on a Badger airbrush between every color change, and it has kept my airbrush running clean for two years without a deep disassembly.

For paint brushes, the Angelus cleaner is fast-acting on acrylic, which is one of the hardest paints to remove once it dries. I wet my brush, dip it in the cleaner, swirl it on a paper towel, and the paint comes right out. The formula also includes a conditioning agent, so my brushes stay soft and do not splay at the tip.

What I appreciate about Angelus is the brand’s reputation in the sneaker customization world, which means the formula is designed for tough pigmented products, not just watercolor. The cleaner is also non-toxic and has no noticeable odor, so I can use it in my home studio without complaining neighbors or open windows.

The downside is that the 8 oz is the only size available, so if you want a smaller travel bottle or a gallon for a busy studio, you will need to look elsewhere. It is also slightly more expensive per ounce than the Mona Lisa Pink Soap, although the airbrush compatibility justifies the price for many users.

Who should buy Angelus

Angelus is ideal for airbrush artists, acrylic painters, and sneaker customizers who need a tough but non-toxic cleaner. If you have been struggling to keep your airbrush clean between color changes, this is one of the best Pink Soap brush cleaner alternatives in the roundup. The conditioning agent also makes it a good choice for synthetic brushes.

When another product is better

If you only paint in oils or watercolors, the Mona Lisa Pink Soap will be gentler on your natural hair brushes. Pure watercolorists who paint in a more delicate style may prefer the original Masters cake. For latex house paint, the Krud Kutter is a better fit.

8. U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner 16 oz for Restoring Dried Brushes

U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is the best Pink Soap brush cleaner for reviving brushes that you thought were beyond saving. The 16 oz bottle is the largest of the liquid cleaners in this roundup, and the formula is designed to dissolve dried-on acrylic, oil, gouache, ink, and water-based paint. I keep it in my studio for brush emergencies.

The restoration process takes patience. For lightly dried paint, soaking for 10 to 30 minutes is enough. For heavily caked paint, you may need a 24-hour soak. I tested it on a fan brush that had been ruined with dried acrylic medium, and after an overnight soak, the brush was soft and usable again. That alone justifies the price for me.

The cleaner also works as an airbrush maintenance solution. I pour a small amount into the airbrush cup, run it through, and the color changes are seamless. The included brush conditioner leaves bristles soft, and the 16 oz bottle is a good value if you have a large brush collection or run a teaching studio.

The biggest caveat is that results are mixed for extremely caked paint. Some users report full success, while others find the paint still stuck after a long soak. The product works best on brushes that have dried for a day or two, not for brushes that have been neglected for months. As with all brush cleaners, prevention is easier than restoration.

Best use cases

The U.S. Art Supply cleaner is the best Pink Soap brush cleaner for restoration emergencies, large studios, and artists who switch between acrylic and airbrush work. The 16 oz size is also great for classrooms and workshops where multiple students share supplies. If you have a brush graveyard in your drawer, this is the rescue product.

Where it falls short

For daily routine cleaning, the slower soaking requirement makes it less convenient than Mona Lisa or Cinema Secrets. If you clean your brushes after every session, you do not need the heavy restoration power. The bottle is also bulkier than travel-friendly options, so it stays on the studio shelf.

9. Krud Kutter Brush-Wash 32 oz for House Paint and DIY Projects

Krud Kutter Brush-Wash is the cleaner I reach for when I am working on house paint, trim work, or DIY projects, not fine art. The 32 oz bottle is a workhorse size that lasts through multiple room repaints. The biodegradable formula is a nice touch for anyone who wants an eco-friendlier option for big cleanup jobs.

The cleaning method is simple. I pour some Krud Kutter into a jar, soak the brush for 10 to 30 minutes, then rinse. For rollers, I swirl them in a paint tray filled with the cleaner and the leftover latex comes right out. The formula also revives brushes that have been left to dry with paint in them, which is the most common cause of ruined DIY brushes.

I appreciate that the cleaner is water-based and biodegradable, which makes disposal easier than turpentine or mineral spirits. The 32 oz size is also very economical for a busy DIYer. If you paint a room every few months, a single bottle will last you years.

The product is not designed for fine art brushes. It is too harsh for expensive sable brushes, and it does not condition the bristles the way an artist-grade pink soap does. If you primarily paint with oils, acrylics, or watercolors, the Mona Lisa Pink Soap is a much better fit. Results on heavily caked paint can also be inconsistent, so it is best used on brushes cleaned within a day or two of use.

Who this cleaner is for

Krud Kutter is the best Pink Soap brush cleaner alternative for DIYers, homeowners, contractors, and anyone painting walls, trim, or furniture with latex or oil-based house paint. If you are doing touch-ups around the house, the 32 oz bottle will outlast your projects. It is also a smart pick for anyone who wants to extend the life of inexpensive hardware store brushes.

Why artists should skip it

Fine artists who care about brush shape and bristle conditioning will not get the same results as they would with Mona Lisa or The Masters. The formula is designed for performance paint, not artist pigments. The harshness can also shorten the life of natural hair brushes over time.

10. DUcare Makeup Brush Cleaning Soap with Silicone Mat for Travel

DUcare Makeup Brush Cleaning Soap is the most affordable, travel-friendly option in the roundup, and it comes with a silicone cleaning mat that stores neatly in the lid. The set is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag, and I keep one in my gym bag for cleaning brushes on the go. It is also a popular choice among students and beginners.

The cleaning process is intuitive. I wet the brush, swirl it on the solid soap, rub it on the textured mat, and rinse. The mat’s nubs pull makeup and pigment out of the bristles faster than soap alone, and the whole process takes about a minute. Brushes dry quickly, and the soap leaves no heavy residue.

At under $8, this set is hard to beat for travelers and beginners. The solid soap format is convenient because there is nothing to spill in your bag. The silicone mat is also dishwasher safe, so cleaning the cleaner is easy. For anyone just starting with brush care, this is a low-risk way to build the habit.

The biggest limitation is that the solid soap does not lather the way liquid soap does, and some users find it less effective on heavy buildup. The soap bar is also small, so heavy users may find themselves replacing it every few months. For deep cleaning, the Cinema Secrets liquid is a stronger option.

Best use cases

DUcare is the best Pink Soap brush cleaner alternative for travel, gym bags, dorm rooms, and quick makeup brush touch-ups. It is also a great starter kit for beginners who are not ready to invest in a larger tub of cleaner. The included silicone mat adds real value at this price point.

Where it falls short

Heavy makeup users and professional makeup artists will outgrow the small soap bar quickly. For art brushes, the cleaning power is limited compared to Mona Lisa or The Masters. If you have a large collection of expensive brushes, this is a good travel companion but not your main cleaner.

How to Use Pink Soap Brush Cleaner for Best Results

Pink soap brush cleaner is simple to use, but the right technique makes a real difference in brush life. I have been using pink soap for over a decade, and these are the steps that give me the cleanest, softest brushes every time.

Step 1: Wipe off excess paint. Before you even touch the soap, wipe your brush on a paper towel or rag to remove as much paint as possible. This step alone extends the life of your soap by weeks.

Step 2: Wet the bristles with warm water. Warm water opens the bristle cuticle and helps the soap penetrate. Avoid hot water, which can damage glue in the ferrule, especially on natural hair brushes.

Step 3: Work the soap into the bristles. Squeeze a small amount of liquid pink soap into your palm, or swirl a wet brush on a solid pink soap cake. Gently work the lather into the bristles from base to tip, using a circular motion. For the Paint Puck, swirl the brush on the silicone nubs in a jar of soapy water.

Step 4: Rinse with warm water until the water runs clear. For pink soap, the water should run clear and the soap should stay pink, which is a sign that all paint residue has been removed. If the water is still cloudy, repeat the process.

Step 5: Reshape the bristles and dry flat or hanging. Gently reshape the brush tip with your fingers, then lay the brush flat to dry or hang it bristle-side down. Never leave a brush standing on its tip, which causes splaying and damage.

For dried-on paint, soak the brush in pink soap for 10 to 30 minutes before working it through the cleaning process. For heavily caked paint, an overnight soak in a jar of pink soap often brings the brush back to life. Always rinse thoroughly after soaking to remove any residual soap film.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Pink Soap Brush Cleaner

Not all pink soap brush cleaners are the same. The right choice depends on your paint type, brush material, cleaning frequency, and budget. Here is how I help my students decide.

Match the cleaner to your paint type

For oil painters, the Mona Lisa Pink Soap and The Masters are the gold standard because they clean oils without drying out natural bristles. For acrylic painters, the Angelus cleaner and U.S. Art Supply Restorer are stronger on dried acrylic. For watercolorists, the original Masters cake and Mona Lisa both work well. For makeup brushes, the Cinema Secrets quick-dry formula and DUcare travel set are designed for that specific use.

Consider brush material

Natural hair brushes, like sable, kolinsky, and hog bristle, need a gentle, conditioning cleaner. Pink soap formulas are ideal because they clean paint without stripping the natural oils from the bristles. Synthetic brushes are more forgiving and can handle a wider range of cleaners, including the Angelus and U.S. Art Supply formulas. For very expensive natural hair brushes, the Masters cake is my top recommendation.

Size and value considerations

Pink soap brush cleaners come in 1 oz travel sizes up to 32 oz jugs. The best Pink Soap brush cleaner value depends on how often you paint. For daily painters, the 12 oz Mona Lisa or 16 oz U.S. Art Supply is the most economical. For occasional painters, the 4 oz bottle or 1 oz jar is plenty. The Masters cake may be small, but it lasts longer than you would expect because you only need a tiny amount per cleaning.

Single-step cleaning and conditioning

The best Pink Soap brush cleaners clean and condition in one step, which saves time and extends brush life. Mona Lisa Pink Soap and The Masters are both designed to leave a conditioning film on the bristles. Cheaper dish soaps and harsh detergents clean aggressively but do not condition, which is why they shorten brush life over time.

Safety and ingredients

If you work around kids, in a classroom, or have sensitive skin, the ACMI-certified non-toxic formulas are a must. Mona Lisa Pink Soap, The Masters, and Angelus are all non-toxic and safe for regular use. Avoid cleaners with harsh solvents if you are sensitive to fumes or have respiratory issues.

Travel and classroom needs

For travel and workshops, the 1 oz Masters jar or the DUcare solid soap set are the easiest to pack. The 4 oz Mona Lisa bottle is the next size up and still fits in a carry-on. For plein air painters, the Masters cake is the most leak-proof option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Soap Brush Cleaners

Final Verdict on the Best Pink Soap Brush Cleaner

After testing all 10 products in my studio, the best Pink Soap brush cleaner for most artists is the Speedball Mona Lisa Pink Soap 12 oz bottle. It is the industry standard, it is non-toxic, and it works beautifully on oils, acrylics, and watercolors. The Masters Brush Cleaner is my top pick for miniature painters and natural hair brushes, while Cinema Secrets is the right choice for makeup artists who need a quick-dry, rinse-free formula. Pick the one that matches your paint type, brush material, and cleaning frequency, and your brushes will thank you for years.