What is the recommended way to clean paintbrushes after using water-based paint?

The recommended way to clean paintbrushes after using water-based paint is to wash them with soap and water. This method is effective because water-based paints are designed to be cleaned up with water, making it easy to remove any paint residue from the bristles. Using soap helps to break down the paint, ensuring that the brushes are thoroughly cleaned, helping to maintain their shape and prolong their lifespan.

While other methods, such as rinsing with vinegar or soaking in mineral spirits, may have their uses in specific circumstances or with different types of paint (like oil-based paints), they are not appropriate for water-based paints. Wiping them with a dry cloth does not effectively remove paint and may leave residue, which can harden and damage the bristles over time. Therefore, washing with soap and water is the most straightforward and suitable approach for cleaning brushes used with water-based paint.