After using acrylics, wipe off excess paint with a rag, and wash brushes right away in lukewarm tap water and a small amount of mild soap. After using oil-based or alkyd paints, wipe off excess paint with a rag, and use mineral spirits or turpentine right away to remove much of the paint, then finish up with mild soap or brush cleaner and lukewarm water. Don’t let your brushes sit for long still coated with paint. When clean, rub it lightly once against a clean towel to dry it; it doesn’t have to be totally dry, just damp. Make sure that you reshape the brush into its natural shape while damp.