How to Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes As a Nail Tech in 6 Steps

Starting out your career as a solo nail tech is no small feat. You’re mastering your craft, building your client list, and perfecting the art of gorgeous, flawless nail designs.

But if there’s one thing you need to pay extra attention to, it’s how to clean acrylic nail brushes.

They say that cleanliness is next to godliness, and that holds true for all of your nail supplies. Yet, it’s easier said than done. There’s a lot of industry lingo and techniques to be deciphered (and mastered) here. What is brush cleaner for nails? How to get acrylic out of a brush without acetone? And why is cleaning your brushes so important in the first place?

It’s not just about hygiene (though that’s probably the most important factor). Knowing how to clean acrylic nail brushes is also important because it will help you maintain the longevity of your materials, making sure they maintain their shape and quality. No one wants to deal with hardened bristles or mystery colors stuck in their brush.

Plus, your clients will appreciate how these happy, healthy brushes keep their nails turning out Instagram-worthy every time.

So, without further ado, it’s time to learn how to clean acrylic nail brushes without monomer, with monomer, and every other way possible. 

Best Technique to Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes

When it comes to cleaning acrylic nail brushes, monomer takes the gold medal. Why? Because it clears out leftover product without damaging the delicate bristles of your brushes. 

Acrylic brushes work hard, and their synthetic or natural bristles need a gentle yet effective cleaning solution to keep them in top shape.

Using monomer allows you to dissolve acrylic from your brush without compromising its structure. It’s also much less harsh than some of the alternatives out there, making it the go-to choice for nail techs who want to preserve their tools.

How to Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes in 6 Steps

Below, we’ll walk through a step-by-step method to keep your tools fresh and flawless using monomer - and we’ll throw in a few insider tips to help you get the best possible results, too.

1. Set up a well-ventilated workspace and gather your supplies

Before you tackle those crusted-on bits of acrylic, it’s time to get your space ready. Cleaning acrylic nail brushes isn’t the kind of task you want to do while eating lunch or with your gear spread out chaotically. 

Perhaps most importantly, make sure your workspace is well-ventilated. Monomer has a strong smell, and it lingers if you don’t have airflow. 

The other essentials you will need include:

• A clean container or dappen dish
• Fresh acrylic monomer 
• Lint-free cloth or paper towel 
• A surface where you can safely lay everything out 

Got it all? Perfect. Now it’s time to get started.

2. Dip the brush into clean monomer

To bring your brush back to life and remove all that built-up acrylic, dip the bristles into a small amount of clean acrylic monomer (don’t worry, we’ll tell you how to clean acrylic nail brushes without monomer, too), making sure the liquid can gently reach the base of the brush hairs. This step is all about loosening and dissolving that stubborn acrylic residue. 

Be patient and take a few moments to swirl the brush and swish it all around. 

Pay attention to your technique here. Never press down too hard on the bristles – you want to dissolve the acrylic, not destroy the shape of your brush. 

3. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel

Once the monomer has done its job dissolving the acrylic, grab your lint-free cloth or paper towel. Gently dab the bristles to wipe away the softened acrylic. You’ll see bits of the gunk disappearing as you go. 

This step might take more than one go, so repeat the dip-and-wipe process as necessary. It’s worth the extra effort to get your tool back in perfect shape. 

4. Let the brush soak in monomer

For those tough, acrylic-coated scenarios where dipping doesn’t quite cut it, it’s time to go deeper – literally. Place your brush in fresh acrylic monomer and allow it to soak for a couple of minutes. This is like a spa treatment for your brush – it’ll dissolve the last traces of residue clinging to the bristles. 

Again, once you’re done soaking, use your lint-free cloth to gently clean off the last bits. At this point, your brush should already start looking a lot like its original self. 

5. Reshape the bristles 

Bristle shape is everything in the nail game. After cleaning, take a moment to reshape the bristles with your fingers. The last thing you want is a wonky brush sabotaging your designs. Be gentle but thorough as you coax the brush back to its pristine, uniform shape.  

6. Allow the brush to air dry completely

The final step? Air drying. Lay your brush flat or store it upright in a protective case that keeps the bristles safe. Whatever you do, avoid letting your brush rest on its bristles, as this can ruin its shape. Once it’s completely dry, it’s good to go and ready to create your next masterpiece.  

How to Clean Nail Brushes Without Monomer

What if you’ve run out of monomer and there’s not a drop in sight? Don’t panic – you can still save your brushes, but it requires a little care. 

While monomer is the gold standard for cleaning, acetone can work as a backup. 

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Use acetone sparingly: Acetone can be harsh on natural bristles. Keep your brush’s contact with acetone brief – soaking for a couple of minutes tops is okay. 
2. Rinse immediately: After using acetone, rinse the brush thoroughly with lukewarm water. This removes any remaining acetone and minimizes wear-and-tear on the bristles.
3. Clean like you mean it: Follow steps similar to the monomer method – wipe with a lint-free cloth and reshape the bristles carefully before air drying.

And remember, while acetone is an option in a pinch, it’s not something you want to rely on regularly. Treat this as a temporary fix rather than a routine go-to and make sure you know how to get acrylic out of your brushes without acetone.

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Regular Brush Cleaners: Are They An Alternative Option?

You might look at regular brush cleaners and think, “Perfect, one-size-fits-all!” Unfortunately, no. Regular brush cleaners just don’t have the punch to tackle hardened acrylic. 

Brush cleaners are great for everyday surface cleaning – they’re like a rinse for dust and minimal gunk. But acrylic residue? Not so much. These products aren’t strong enough to dissolve acrylic effectively, which means residue builds up in your brushes over time. Translation? Stiff bristles. Clunky strokes. General frustration. 

The real trouble stems from what happens to acrylic liquid once it dries. It hardens into an almost cement-like substance, trapping bristles in a sticky, unmanageable state. Brush cleaners can’t break down that hardened acrylic – it’s like trying to clean concrete with warm water. 

For acrylic brushes, you'll typically want to grab monomer to break down the acrylic particles clinging to the bristles.

And if you’re thinking about shortcuts, like soaking your brushes in acetone for hours, please don’t! Acetone might dissolve acrylic, but it will also dissolve your bristles.

Cleaning Gel Nail Brushes: A Different Technique

Another thing you’ll encounter as a nail tech is the different cleaning methods between your acrylic and gel nail brushes. These two tools may share your brush holder, but they require completely different care routines. 

The main difference? Gel residue and acrylic gunk are not the same. Gel doesn’t harden the same way acrylic does – it stays movable until it cures under a UV or LED lamp. That means cleaning your gel brushes is slightly less labor-intensive but still critical to maintaining flawless gel applications. 

Here’s how to clean gel nail brushes like a pro:

Isopropyl alcohol is your best friend 

Forget monomer and acetone; isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) is what you need for cleaning gel brushes. Simply dip your brush into the alcohol and gently wipe away the residue. 

Use a lint-free cloth 

This is key! Lint-free cloths avoid fluff getting caught in the bristles. They’re perfect for swiping away that last bit of gel without leaving pesky fibers behind. 

Avoid overloading your brush 

Prevention is always better than cure. When working with gel, try not to overload your brush with product in the first place. Less mess now equals easier cleaning later. 

Remember - whatever you do as you learn how to clean gel nail brushes, never cure the leftover gel on your brush in the UV lamp, or it’ll set and jam up your bristles. 

Scale Your Nail Salon Business with GlossGenius

Once your brushes are back in pristine condition, you’ll find a noticeable difference in application. Clean brushes don’t just feel satisfying – they’re also the foundation of a professional and seamless nail artistry practice. 

Plus, happy clients can tell when your tools are in tip-top shape, which can mean more referrals and repeat customers to grow your solo business. 

Speaking of growth, we’re here to help you take your nail business to the next level with GlossGenius. Whether you’re staying solo or hiring a team down the line, our all-in-one platform gives you the tools to manage your business like a boss. 

We offer in-depth inventory management so you can track all your brush-cleaning tools and salon supplies, along with online booking that makes scheduling clients as smooth and flawless as your gel polish game. The GlossGenius platform even has time tracking so you can focus on designing the perfect ombre nails, not spreadsheets. 

Excited to streamline your salon and spend more time creating intricate designs? Start your free trial  today and watch your nail tech empire begin to flourish!

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FAQ

What can I use to clean my acrylic nail brush?

To clean your acrylic nail brush, monomer is the most effective solution. This specialized liquid is designed to dissolve acrylic and safely restore your brush's bristles.

How to get dried acrylic off brush?

Start by soaking the brush in warm soapy water or using a citrus-based solvent to soften the acrylic. Once softened, gently comb through the bristles with a fine-tooth comb or pick out the residue by hand.

How do I keep my acrylic nail brush from getting hard?

Dip the brush in monomer and wipe it gently with a lint-free cloth to remove any acrylic residue. Avoid letting acrylic dry on the bristles, as this can make cleaning more difficult and decrease the lifespan of your brush.

How do you clean brushes after acrylic?

After using your brush for acrylic application, clean it immediately with monomer to dissolve leftover product. Gently wipe the bristles on a soft, lint-free cloth to ensure no residue remains.

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