How to Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes Without Monomer (2024)

Acrylic nail brushes are vital tools for applying acrylic, and they need to be judiciously taken care of. But cleaning them after every use could be tasking when using monomers. This makes how to clean acrylic brush without using monomer, a commonly-used cleaning agent, a valuable skill you will need to learn.

To clean an acrylic brush without monomer, you can simply soak the brush inside acetone to remove the acrylic stain. Acetone is the fastest and most effective way of cleaning acrylic brushes. Meanwhile, using monomers to clean them would take a lot of time.

A monomer is typically used as a cleaning agent, but it’s not always the most convenient or pleasant option for cleaning acrylic brushes. Whether you’re looking for a safer alternative or simply ran out of monomers, I will provide a thorough explanation of how to clean acrylic nail brushes effectively monomers in this post.

5 Hacks to Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes Without Monomer

Whether you are tired of using monomers or you run out of monomers, you need another DIY method to clean your acrylic brush. There are many alternatives for you, and I’ll explore 6 out of these alternative methods to clean your acrylic nail brushes without monomers effectively.

1. Liquid dish soap and warm water

Liquid dish soap and warm water are a gentle, non-toxic, and easily accessible cleaning method for acrylic nail brushes. To use this method, start by gently removing excess acrylic residue from the brush with a paper towel. Then, create a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild liquid dish soap.

Now, soak the brush in the soapy water for several minutes. Afterward, use a soft brush or your fingers to agitate the bristles and dislodge any remaining acrylic gently. Rinse the brush thoroughly with warm water until all soap and acrylic are removed.

Pros of using liquid soap

1. Liquid dish soap is typically mild and non-toxic, making it safe for both the brush bristles and your skin.
2. Dish soap and warm water are readily available household items, making it a convenient cleaning method.
3. Unlike harsh chemicals, dish soap doesn’t produce strong or unpleasant odors, making it more pleasant to work with.
4. Dish soap and warm water are not drying to the bristles and do not have the same negative effects as solvents like acetone.

Cons of using liquid soap

1. Liquid dish soap may struggle to remove heavy or stubborn acrylic buildup on the brush. It’s better suited for regular maintenance and light cleaning.
2. This method may require more time and effort, as it may involve more scrubbing and multiple cycles of cleaning to achieve desired results.
3. While it can clean acrylic residue, it may not fully disinfect the brush, which is important for maintaining a hygienic work environment.
4. Dish soap may not reach deep into the bristle core, which could limit its effectiveness for brushes with long-term acrylic buildup.

2. Acetone and Isopropyl alcohol solution

Acetone and Isopropyl alcohol can be combined to create an effective cleaning solution. To use this solution to clean your acrylic brush, mix equal parts acetone and isopropyl alcohol in a container.

Then, soak the brush in this solution for around 10-15 minutes, allowing the mixture to break down the acrylic. Now, you have to scrub the brush with a soft brush gently or your fingers to help remove acrylic residue. Lastly, rinse the brush thoroughly with warm water.

Pros of using acetone and Isopropyl alcohol solution

1. Acetone is a potent solvent that effectively dissolves acrylic residue from the brush bristles. When combined with isopropyl alcohol, it forms a powerful cleaning solution.
2. Acetone and isopropyl alcohol are commonly found in most nail salons and households, making this cleaning method easily accessible.
3. This method works relatively quickly, allowing you to clean your brushes efficiently.
4. Acetone and isopropyl alcohol are cost-effective cleaning solutions compared to commercial acrylic brush cleaners.

Cons of using acetone and Isopropyl alcohol solution

1. Acetone and isopropyl alcohol have strong, often unpleasant odors. Proper ventilation is necessary when using these solutions.
2. Acetone can be drying, which may impact the condition of the brush bristles over time, causing them to become brittle.
3. The bristles of your acrylic nail brush can become damaged or frayed if you’re not extremely gentle when cleaning. Vigorous scrubbing or using excessive acetone can harm the bristles.
4. Both acetone and isopropyl alcohol are flammable and should be handled with care. They can also be harsh on your skin and nails if you don’t take precautions.
5. While this method is suitable for occasional cleaning, frequent use of acetone and alcohol can have negative effects on your acrylic nail brush over time.

3. Vinegar and baking soda

vinegar and baking soda are natural and non-toxic methods for cleaning acrylic nail brushes, and they are effective for light to moderate buildup. All you need to do to use this method is to create a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar.

Afterward, apply the paste to the acrylic residue on the brush. Then gently scrub the bristles with a soft brush or your fingers. Finally, rinse the brush thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining residue.

Pros of using vinegar and baking soda

1. Vinegar and baking soda are natural and non-toxic cleaning agents, making them safe for the brush bristles and the environment.
2. These items are common household products, making them easily accessible for most individuals.
3. The combination of vinegar and baking soda can effectively remove light to moderate acrylic buildup on the brush bristles.
4. The vinegar helps neutralize odors, leaving the brush with a fresh scent.

Cons of using vinegar and baking soda

1. For brushes with heavy or stubborn acrylic buildup, vinegar, and baking soda may not be effective. It’s better suited for routine cleaning and maintenance.
2. This cleaning method may require more time and effort, as you might need to repeat the process several times to achieve the desired results.
3. You may need to take extra care to ensure that all the vinegar and baking soda residue is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent any lingering odors or residue on the brush.
4. While it can clean acrylic residue, it may not fully disinfect the brush, which is essential for maintaining a hygienic work environment.

4. Olive Oil or baby oil

For a gentler method of cleaning acrylic brush, soak the brush in warm olive oil or baby oil. This will soften and break down the acrylic residue. Then gently scrub the bristles with a soft brush or your fingers. Rinse the brush thoroughly with warm, soapy water and then clean water.

Pros of using olive oil and baby oil

1. Olive oil and baby oil are gentle on brush bristles and can help keep them soft and in good condition.
2. These oils are non-toxic and safe to use, which is especially important for tools that come in contact with the skin.
3. Olive oil and baby oil are commonly found in most households, making them easily accessible for cleaning.
4. These oils can help moisturize and nourish the bristles, preventing them from drying out.

Cons of using olive oil and baby oil

1. Olive oil and baby oil may not effectively remove heavy or stubborn acrylic buildup. They are better suited for regular maintenance and light cleaning.
2. This method may require more time and effort, and you may need to repeat the process several times to achieve the desired results.
3. While they can clean acrylic residue, they may not fully disinfect the brush, which is essential for maintaining a hygienic work environment.
4. Oils can leave a residue on the bristles that may affect the application of acrylic and can be challenging to remove.

5. Acrylic brush cleaner solution

Some commercial acrylic brush cleaners are specifically designed for this purpose.

Follow the instructions on the product label for soaking and cleaning your acrylic brush. These products are often monomer-free and formulated to dissolve acrylic without harming the bristles.

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your acrylic nail brushes are essential for ensuring their longevity and continued effectiveness.

Tips to Care for Acrylic Nail Brushes

Proper care for your acrylic nail brushes is essential to ensure their longevity and continued effectiveness. Here are some tips on how you can care for acrylic nail brushes:

• Clean your acrylic nail brush at the end of your workday or after every few applications. Follow the cleaning methods mentioned earlier in this conversation.
• Store your acrylic nail brushes in a protective case or holder. This prevents bristle damage and exposure to dust or contaminants when not in use. After cleaning, reshape the brush bristles into their original form.
• Use a brush cap or protective cover to maintain their shape when not in use. Handle your brushes with care.
• Avoid pressing the bristles too hard against the acrylic surface, as this can cause damage or deformation.
• Periodically check your brushes for any issues. A little proactive maintenance can prevent major problems down the road.

Bottomline

There are many alternatives to cleaning acrylic brushes without monomers. By utilizing these monomer-free cleaning alternatives, you can keep your acrylic nail brushes in top condition while avoiding the strong smell and potential harsh effects due to the extended time associated with using traditional monomer cleaners.

However, when using any of the DIY methods, ensure you follow the appropriate process and take the necessary precautions to prevent damaging your acrylic brush.