Here are a couple of sites that can explain the "Why's & How-to's":
Turpentine is only used to break down the paint on the
brush prior to washing with a suitable soap such as an ecological dishwashing
liquid.
* http://www.greenspec.co.uk/productpdf/volvoxturps1.pdf* http://painting.about.com/cs/paintingknowhow/ht/Howto_Brushcare.htm* http://emptyeasel.com/2007/01/26/how-to-clean-your-paint-brushes-after-oil-painting/
A painter may use turpentine to remove paint because it is a solvent that can break down and dissolve dried paint, making it easier to remove from surfaces or brushes. Turpentine can help clean up mistakes, spills, or excess paint during the painting process.
You can use mineral spirits or citrus-based solvents as alternatives to turpentine for cleaning brushes, thinning paint, or dissolving glazes. These alternatives are less toxic and have a milder odor compared to turpentine.
Mineral spirits or turpentine (oid). Use the first. You can get an odorless product. This suggestion is for your brushes.
To effectively clean acrylic paint from brushes, rinse the brushes in warm, soapy water immediately after use. Use a brush cleaner or mild soap to remove any remaining paint. Gently reshape the bristles and allow the brushes to air dry.
Turpentine is a natural product used in combination with oils to thin oil paints and "straight up" to clean brushes etc. Paint thinner is not generally as clean a product and I would only use it as a cleaner however I know some people that do use it for thinning paint (commercial oil base house paint) but not for fine art applications.
Early on, straight water was used. Later, turpentine and specialty brush cleaners were developed.
To clean acrylic paint brushes effectively, first rinse the brushes in warm water to remove excess paint. Then, use a gentle soap or brush cleaner to wash the bristles thoroughly. Gently reshape the bristles and let the brushes air dry. Repeat the process if necessary until the brushes are clean.
To effectively clean acrylic paint off brushes, rinse the brushes in warm, soapy water immediately after use. Use a brush cleaner or mild soap to remove any stubborn paint residue. Gently reshape the bristles and let the brushes air dry.
To clean acrylic paint brushes effectively, use warm soapy water and gently rub the bristles to remove paint residue. Rinse thoroughly and reshape the brush before allowing it to dry.
To effectively clean acrylic paint brushes, rinse them in warm, soapy water immediately after use. Gently massage the bristles to remove paint, then rinse thoroughly. For stubborn paint, use a brush cleaner or mild solvent. Finally, reshape the bristles and let the brushes air dry.
To properly clean and maintain acrylic paint brushes, rinse them in warm, soapy water after each use and gently reshape the bristles. Avoid leaving paint to dry on the brushes. For a deeper clean, use a brush cleaner or mild solvent. Store brushes upright to maintain their shape and keep them in a protective case when not in use.
To clean art paint brushes effectively, first rinse them in warm water to remove excess paint. Then, use a gentle brush cleaner or mild soap to wash the bristles thoroughly. Gently reshape the bristles and let the brushes air dry. Repeat the process if necessary until the brushes are clean.