If you have New Year’s project planned but find your paintbrush has hardened since your last renovation, don’t buy a new one. Instead, soak the bristles in a cup of white vinegar for 10 minutes. Then, use an old plastic comb to scrape off the paint. Rinse the brush in hot soapy water and lay flat to dry.The acetic acid in the vinegar will have softened the old paint leaving you with a brush that is like new!