Attach your roller to one of those spinning roller cleaners that attach to a garden hose. If you don’t have one, a simple bucket and your hands work fine. Submerge the roller completely in the soapy water, then squeeze it firmly from the core outward.
Don’t twist the fibers—that matts them permanently. Think of it like wringing out a delicate cashmere sweater. Repeat this process until the water runs clear, which usually takes three to five rinses.
Cleaning Dried Paint Rollers at Betty Sansbury blog
Pro tip from the pros: Add a capful of white vinegar to your final rinse water. It neutralizes any remaining soap and helps break down paint residue like a gentle exfoliant for your roller.
The Spin Cycle Hack
Here’s the part that feels like magic. Take that clean, wet roller and hold it in a plastic grocery bag. Then, spin it at high speed by twisting the handle of the roller frame. The centrifugal force flings water out like a tiny amusement park ride.
You’ll get a satisfying spray of clean droplets. This reduces drying time from hours to minutes. In fact, a good spin can remove 95% of the moisture, leaving the roller just damp enough to store.
