A paint roller cleaner (10) includes a tubular vertical housing (28) incorporating a base for stability and a frame guide (38) for conveniently securing a roller (12) in a vertical position within the housing (28). The frame guide (38) snaps quickly onto the wire frame (20) of the roller (12) and is so unobtrusive that it may be left onto the roller frame (20) during the painting process itself. In use, the frame guide (38) seats easily within a side opening at the top open end (30) of the housing (28). The frame guide (38) is of a T-shaped configuration with a circumferentially curved head (42) and a stem (44). The roller cleaner (10) receives water from an outside water supply and directs the water jets against the paint roller (12) being cleaned. The water jets make contact with the secured roller (12) such that the rotatable mounting piece of the roller spins quickly.
