The Best Brake Cleaners for Immaculate Brakes

Anyone who has ever needed a heavy-duty cleaning solution has probably heard about the wonders of brake cleaner. A great brake cleaner is able to dissolve oils, grease, dust, and grime and leave brakes looking good as new, but is also suitable for a wide array of other cleaning uses. Since there are so many brake cleaner options on the market today, we made this guide to simplify your search.

What to Look For When Shopping For Brake Cleaner

There are plenty of factors to consider when shopping for brake cleaner. The purchase of some brake cleaning products is restricted in various states, so be sure that you are purchasing a product that is legal. Chlorinated brake cleaners offer very effective cleaning, but often have a very strong smell and can be very dangerous if used improperly. Additionally, non-chlorinated brake cleaners are highly flammable, so be sure to read all safety information associated with the brake cleaner you choose. Finally, the ability of brake cleaner to break down the toughest contaminants will make your cleaning task much easier, so look for a heavy-duty option that can dissolve dust, grease, brake fluid, and oil.

Best Overall: 3M 08180 High Power Brake Cleaner

This 3M High Power Brake Cleaner features a multipurpose formula that quickly removes dust, grease, tar, and oil from brakes and helps eliminate brake squeal and chatter. This brake cleaner contains no chlorinated solvents, meaning you will not need to contend with the strong smell of chlorine when cleaning your brakes. The 3M High Power Brake Cleaner is also fast-drying and features high-pressure flushing action, making it a top pick.

Best Value: CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner

The CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner is non-flammable and features impressive cleaning power. This brake cleaner effectively removes dust, grease, brake fluid, and oils from brake parts, although it is chlorinated so one should exercise caution when using this product and follow all safety instructions. The CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner is also fast-drying and leaves no residue, making it a fantastic choice.

Best For Aluminum Parts: Permatex 82450 Non-Chlorinated Brake and Parts Cleaner

This Permatex Non-Chlorinated Brake and Parts Cleaner penetrates deeply when applied, making disassembling the brake unit unnecessary in many instances. This brake cleaner is great for farm equipment, tools, and machinery, as well as brake systems. The Permatex Non-Chlorinated Brake and Parts Cleaner also perform well on aluminum parts without damaging them, making this a very versatile cleaning option.

Also Great: Gunk M715 Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

The Gunk Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner features deep, residue-free cleaning and quickly breaks down dust, brake fluid, oil, and grease contaminants. This brake cleaner dries very quickly and is non-chlorinated for added safety, but is highly flammable so precaution should be taken when using this product. The Gunk Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner is also inexpensive compared to some of its competitors, making it an enticing option.