Brake parts cleaners remove grease, oil, and brake dust from braking components, enabling safer maintenance and more efficient service. This guide highlights five top cleaners, balancing cleaning power, safety, and value for DIYers and pros alike. Each product is evaluated on how well it tackles brake fluids, oils, and grime, how quickly it dries, odor and VOC levels, and packaging options for different jobs. Read on to compare chlorinated and non-chlorinated formulas and find the cleaner that fits your shop or garage needs.
| Product | Brand | Size / Pack | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprayway SW330 | Sprayway | 18.5 oz | Cleans fast and dries fast; removes brake fluid, grease, oil |
| CRC Non-Flammable 05089 | CRC | 14 oz x 4 pack | Non-flammable; quick removal of grease and contaminants |
| CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated 05084 | CRC | 14 oz x 12 pack | Non-chlorinated; low VOC; remove brake fluids and oils |
| GUNK M720 Chlorinated | Gunk | 19 oz x 12 pack | High-performance, fast-drying; versatile parts cleaner |
| Denco #1930 Brake & Parts Cleaner | Denco | 13 oz | Highly aggressive; low odor, low VOC |
Sprayway Chlorinated Brake Cleaner
Sprayway SW330 is a chlorinated brake parts cleaner designed for fast, effective degreasing with rapid evaporation. The cleaner is formulated to cut through brake fluid, grease, and oils, helping components regain a clean surface quickly. Its fast-drying properties reduce downtime during maintenance, making it a popular choice in busy garages and workshops. While chlorinated solvents offer strong cleaning performance, operators should use with proper ventilation and away from plastics that may not tolerate solvents well.
- Cleans fast
- Dries fast
- Removes brake fluid, grease and oil
- Degreases instantly
CRC Non-Flammable Brake Cleaner
The CRC non-flammable brake cleaner provides a safer option for environments requiring reduced flash risk. The product is designed to quickly and effectively remove grease, brake dust, brake fluids, and oils from brake parts, lining, and pads. It is sold as a multi-pack, offering economical cleaning power for workshops or large projects. Note that this particular formulation carries distribution restrictions in some regions, so verify local regulations before purchase.
- Non-flammable
- Removes grease, brake dust, fluids, and oils
- Pack of 4
- Restricted in certain areas (CA/NJ limitations may apply)
CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated 14 Oz
This non-chlorinated Brakleen variant emphasizes safety and environmental considerations with a low-VOC profile. It’s formulated to remove brake fluid, grease, oil, and other contaminants from brake linings and pads, making it suitable for thorough brake maintenance work. The non-chlorinated formula helps minimize harmful emissions and is a popular choice for shops seeking a less aggressive solvent.
- Non-chlorinated
- Low VOC
- Removes brake fluid, grease, oil, and contaminants
GUNK Chlorinated Brake Cleaner M720
GUNK’s M720 chlorinated brake cleaner is a high-performance option designed to cut through brake dust and heavy grime while drying quickly. The 19 oz cans come in a robust 12-pack, offering economical cleaning power for shops and teams performing frequent brake maintenance. It is versatile enough to be used as a general engine and parts cleaner, but users should observe safety guidelines for chlorinated solvents and ensure proper ventilation during use.
- High-performance formula
- Dries quickly with no residue
- Versatile cleaning capabilities for engine parts
- Pack of 12
Denco Brake & Parts Cleaner
Denco’s #1930 Brake & Parts Cleaner delivers a strong cleaning action in a compact 13 oz size. Marketed as highly aggressive with no cheap fillers, it emphasizes a low-odor, low-VOC formulation to balance performance with user comfort. The product is commonly sold in multi-pack configurations (such as 12 units), making it a practical option for busy shops that require consistent supply and dependable results when cleaning brake components and related parts.
- Highly aggressive formula
- Low odor, low VOC
- 13 oz net weight
- Pack options available
Buying Guide
Chlorinated vs Non-Chlorinated Cleaners
Chlorinated cleaners generally offer strong, fast-acting degreasing and residue-free drying. They excel at removing heavy grease and brake fluids. Non-chlorinated formulas tend to be safer for the environment and operators, with lower odor and reduced regulatory restrictions in some areas. Your choice should depend on the cleaning tasks, material compatibility, and local safety or disposal requirements. In settings where plastics or rubber components might be sensitive to harsh solvents, a non-chlorinated option may be preferable.
Regulatory Considerations and Air Quality
Some products specify distribution limitations in certain states, reflecting local regulations around solvent composition. Non-chlorinated options often present fewer compliance concerns, while chlorinated blends may require enhanced ventilation and proper handling. Always review the product label for any regional restrictions and follow recommended PPE and ventilation guidelines to minimize exposure.
Safety, Odor, and User Experience
Oxidizing and chlorinated solvents can produce strong odors and fumes. Choose products with clear safety data on flash point, ventilation needs, and contact precautions. For indoor workspaces, low-odor or low-VOC formulas can improve comfort and reduce the need for extensive air-handling measures. Personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection is strongly recommended regardless of formulation.
Packaging, Size, and Value
Brake cleaner needs vary from small, on-the-spot maintenance to larger shop operations. If you service multiple vehicles weekly, consider multi-pack options that offer better cost-per-ounce and a consistent supply. For occasional DIY tasks, a single 14–19 oz can may be sufficient. Always calculate price-per-ounce when comparing products to judge true value, noting that multi-packs may deliver savings despite higher upfront cost.
Application Tips and Best Practices
Apply cleaner to a cool, off-gassing component and allow the solvent to work on contaminants before wiping with a lint-free cloth or brush. Avoid prolonged contact with painted surfaces or plastics that may degrade under strong solvents. Work in a well-ventilated area and use short bursts rather than continuous spray to minimize overspray. Dispose of used rags and spent solvent per local environmental guidelines.