When it comes to cleaning a firearm, the process is truly important. You really don’t want the weapon to stop working because of rust or dust. Therefore, never neglect the process of cleaning.
Are you ready to transform your weapon into a brand new firearm? Then you should consider buying a gun cleaning kit now.
The market is full of gun cleaners, but before making any purchase, keep in mind that cleaning the firearm should come naturally. You will need to lubricate most of the parts of the weapon, so the friction is to the minimum level, and the gun will work really smoothly.
See also:
For you to make the smartest purchase, please read down below my top of the best gun cleaners, with pros, cons, and explicit reviews. That being said, let’s get the best gun cleaning kits and see which are the various models that you can easily find.
The Benefits of Gun Cleaners
There are some important advantages that come once you are buying a gun cleaner or a gun cleaner kit:
- You will have all the components needed for you to clean the handgun or rifle it;
- The manufacturers of these products make sure you will get a good product so your weapon will work at its best;
- Most of the gun cleaners come with additional tools, so you will be able to clean the weapon easier;
- Once you do the research properly, you can have a gun cleaner that does not require any additional tools;
- You will always have proper maintenance of the firearm;
- You will keep the weapon in a good working state all the time you need a gun;
- Easy cleaning, with just a spray or a smart solution;
- All the tools that come with the gun cleaners are designed to reach every component of the gun;
- You don’t need a full case for cleaning your gun when you can take just one product.
Which Are The Best Gun Cleaners to Buy?
Hoppe’s No.9 is the best gun cleaner in the long run and CRC is by far the most inexpensive option you can look for. If you need the best gun cleaner for hunting gun, feel free to consider the Gunslick.
Sometimes, people’s opinions about the product they are already using are better than an expensive commercial. Here are some thoughts about the products I have reviewed above:
- Best Overall – Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Cleaner
“There is no wonder why this formula is world-wide famous. I loved it!” - Best Budget – CRC 05089 BRAKLEEN Gun Cleaner
“One of the most versatile gun cleaners you can find on the market.” - Best for Eliminating Powder Residue – BreakFree GC-16 Gun Cleaner
“It cleans the dust residue, the oils, and has a great foaming application.” - Best for Hunting Guns – Gunslick 92098 Gun Cleaner
“The three convenient sizes will let you choose the best one for your purposes.” - Best Multi-Purpose – Ballistol Multi-Purpose Gun Cleaner
“You can use it on multiple surfaces, and it will neutralize the effect of sweat and skin oils.” - Best Foam – Hoppe’s Elite Gun Cleaner
“The foam formula gets better than the regular one. You should give it a try.” - Best Oil – M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Cleaner
“Protects great against humidity and the skin oils.” - Best Gun Grease – Tetra Grease Gun Cleaner
“The little formula helped us reach even the hard areas.” - Best Needle Oiler – Pro-Shot Needle Oiler Gun Cleaner
“The hard-to-reach areas have no escape now. The needle helped me a lot with the application.” - Best Corrosion Protection – HOPPE’S No. 9 Synthetic Blend Gun Cleaner
“It protects and cleans even the smallest area of the weapon.” - Best Pack – Lucas Gun Oil Gun Cleaner Pack
“Great pack if you are in economy mode.” - Best Lube – Slip 2000 EWL Gun Cleaner
“Safe to use on metal, plastic or wood parts, reduces the cleanup time by 50%.” - Best Aerosol – Break-Free CLP-2 Gun Cleaner
“Made of synthetic, more viscous oils, long-lasting lubricating formula.” - Best Future Fouling Repeller – Hoppe’s Elite Gun Cleaner Spray
“Non-flammable and biodegradable, 4 oz spray bottle, odorless.” - Best Professional– CLP by Sage & Braker Gun Cleaner
“I can hardly say how performant this formula is. Totally recommend.”
Best Gun Cleaner Comparison Chart 2021
The table below will highlight the most important facts about each of the 15 top gun cleaners I have selected. Read each column carefully and see which product suits you best. Then, take your time and then read the full reviews.
Best Gun Cleaner Reviews 2021
The question of the day is, what are the best gun cleaning kits on the market. There are so many options out there, and picking one can be a confusing process. Well, you should not worry anymore.
I have reached the most interesting part of our article when I review each gun cleaner solvent. While you may already know which is the best gun cleaner in 2018 or 2019, let’s find out which is the best household gun cleaning solvent of 2021.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Cleaner
(Best Overall)
I have chosen the no. 9 Hoppes gun cleaner as the best break free gun cleaner on the list. Its formula is the most interesting and helps you clean the firearm deeply. That being said, if you have a modern firearm, then you should have a look at this model of Hoppes gun cleaner.
Hoppe’s No.9 gun cleaner has long become a trusted product and there is a reason for that. This product will help maintain your product in the best condition possible and ensure your weapon always perform the best.
Key features:
- Comes with childproof cap;
- Ultra potent formula;
- A worldwide famous and favorite product since 1903.
Pros
- Ultra effective;
- Remove carbon and coppper;
- Very safe and easy to use;
- Its solution can penetrate deep and fast;
- Comes in a bottle of 1 quart.
Cons
- You might need to buy an accessory for a better cleaning.
Product specifications
Weight | 1.85 pounds |
Dimensions | 9 x 4.5 x 9 inches |
Type | Cleaner |
Quantity | 32 oz. |
Purpose | Clean |
For | All firearms |
Personal Experience
So, even if you are looking for the best gun cleaner kit, just look at this singular product. Cleaning the gun should be a smooth, natural process, and the solution you choose must clean deeply and very fast. This odorless gun cleaner should be in your options.
This is how you should do it properly. Check out this video.
2. CRC 05089 BRAKLEEN Gun Cleaner
(Best Budget)
The best non-toxic gun cleaning solvent should not have a huge price. The CRC Brakleen gun cleaner is manufactured to quickly and fastly remove all the grease, brake fluids, even other contaminants from the lining and pads.
Once choosing this brand, you will know that you are using a worldwide leader in producing chemical formulas for the gun market. This non-flammable formula leaves no residue and it also ensures superior cleaning and fast evaporation.
Key features:
- An original brake parts cleaner;
- Non-flammable;
- Dry fast.
Pros
- Quickly removes grease, brakes fluids, oils and dust;
- Versatile;
- Can be used also in the marine, electrical or industrial market;
- Great price for the final amount.
Cons
- Poor packaging in comparison with it is a great formula.
Product specifications
Weight | 1.4 pounds |
Dimensions | 10 x 8.5 x 11.25 inches |
Type | Cleaner |
Quantity | 19 oz |
Purpose | Clean |
For | ABS, disc, drum, brake cylinders, brake drums, brake linings, brake shoes, calipers |
Personal experience
Despite the fact that it can be a great gun cleaner, the CRC Brakleen will also help clean the drums, brake cylinders, brake shoes, disc brake pads, ABS, and many, many more.
The price is great, as well.
Look how great it works.
3. BreakFree GC-16 Gun Cleaner
(Best for Eliminating Powder Residue)
The best pistol cleaning kit might be in the BreakFree formula. Safe for guns, this gun cleaning kit is safe for all gunmetal finishes. You can use it from blued steel to titanium, as well as for polymer composite firearms.
When cleaning the guns, you should know that this is a non-solvent formula, which will minimize the drain when the firearm is holstered. You can use this product to remove contaminants without leaving any odors or residue quickly.
Key features:
- No residue or unpleasant odors;
- No disassembly required;
- Easily remove contamminants.
Pros
- Eliminates the powder residue, as well as the grease and oil;
- Cleans the build-up;
- Foam application for less running;
- Easy to access the hard-to-reach areas.
Cons
- Don’t use it on fine plastic.
Product specifications
Weight | Not specific |
Dimensions | Not specific |
Type | Aerosol |
Quantity | 12 oz |
Purpose | Eliminate powder residue, grease, plastic streaking, and oil build-up |
For | Trigger groups and mechanisms |
Personal Experience
This is a time tested formula, which was originally developed for automatic cannons, used by the U.S. military. As such, this gun cleaner is one of the best ones.
4. Gunslick 92098 Gun Cleaner
(Best for Hunting Guns)
Also known as the best gun cleaner in 2019, the Gunslick Gun Cleaner is maintaining its position in this top as well. Made of the highest quality materials, this hunting gun cleaner will transform your process of cleaning into a very easy one.
You just need three simple steps: spray, wait, and remove. This advanced cleaning formula is such a great product to keep your weapon at peak performance.
Key features:
- Advanced cleaning formula;
- Easy to remove barrel fouling;
- Unique foaming action.
Pros
- Great as hunting gun cleaning supplies;
- Made of the highest quality materials;
- Comes in three types of sizes;
- 3 steps cleaning: spray, wait then remove.
Cons
- International shipping is not available.
Product specifications
Weight | 15.2 ounces |
Dimensions | 8 x 2.5 x 2.4 inches |
Type | Foam |
Capacity | 12 oz. |
Purpose | Clean |
For | Hunting guns |
Personal experience
Don’t look for a gun cleaner machine when you have the Gunslick formula. The three simple steps in removing the dirt are the following: spray, wait, then remove everything. If you want a little product or a bigger one, you can choose from the three convenient sizes.
This video will tell you more.
5. Ballistol Multi-Purpose Gun Cleaner
(Best Multi-Purpose)
The Ballistol gun cleaner is a product that was developed especially for the German Army, to protect their firearms and all the gun stocks.
Now, the Ballistol solvent is one of the most popular products on this market and it will help you clean the firearms and also minimize the need for brushing and scraping all the barrels and chambers.
Key features:
- Environmentally friendly;
- Non-carcinogenic;
- Powerful formula since 1904.
Pros
- Multi-purpose;
- Preserves and protects the metal, leather, and wood;
- Lubricated and cleans;
- It is skin safe;
- Neutralizes the effect of sweat and skin oils;
- Slightly alkaline.
Cons
- The smell might be hard.
Product specifications
Weight | 8.8 ounces |
Dimensions | 6.8 x 2.2 x 2.5 inches |
Type | Spray |
Quantity | 6 oz |
Purpose | Clean, lubricate, and protect |
For | Metal, wood, leather and plastics |
Personal Experience
If you followed my Ballistol Gun Cleaner Review, you should also know that this solvent will form a protective film on the surface of metals and won’t need any brushing for reaching the best result. More than a gun cleaner, this product will be great for silver and brass polish as well.
6. Hoppe’s Elite Gun Cleaner
(Best Foam)
Want to use foam rather than a spray formula? Then look at this Hoppe’s Gun Cleaner. With advanced cleaning and lubrication technology, this product can meet the needs of professional shooters, military and law enforcement.
This spray-on foam will deeply clean and penetrate deep into the pore to get rid of fouling and carbon more effectively. Hoppe’s Elite gun cleaner is ideal for black powder shoots and it is odorless, non-flammable, and biodegradable.
Key features:
- Provides advanced cleaning;
- Great lubrication technology;
- Odorless and biodegradable;
- Spray-on foam.
Pros
- Meets the demands of the professional shooters;
- Perfect for military and law purposes;
- Deep cleaning;
- Non-toxic;
- Non-flammable;
- Ideal for black powder shoots.
Cons
- For some, the foam formula wouldn’t be the perfect one.
Product specifications
Weight | 6.03 Ounces |
Dimensions | 6.5 x 2 x 2 inches |
Type | Spray-on foam |
Quantity | 4 oz |
Purpose | Deep clean |
For | Powder, lead, metal, fouling, and rust |
Personal experience
Don’t get intimidated by the foam formula, as this will offer you a deep cleaning for your gun. It can remove even the carbon and will foul better than most of the regular cleaners.
7. M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Cleaner
(Best Oil)
The M Pro Cleaning Kit is that kind of gun cleaner that was formulated with a technology that will not evaporate, nor will it separate or gumm. Therefore, this is more than just gun oil, it represents the new generation of lubricants and protectants for advanced weaponry.
This product is a combination of high-quality synthetic oil and LPX additives, it will leave a long-lasting film that repel dirt/dust. M Pro Cleaning Kit ensures highest possible protection against wear, humidity, and moisture.
Key features:
- Leaves a lasting film that will not evaporate;
- Has high-quality synthetic oils;
- LPX additives;
- Unique technology.
Pros
- Replaces all the gun oils;
- Better formula;
- Dry lubes;
- Cleans any surface;
- Resistant to separation, evaporation and gumming.
Cons
- You need to open the bottle carefully.
Product specifications
Weight | 4.3 ounces |
Dimensions | 5.16 x 1.65 x 1.54 inches |
Type | Oil |
Quantity | 4 oz. |
Purpose | Repel dust and dirt |
For | Embedded fouling |
Personal experience
If you are not looking only for water-based gun cleaners, this is what you must buy. It has the lowest known friction coefficient, and the product has long-term storage. The M Pro-gun cleaner has the greatest protection against humidity and moisture.
8. Tetra Grease Gun Cleaner
(Best Gun Grease)
If you want a great gun cleaner for protecting and lubricating the firearms, well, you might be in the right place. This product has a formula that applies very quickly and reduces all the friction and wear. Also, due to its device, it applies even to hard-to-reach areas.
The Tetra Grease gun cleaner can help ease your cleaning process as well as prevent corrosion. This professional gun care is worth buying and considering, why don’t you pick up it now?
Key features:
- Incredible gun care;
- 1-ounce tube;
- Heavy-duty.
Pros
- Applies very quick and easy;
- Reduces the friction and wear;
- It prevents the corrosion;
- Perfect for protecting and lubricating the firearms.
Cons
- 1oz tube, too small for large use;
- The smell might be a little stinky.
Product specifications
Weight | 3 ounces |
Dimensions | 7 x 7 x 7 inches |
Type | Grease |
Capacity | 1 oz |
Purpose | Protect and lubricate |
For | All firearms |
Personal experience
This gun cleaner will be lubing all the firearms with a nice grease, and the results will be immediate. The application is very quick and easy and will reduce friction and prevent corrosion. The grease sticks great and doesn’t need wiping.
9. Pro-Shot Needle Oiler Gun Cleaner
(Best Needle Oiler)
The Pro-Shot Needle Oiler for gun cleaning is great, especially for unreachable areas. It combines a premium synthetic base and antioxidants and preventative additives, to clean all the rust.
This product can help you clean all moving metal parts and provide them with superior smooth performance and protection. Let’s try using it to verify its result!
Key features:
- Anti-wear additives;
- Contains antioxidants;
- Combination of a premium synthetic base, extreme pressure anti-wear, anti-oxidants and rust preventative additives.
Pros
- Provides superior smooth performance;
- Protects all the moving metal parts;
- The USA made components;
- Applicator refillable.
Cons
- Can produce some friction, though.
Product specifications
Weight | 0.8 ounces |
Dimension | 5.5 x 1.5 x 2 inches |
Type | Needle Oil |
Capacity | 1 oz |
Purpose | Lubricate and protect |
For | All moving metal parts |
Personal experience
The great combination of a premium synthetic base and the extreme pressure will make this gun cleaner a multifunctional lubrication product. It works from -75º to over 450º F.
10. HOPPE’S No. 9 Synthetic Blend Gun Cleaner
(Best Corrosion Protection)
The Hoppe’s Bench rest copper solvent review is here. Made in the USA, this superior lubrication offers you the perfect way to clean your guns. This gun cleaning oil has been created so that it can properly maintain your weapon during the time.
This lubricating oil is 100% designed and tested for the toughest environments and situations. Hoppe’s Bench rest copper solvent is such an advanced oil for your modern firearm and it also works on fishing reels and other mechanisms.
Key features:
- Made with a T3 additive;
- Developed from dental drill oil;
- Both efficient and powerful.
Pros
- Superior lubrication and protection;
- Clean and protects all the areas of the firearm;
- Reduces the wear and tear caused by friction;
- Works perfectly on fishing reels and many other mechanisms as well;
- Advanced oil for modern firearm designs.
Cons
- More expensive than others.
Product specifications
Weight | 4 ounces |
Dimensions | 4.6 x 1.8 x 1 inches |
Type | Lubricating oil |
Capacity | 2.25 oz |
Purpose | Create a barrier against moisture & corrosion |
For | All firearms, fishing reels, and other mechanisms |
Personal experience
This gun cleaning solvent bulk was designed and tested to deal with even the toughest situations and environments. Specially created for a modern firearm, the formula provides a barrier against moisture and corrosion.
The product is versatile enough for working great on other mechanisms too.
11. Lucas Gun Oil Gun Cleaner Pack
(Best Pack)
The Lucas Gun Oil is great for general lubrication on every part of the firearm. Moreover, this lubricant is environmentally friendly, so it doesn’t contain any chemicals that might harm nature.
This oil is also odorless, so there won’t be any hard smell to feel. Moreover, this product is an all-weather lubricant on all sporting arms such as pump, over/under and side-by-side shotguns, bolt, lever-action rifles and revolvers.
Key features:
- Great pack of 2oz original oils;
- Recommended and used by the majority of firearms manufacturers;
- A special blend of oil and petroleum-extracted additives
Pros
- 1oz extreme duty needle oiler;
- The original oil works great on compound bows;
- The lubricant is environmentally friendly;
- Odorless.
Cons
- Need to buy both products in this formula.
Product specifications
Weight | 3.88 ounces |
Dimensions | 5 x 2.95 x 1.26 inches |
Type | Oil |
Capacity | 2 oz. oil & 1 oz. needle oil |
Purpose | Lubricate |
For | Shotguns, rifles, and revolvers |
Personal experience
The best part of this gun cleaner is that it is formulated for high volume and high heat and friction firearms. Therefore, you can use it many times, for general lubrication and also for specific parts of the weapon.
12. Slip 2000 EWL Gun Cleaner
(Best Lube)
This Slip lube will stay wet 5 times longer than many of the lubricants we have already presented. It also reduces friction and wear, and it is designed for an automatic rapid-fire and machine gun.
Therefore, it’s the power of eliminating excessive wear and heat is real. Slip luve can help protect against corrosion and it will not attract dirt, dust or sand and works in all types of environments.
Key features:
- Safe to use on metal, plastic or wood parts;
- Reduces the cleanup time by 50%;
- Non-toxic and non-hazardous.
Pros
- Reduces friction and wear;
- Protects against corrosion;
- Doesn’t attract dust, sand or dirt;
- Doesn’t burn off like a petroleum product;
- Does not allow the lead, copper, carbon or plastic to stick.
Cons
- The price is higher.
Product specifications
Weight | 4 ounces |
Dimensions | 7 x 7 x 7 inches |
Type | Lube |
Capacity | 4 oz |
Purpose | Lubricate |
For | Automatic rapid-fire and machine gun, riffles and pistols |
Personal experience
This gun cleaner has them all. Stays wet longer, reduces friction and wear while protecting the gun’s parts from corrosion, dust, sand, or dirt. Also, you can use it safely on other materials than metal, such as wood or plastic.
13. Break-Free CLP-2 Gun Cleaner
(Best Aerosol)
The best aerosol in this list, this Break-Free CLP-2 is made by a specially formulated synthetic oil so it won’t lose its viscosity and it won’t dry out in extreme environments. Also, it works even in extreme temperatures, ranging from -65F to +475F.
This product does not only clean, but it also lubricates and protects metal. Moreover, it can penetrate and spread along metal surfaces into every pit and crevice to lift away contaminant and residue.
Key features:
- Made of synthetic, more viscous oils;
- Long-lasting lubricating formula;
- Reduces the adhesion of grit, sand, and other abrasives.
Pros
- Penetrates and spread on every metal surface;
- Lifts residue away where it can be removed;
- Ready condition for months at a time;
- Protects from moisture and other contaminants.
Cons
- Works better with special brushes.
Product specifications
Weight | 6.7 ounces |
Dimensions | 5.75 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches |
Type | Spray |
Capacity | 4 oz |
Purpose | Clean, lubricant, and protect |
For | Metal |
Personal Experience
If you are looking for a corrosion inhibitor to prevent rust formation, you should look for this product. The synthetic oils will not lose their viscosity, and they will work great in the most extreme environments.
14. Hoppe’s Elite Gun Cleaner Spray
(Best Future Fouling Repeller)
This Gun Cleaner Spray is one of the most professional cleaners you can find on the market. It meets the demand of professional shooters, as well as the military and law enforcement technology.
Do you know that this product is odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable, and biodegradable? That’s not all, it also helps cut down your gun cleaning time for up to 80% with regular use. The performance of this high-tech gun cleaner won’t make you disappointed.
Key feaures:
- Non-flammable and biodegradable;
- 4 oz spray bottle;
- Removes even the most copper fouling.
Pros
- Penetrates down to the steel molecular pores;
- Removes the carbon;
- Odorless;
- Non-toxic;
- Reduces the gun cleaning up to 80 percent.
Cons
- Might leave small residues.
Product specifications
Weight | 5.6 ounces |
Dimensions | 1.5 x 1.5 x 6 inches |
Type | Spray |
Capacity | 4 oz |
Purpose | Clean, lubricate, and protect |
For | Carbon, lead, and most copper fouling |
Personal experience
This gun cleaner from Hoppe’s has one of the best lubrication technologies, which can penetrate down all the steel’s molecular pores. It is non-flammable and also biodegradable.
15. CLP by Sage & Braker Gun Cleaner
(Best Professional)
Last but not least, the CLP gun cleaner comes with a great formula, which leaves an oily coating and uses no harsh chemicals. The product uses a highly penetrating solvent, which will go into every surface on a micro level.
CLP gun cleaner is an all-in-one product; it is an oil, lubricant, solvent, and protection. You can feel free that your firearms will be protected from corrosion and rust. This product is non-Hazardous, biodegradable, and non-toxic, so it is safe for you and your loved ones.
Key features:
- No harsh chemicals;
- Non-hazardous, biodegradable, and non-toxic;
- Provide carbon and contamination management.
Pros
- Protects the firearms from failure;
- Remove crud from the firearms;
- Leaves an oily coating;
- Smooth action for reliable performance;
- Safe to use around children;
- Designed for military purpose.
Cons
- Contains stronger ingredients, so make sure you read the labels.
Product specifications
Weight | 4.8 ounces |
Dimensions | 5.5 x 3.1 x 2.1 inches |
Type | Spray |
Capacity | 4 oz |
Purpose | Clean, lubricate, and protect |
For | All firearms |
Personal experience
If you work in the police or army and depend on the firearms you are using, you should make sure that they work properly.
This formula creates a more consistent FPS and, in addition, a more accurate shot. If you are looking to invest in a great gun cleaner, consider this one.
Buying Guide for Best Gun Cleaning Products
There are some easy principles to follow when buying the best bore cleaner for copper fouling or just a simple kit for cleaning your weapon. Here is what you need to know in order to make a smart purchase:
The Cost
Of course, one of the most important things to follow is the cost you have to pay. Therefore, you can find cheap models, as well as medium price models or highly-priced items. So which one would you choose?
The cheap models are not always the best choice. Cleaning a weapon is not like cleaning a window. Therefore, look for a gun cleaner that offers good value for the money you pay.
The medium-priced models are the most often seen ones, and some good models go around this amount of money. When searching for these, ask for the tools it comes with, to make sure you will have the whole kit.
The high priced models. These are usually going to provide the best performance. Some will come even with advanced technologies, which help a lot with the weapon cleaning. Make sure you look at the various components that the gun cleaner comes with, as long as you will pay a high price.
Accessories
A gun cleaner doesn’t need to come all alone to work perfectly. It will be perfect if the gun cleaner you buy comes with accessories. Every shooter needs the right tools and substances to clean the gun in the best way. Make sure you apply the right substances. Some of the accessories that you should look for are:
- A good solvent
- A lubricant for protecting the parts from getting corroded
- Brushes, to make sure they reach all the parts of the weapon. Look for metal brushes, rather than plastic ones, which will break immediately
Portability
If you choose just a gun cleaner, without accessories, you will not need something portable. But, at some point, if you choose a gun cleaner kit, then portability becomes an important factor.
For instance, look for a case that is easy to carry around. Most of the manufacturers use ballistic nylon bags, which are easy to carry and store.
Brands
There are some famous brands that, during the years, have created the best gun cleaners. From all of them, you should especially look for the Hoppe’s, BreakFree, Gunslick, M-Pro 7, Lucas, CLP, Pro Shoot, or Ballistol.
FAQs
You need more information about the best gun cleaner, right? If Yes, this part is for you. Let’s cast through some commonly asked questions on the market right now!
My Top Pick
My favorite product is the HOPPE’S No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner since it is safe and effective. It helps remove fouling and lose abrasive debris. If you have a gun, you must treat it carefully so it won’t cause you or your loved ones any harm.
I hope that this article was helpful, and you know now more than you knew a few minutes ago. Since it is a delicate subject, I am sure you have questions, so please feel free to use the comment section below.