Best Brake Cleaners of 2025

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Brake cleaners are a must-have for any vehicle owner or mechanic. These powerful solvents are specifically designed to remove dirt, dust, and grime from brake parts, ensuring optimal performance and safety. They come in various forms, including aerosol sprays, wipes, and liquids. Most brake cleaners contain chemicals such as acetone and toluene, which can dissolve stubborn brake dust and grease. It is important to choose a brake cleaner that is safe for use on various brake materials, such as rubber and plastic. Regular use of brake cleaners can extend the life of brake components, prevent brake squeal, and improve braking performance.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Brake Cleaners
CRC Brakleen Brake Cleaner Spray
CRC Brakleen Spray is essential for keeping your brake system clean and efficient. By using this cleaner, you enhance the performance and lifespan of your brakes, which is crucial for your safety on the road. It works perfectly on various brake components, including drums, linings, and calipers, ensuring thorough cleaning. The non-flammable formula provides peace of mind as it is safe for all brake parts. Plus, the fast-drying solvent effectively removes dirt and grime without leaving any residue, making maintenance quick and hassle-free.
Denco Brake Cleaner #1930
Denco Brake Cleaner is a powerful solution designed to tackle tough jobs with ease. Its unique formula ensures that you can quickly clean brake parts without the hassle of overwhelming odors or harmful ingredients. You will appreciate its rapid drying time, allowing you to move on to your next task swiftly. The low runoff means less mess and easier cleanup, making it perfect for various applications beyond just brakes. With a high-pressure spray, you can rely on it to deliver consistent performance from start to finish, ensuring your projects are completed efficiently.
CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner
CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner is the original brake parts cleaner that can help you improve the life of your car's braking system. It can effectively remove brake fluid, grease, brake dust and oil from brake parts, lining and pads without leaving any residue. This brake cleaner is safe for all brake systems and is non-flammable. However, it cannot be sold for use in CA or NJ or Catalina Island. Plus, it is proudly made in the USA.
Denco 1930C Brake Cleaner
Denco Brake Cleaner is designed for multiple uses, making it a versatile choice for your cleaning needs. Its strong formula works quickly to remove brake dust, grease, and grime, helping you maintain the performance of your brake system. You'll appreciate how fast it dries, leaving little residue behind, which means less cleanup for you. Plus, the reduced odor makes it easier to work with, creating a more pleasant environment. This cleaner is also safe for various brake components, including ABS, calipers, and rotors, ensuring you can trust it for all your brake line system parts.
CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Cleaner 05089
CRC Brake Cleaner is designed to tackle tough jobs with ease. This effective formula quickly eliminates grease, brake dust, brake fluids, and oils from your brake parts and linings, ensuring they function smoothly. The non-flammable nature of this cleaner makes it safe for use in various environments, giving you peace of mind as you work. It's important to note that this product is not available for sale in California or New Jersey, nor on Catalina Island. With its powerful cleaning capabilities, you can maintain your brakes efficiently and safely.
CRC Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner 14-oz
The CRC Brake Cleaner 4-Pack offers a convenient solution for maintaining your vehicle's braking system. Each 14-ounce can is designed to effectively clean brake parts without the use of harsh chlorine, making it safer for both you and the environment. This non-chlorinated formula helps remove dirt, grease, and grime, ensuring optimal performance of your brakes. With four cans in one pack, you have plenty of cleaner on hand for multiple jobs, saving you time and money on maintenance. This product is perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals looking for reliable brake cleaning solutions.
CRC 5088 Brake Cleaner
The CRC Brake Cleaner is designed for various brake components, including ABS systems, brake drums, and calipers. This non-chlorinated formula ensures that you can safely clean all parts of your braking system without damaging sensitive components. By using this cleaner, you can effectively remove dirt and grease, enhancing the performance and longevity of your brakes. It's also suitable for clutch discs and brake pads, making it a versatile choice for any automotive maintenance routine. With its easy application, maintaining your vehicle's braking system has never been more convenient.
CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated Cleaner - 1 Gal
The CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated Cleaner is a powerful formula that removes brake fluid, oil, grease, and other contaminants from brake parts, linings, calipers, drums, and more. This brake cleaner comes in a 1 gallon bottle and is extremely flammable. It is not for sale in Catalina Island. It is ideal for boating enthusiasts who want to maintain their brake systems effectively.
Ambro-Sol A462 Brake Cleaner
The Ambro-Sol Brake Cleaner is a powerful solution designed to clean and degrease brakes, clutches, and various mechanical parts without the need for rinsing. Its quick-acting formula effectively dissolves oils, grease, and dirt, making your cleaning tasks easier and faster. You can simply spray it directly onto the surface, allowing it to work its magic. Additionally, this cleaner is environmentally friendly, as it uses LPG gas and is packaged in recyclable metal, supporting sustainability efforts. Remember to avoid spraying it on painted or plastic surfaces for optimal results.
DENCO DISTRIBUTING, INC. Johnsens Brake & Parts Cleaner - 14 OZ (12)
The DENCO DISTRIBUTING, INC. Johnsens Brake & Parts Cleaner comes in a pack of 12 cans, each containing 14 OZ of the brake cleaner. It is designed to remove oil, grease, brake fluid and contaminants quickly without leaving any residue. The cleaner is suitable for use on all ABS, disc and drum brakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are brake cleaners worth it?
Yes, brake cleaners are worth it. They are effective in removing road debris, grease, and dust from the brakes, which can improve braking performance by allowing the brake pad to grip the brake disc properly.
2. Is it OK to spray brake cleaner on pads?
Yes, it is safe to spray brake cleaner on calipers, pads, and rotors. However, it is important to use caution and avoid spraying it around like air freshener.
3. What can I use to clean my brake system?
For cleaning the brake system, it is recommended to use an effective brake cleaner. WD-40 Automotive Specialist Brake & Parts Cleaner is a good option that can be used on brake drums, pads, lines, discs, and clutch parts.
4. Why is brake cleaner illegal?
Certain chlorinated brake cleaners have been banned in California due to their harmful side effects, including headaches, nausea, coordination loss, kidney and liver damage, and increased risk of cancer. This is to reduce VOC emissions and protect public health.
5. Can I use brake cleaner without removing the wheel?
While wheel cleaning products can be used in combination with some measures, a thorough maintenance cleaning of the brakes requires removing the tires. Without removing the wheel, it is not possible to clean the brakes effectively.
6. What not to use brake cleaner on?
Brake cleaner should not be used on plastic, rubber, electronics, or painted parts. It can dissolve these components, so it should only be used on brake components or other bare metal components that need cleaning.
7. Are there any risks of using brake cleaner?
Short-term exposure to low levels of Tetrachloroethylene vapor, found in some brake cleaners, can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory tract. It may also lead to symptoms like dizziness, headache, sleepiness, confusion, and skin irritation upon direct contact.
8. Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of brake cleaner?
While rubbing alcohol can be used to clean some dirt from brake dust and brake fluid, it is recommended to use specialist brake cleaners for cleaning disc brakes. Brake cleaners are designed to effectively clean important parts of the braking system without leaving any residue.
9. Can you use Windex as brake cleaner?
No, Windex should not be used as a brake cleaner. It is important to use specialist cleaners that are residue-free and specifically designed to clean the braking system components effectively.
During our brake cleaner research, we found 24 brake cleaner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 23,443 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brake cleaners list. We found that most customers choose brake cleaners with an average price of $43.74.
The brake cleaners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brake cleaners, including CRC, DENCO DISTRIBUTING, INC., Ambro-Sol. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

David Davis has rich experience as a mechanic and a general repairman in the automotive industry. It has given him plenty of knowledge in automobile repair, auto parts, and all kinds of tools. In his spare time, he enjoys assembling and disassembling parts for cars.
Brake Cleaners Comparison Table
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Brand | CRC | DENCO DISTRIBUTING, INC. | CRC | DENCO DISTRIBUTING, INC. | CRC | CRC | CRC | CRC | Ambro-Sol | DENCO DISTRIBUTING, INC. |
Item Form | Oil,Pads | Spray | - | - | Oil,Pads | - | Aerosol | - | Aerosol | - |
Specific Uses For Product | Automotive Interior | Automotive, Brakes, Calipers, Grease, Oil, Dirt, Debris, Grime | - | - | Brake Parts | - | Automotive Exterior | - | Automotive Exterior | - |
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