Dust, grime, oil, and other residues from the wear and tear of the brake action are dangerous and common problems that many drivers face. This can cause several issues, from poor performance and decreased brake efficiency to road issues and accidents. However, this can be easily prevented with the right brake cleaner. This article will give you a rundown of the best brake cleaners on the market and their features. It will also provide you with some easy tips on how to use these products to keep your car in tip-top shape.
What is brake dust?
It is very important for people to not know about brake dust. It's a fine powder that accumulates on the brake pads, and if your car has brake shoes the dust will accumulate inside the brake drum.
Most modern vehicles have disc brakes on the front and rear wheels but the older models have disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear. However, most very old vehicles will have drum brakes on all four wheels.
Grime and dust are made up of brake pad or brake shoe dust particles, and brake rotor or brake drum. This dust is a result of friction when the brakes are applied between the rotor or brake shoes and the rotor or brake drum. Only a small amount of dust is very dangerous and can cause problems as brakes wear out. It's also a result of brake pads being overheated due to hard continuous breaking (called, brake fade) especially when driving on a steep downhill road. Brake fade occurs when the pads and the rotors or brake shoes and brake drums become so hot that the braking efficiency drops very quickly hence when the brakes are applied the vehicle will take much longer to stop.
How to remove brake grime and dust?
The best brake cleaner will remove all dust in minutes without creating dangerous dust being blown into the air. This dust can be very dangerous if breathed into your lungs because it can contain asbestos, hexavalent chromium, mercury, cadmium, or lead. However, presently these dangerous materials have been banned by law.
Brake cleaner spray is a quick and easy way to clean your car's brakes. It's a spray that can remove all the dust and grime in minutes. It's reasonably safe to use but be careful not to breathe too much of its fumes and is not so gentle on your car's paint and finishes so cover them.
How to use brake cleaners?
When using a brake cleaner, it is important to read the instructions on the bottle or spray can. Most brake cleaners are designed to work on metal surfaces, but there are a few that are designed for use on ceramic surfaces. It is also important to read the instructions to make sure you are using the correct amount. One important thing to remember is that brake cleaner can be toxic if too much is used. Make sure to read the instructions and use the correct amount.
Conclusion
One of the most important things to consider when you are purchasing a brake cleaner is how well it removes dust, oil, grease, and grime. There are many ways to remove this dirt residue, but the primary way is to use a brake cleaner. A brake cleaner should be able to remove all the dust from your brakes in a short amount of time. If you are looking for a brake cleaner, you should purchase one that is non-toxic and made from environmentally friendly materials.
Can we help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Brake Cleaner on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Brake Cleaner - Reviews
The Best

Product information
Introducing Brakleen, a superior brake parts cleaner designed to optimize the performance and longevity of your entire brake system. Cleaning and degreasing your brake parts is an essential maintenance task, and choosing the right product can make all the difference. While there are numerous non-chlorinated brake cleaners available, none can match the cleaning power and effectiveness that Brakleen guarantees.
Brakleen's excellence lies in its unique formula. This non-chlorinated concoction offers unmatched cleaning performance, especially in states requiring a VOC limit of 45% or less. The formula combines powerful cleaning agents that effortlessly cut through grime and contaminants, ensuring your brake system functions at its best.
Brakleen stands out for its effective brake cleaning capabilities. It cleans quickly and dries rapidly, eliminating contaminants from your parts without leaving any residue behind. It's expertly designed for use on a wide range of components, including ABS, brake discs, brake drums and cylinders, linings, calipers, brake shoes, clutch discs, brake pads, and more. With Brakleen, you can maintain every part of your brake system with ease.
What sets our product apart is its efficiency. Brakleen's formula is designed for power, meaning you require less product to dislodge dirt and grime from brake system components. This not only ensures a deep clean but also offers excellent value for money, as each can last longer.
Finally, let's talk about the product specifications. Brakleen is conveniently packaged in a 14 wt. oz. aerosol can, making it easy to apply. The can's design allows for precise application, ensuring you can reach every nook and cranny of your brake system. With Brakleen, keeping your brake system in top condition has never been easier.

The price is right for what it does. Like magic, cleans and dries quickly.

Great product but some cans were damaged and contents missing. It smells a bit potent.
Our Thoughts - We selected this product because it's the best. It cleans any fluid or grease contaminants in any area of the vehicle.

Very Good

Product information
Introducing our non-chlorinated brake cleaner, a high-quality product designed to maintain the efficiency of your brake system. Each canister contains 14.5 ounces of our specially formulated cleaner, providing ample supply for your vehicle maintenance needs. This product is meticulously crafted to deliver superior cleaning performance and ensure the longevity of your brake components.
However, it's essential to note that this product is not available for use in certain states due to specific environmental regulations. These include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and certain regions of Utah. We are committed to adhering to these regulations and appreciate our customers' understanding in this matter.
As with many cleaning products, our non-chlorinated brake cleaner is highly flammable. Therefore, it's crucial to handle it with care and keep it away from open flames and other heat sources. Always ensure that you use this product in a well-ventilated area and store it safely to prevent accidental ignition.
One of the standout features of our brake cleaner is its quick evaporation. Once applied, the cleaner works rapidly to dissolve grime and contaminants, then evaporates quickly, leaving no residue behind. This ensures a thorough clean without any additional cleanup, making your brake maintenance tasks more efficient and hassle-free.
Finally, we take great pride in stating that our non-chlorinated brake cleaner is made in the USA. By choosing our product, you're supporting local manufacturing and ensuring that you get a product that meets the highest quality standards. Trust us to provide a brake cleaner that delivers excellent results while adhering to safety and environmental guidelines.

Great value for the price. Excellent degreasing and does a very good job.

This is a great brake cleaner but quality control needs to improve.
Our Thoughts - The one we tried didn't seem to have the pressure that others have. Could have been a one-off.

Good Value

Product information
Introducing the pioneer in brake parts cleaning. This innovative solution has set the industry standard for effective and efficient brake maintenance. Our brake parts cleaner is the original, a trusted choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike for its reliable performance.
Our product is expertly formulated to deliver swift and thorough cleaning. It's specifically designed to dissolve grease, brake dust, brake fluids, oils, and other contaminants that can hinder your brake system's performance. Whether it's brake parts, lining, or pads, our cleaner ensures every component is free from unwanted residue, contributing to the overall efficiency and longevity of your brake system.
However, due to specific state regulations, our brake parts cleaner cannot be sold for use in California or New Jersey. We adhere strictly to these guidelines and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We are committed to providing our customers with top-quality products while respecting all local and national environmental regulations.
Another crucial feature of our brake parts cleaner is its non-flammable formulation. Unlike many cleaning products, our solution poses no fire risk, making it safer to use in various environments. This attribute contributes to the overall safety of your maintenance routine, giving you peace of mind during application.
Lastly, please note that this item is not available for sale on Catalina Island. We ensure our distribution aligns with all geographical regulations, providing our customers with high-quality, compliant products. Trust our original brake parts cleaner to deliver exceptional results while prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance.

No problem cleaning dirt and grease. Good price and works great.

Some cans arrived with a cracked cover or faulty nozzles. No straw to point at specific areas.
Our Thoughts - Cleans well and leaves parts dry. Can also be used for other parts in your vehicle.

Good

Product information
Our product offers a comprehensive solution for cleaning brake parts and assemblies, ensuring they function at optimum levels. What sets our cleaner apart is its ability to leave no residue behind, providing a thorough clean that enhances the performance and longevity of your brake system. With our cleaner, you can maintain your brake parts efficiently, ensuring they're always in top-notch condition.
One of the standout features of our cleaner is its large, ergonomic actuator. This design element ensures a high-powered stream, capable of removing even the toughest deposits. The actuator's design makes it easy to handle and control, allowing you to target specific areas effectively. With this feature, you can tackle stubborn grime with ease and precision.
Our cleaner is adept at dealing with a variety of contaminants. It effortlessly removes brake dust, solvents, greases, and oils, leaving your brake parts clean and ready for use. Its powerful cleansing action cuts through these pollutants, ensuring your brake system's components are free from elements that could hinder their performance.
Additionally, our cleaner's thorough cleaning action helps eliminate squeal and chatter, common issues faced by many brake systems. By getting rid of these problems, our cleaner enhances your vehicle's safety and performance. Its fast-drying formula further ensures efficiency, allowing you to get back on the road quicker.
Finally, please note that our product is intended for industrial or occupational use only. It's not available for consumer sale or use, aligning with regulations and ensuring the product is used in suitable environments. Trust our brake parts cleaner to deliver exceptional cleaning results, contributing significantly to your brake system's overall performance and safety.

It also does a good job on motorcycle brakes. Effective at cleaning oil, grease, and brake fluid off the rotors.

Some cans arrived without a nozzle. Some customers reported that for a reputable company like 3M, they expected better.
Our Thoughts - This is a good break cleaner. As expected some small niggly issues.

Good

Product information
This product stands out for its remarkable ability to purge grease, oil, and dirt from various surfaces. These substances, commonly found in a multitude of environments, can often impede the functionality of mechanical parts. By using our cleaning solution, you can ensure these contaminants are effectively removed. This ensures the efficiency of your components, thereby extending their operational lifespan.
Another significant advantage of using our cleaner is that it promotes maximum paint adhesion. This feature is particularly beneficial for those looking to paint or coat surfaces. The cleaner works by creating an ideal surface for the paint to adhere to, resulting in a smoother, more even finish. By eliminating all traces of grease, oil, and dirt, our cleaner prepares your surfaces for optimal painting results.
The residue left behind by cleaning products can often be a nuisance, requiring additional cleanup. However, our solution is formulated to dry without leaving any film, ensuring a thorough and hassle-free cleaning process. Its quick-drying nature also allows you to proceed to the next steps of your work in less time, enhancing overall efficiency.
However, it's important to note that this product is not available for sale on Catalina Island due to specific regulations. We are committed to strictly adhering to all regional rules and standards, providing our customers with compliant, high-quality products. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Trust our cleaner to deliver outstanding, residue-free results, whether you're battling stubborn grime or prepping surfaces for paint.

Not only brakes, but it cleans other parts of the car also.

The nozzle tends to stop working but still has cleaner in the can. No Spray straw.
Our Thoughts - Not as popular as other brands but it seems to degrease and clean well.

Good

Product information
Our product stands as a powerful cleaning solution, designed to eliminate oil, grease, brake fluid, and other contaminants swiftly and efficiently. These substances can often compromise the functionality of your mechanical parts, leading to reduced performance and durability. By employing our cleaner, you ensure these impurities are effectively removed, leaving no residue behind. This results in an enhanced lifespan and efficiency of your components.
The versatility of our cleaner is another major advantage. It is suitable for use on all ABS, disc, and drum brakes. This broad compatibility makes it an invaluable asset for maintaining various types of braking systems. Regardless of the brake type you're dealing with, our cleaner delivers exceptional results, ensuring optimal performance and safety of your brakes.
Our cleaner boasts of its Original Formula, which is non-chlorinated. This feature ensures that it's safe for various materials and surfaces, reducing the risk of damage or discoloration. The non-chlorinated formula also makes our cleaner and environmentally friendly, aligning with efforts to reduce harmful emissions and promote sustainability.
Lastly, our product is non-flammable, making it a safe choice for your cleaning needs. This characteristic reduces the risk of fire hazards, providing you with a safer working environment. When using our cleaner, you can rest assured that you're not only getting a high-performance product but also one that prioritizes your safety. Trust our cleaner to deliver outstanding results, whether you're dealing with stubborn grime or maintaining your braking system.

It cleans other vehicle parts as well. Good product and cleans well.

Overpriced for what it does. Some customer reports say that this new cleaner is worse than the old.
Our Thoughts - It's the last on the list but still does a good job. Some small issues may have been due to a bad batch.

FAQs
I heard that brake cleaners can damage brake pads and shoe linings.
Simple answer, no! Brake cleaner it's safe to use on brake pads and shoe linings.
Brake cleaner removes grease and accumulated brake dust that can damage brake pads and rotors.
Is it true that brake cleaner is good for cleaning electrical parts and connectors?
Simple answer, no! Brake cleaner chemicals can damage plastic connectors, wire insulation, and internal electronic components. If you need to clean electrical components and circuit boards use an appropriate cleaner.
WD40 is great for almost everything, what about as a brake cleaner?
Simple answer, no, and no! Never, ever spray WD40, a lubricant, or lubricating cleaner on your brakes. Oils and greases whatever brand or make will permanently damage your brake pads, brake shoes, rotors, and drums resulting in a horrible and dangerous reduction in brake efficiency and performance.
Can brake cleaner damage paint?
Short answer, yes! Some brake cleaners contain methylene chloride, acetone, and other chemicals that will damage the paint. Not only paint but plastic components will be damaged by Acetone. Always protect all painted and plastic surfaces from brake cleaner overspray or spills.
What is the difference between chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaner?
Chlorinated brake cleaners are more effective than non-chlorinated cleaners. However, non-chlorinated cleaners may not have chlorinated solvents in their structure but that doesn't make them safe. The non-chlorinated alternatives are still very powerful cleaners due to other chemicals added to the cleaner. In most cases, the extra chemicals added can make them just as toxic as the chlorinated brake cleaners.
