A clean firearm is a reliable firearm. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hunter, or a responsible citizen who values home defense, proper maintenance is non-negotiable. The right gun cleaning solvent is the cornerstone of this process, effectively removing harmful fouling, preventing corrosion, and ensuring smooth operation for years to come.
With so many options on the market, from all-in-one CLP solutions to specialized bore cleaners, selecting the best product can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the most effective and trusted gun cleaning solvents available. Our selections are designed to meet various needs and preferences, helping you maintain your equipment in peak condition.
Our Top Picks for Gun Cleaning Solvents
- Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil, Aerosol spray, 6 oz
- CLP by Sage & Braker. Our Gun Cleaning Formula is an Oil, Lubricant, Solvent and Protectant All in One. 4oz.
- SLIP 2000 EWL CLP Gun Lube – Extreme Weapons Lubricant Synthetic Gun CLP Cleaner – 4 oz Squeeze Bottle
- Hornady 9990 One Shot Gun Cleaner with DynaGlide Plus (5 oz)
- BREAK FREE GC-16 Powder Blast Gun Cleaner – Blast Away Gun Contaminants with Our Easy to Use Cleaner, Lubricant, and Preservative Spray | More Than Just Gun Oil | Aerosol Can (12-Ounce)
- Bore Tech Eliminator Bore Cleaner, 16 oz
- Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner, 16 oz. Bottle (packaging may vary)
- M-Pro 7 Hoppe’s LPX Gun Oil, 4 Ounce Bottle
- Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Case Lube, 10 oz – Aerosol Dry Lube, with DynaGlide Plus – Clean, Non-Sticky and Easy to Use – Contains No Petroleum, Won’t Contaminate Powder or Primers
- Break-Free CLP – Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant
Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil, Aerosol spray, 6 oz
Ballistol is a renowned multi-purpose product that has earned its place in many gun cleaning kits. Its unique formula is designed to clean, lubricate, and protect firearms from rust and corrosion. As an aerosol spray, it is easy to apply and can reach into hard-to-access areas of your firearm’s action and mechanism.
This product is appreciated for its versatility, as it can be used on wood, metal, and leather. Made in the United States, it is a reliable choice for general maintenance. The 6 oz aerosol can is a convenient size for regular use at the range or in your workshop.
CLP by Sage & Braker
Sage & Braker’s CLP offers a comprehensive cleaning, lubricating, and protecting solution without the use of harsh, toxic chemicals. Its highly penetrating solvent is engineered to infiltrate surfaces on a micro level, effectively tackling carbon, lead, and copper fouling. This makes it a powerful option for reviving neglected firearms.
Beyond cleaning, this formula provides excellent corrosion and rust protection. It also helps with carbon management during firearm use by reducing static, which attracts contaminants. The result is a smoother action and more reliable performance, giving you confidence in your equipment.
SLIP 2000 EWL CLP Gun Lube
SLIP 2000 EWL is a 100% synthetic CLP that was originally developed for demanding applications like machine guns. Its Extreme Weapons Lubricant formula contains a proprietary anti-wear agent that significantly reduces friction and metal-to-metal wear. This makes it an outstanding choice for high-round-count sessions.
The lubricating solvent is designed to reach areas where traditional gun oils cannot, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It creates a long-lasting protective shield that does not attract dust or dirt, helping to keep your firearm cleaner for longer and functioning smoothly under various conditions.
Hornady 9990 One Shot Gun Cleaner
Hornady’s One Shot Gun Cleaner with DynaGlide Plus is formulated for those who prefer a dry, non-tacky finish. This aerosol spray cleans and lubricates in one step, leaving no oily residue behind that can attract grit and grime. This feature helps prevent malfunctions caused by lubricant buildup.
The dry film lubrication provided by DynaGlide Plus ensures that moving parts operate smoothly without the mess. It’s an efficient solution for a quick clean-up after a day at the range, providing both cleaning power and reliable lubrication in a single product.
BREAK FREE GC-16 Powder Blast Gun Cleaner
Break-Free Powder Blast is an aerosol cleaner designed to quickly and effectively blast away contaminants. It excels at removing powder residue, plastic streaking, and built-up grease and oil. The formula dries quickly, leaving no residue or unpleasant odor behind.
This product is particularly useful for cleaning intricate trigger groups and mechanisms where contaminants can hinder performance. Its powerful spray action makes it easy to dislodge debris from hard-to-reach places, helping to preserve your firearm’s accuracy and reliability.
Bore Tech Eliminator Bore Cleaner
For the shooter who demands a pristine bore, Bore Tech Eliminator is a top-tier specialized cleaner. Its patented, fast-acting formula is designed to remove copper, carbon, and lead fouling without the use of harsh ammonia. This makes it safe for all barrel steels, as it will not etch or cause harm.
A significant advantage of this cleaner is that it can be left to soak in the bore indefinitely without damaging the metal. It also contains a short-term rust inhibitor that helps shield and condition the bore after cleaning, offering protection between uses.
Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner
Hoppe’s No. 9 is a legendary name in firearm maintenance, trusted by generations of gun owners. This classic bore cleaner is renowned for its ultra-effectiveness at dissolving powder residue, lead, and copper fouling. Its familiar scent is synonymous with a thorough cleaning session.
Despite its powerful cleaning action, it is safe and easy to use when directions are followed. The 16 oz bottle comes with a child-proof cap for safe storage, making it a practical and reliable staple for any serious shooter’s cleaning bench.
M-Pro 7 Hoppe’s LPX Gun Oil
M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Oil is a high-performance lubricant developed to meet military specifications. It leaves a durable film that repels dust and dirt, preventing the gunk buildup that can cause malfunctions. Unlike some oils, it does not easily evaporate, providing long-lasting protection.
This characteristic makes it excellent for long-term storage, as it will continue to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Its advanced formula is designed to perform reliably under extreme conditions, ensuring your firearm operates smoothly when it matters most.
Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Case Lube
This versatile product from Hornady serves a dual purpose as both a gun cleaner and a case lubricant for reloaders. The aerosol spray cleans and lubricates firearms with its DynaGlide Plus formula, leaving a dry, non-sticky film that won’t attract dirt. It effectively removes grit, gunk, and old oils.
For reloaders, a key benefit is that it contains no petroleum, so it will not contaminate powder or primers. This makes it a safe and efficient choice for maintaining your firearms and streamlining your reloading process with one convenient product.
Break-Free CLP
Break-Free CLP is a widely recognized and trusted name in the world of firearm maintenance. This classic triple-action formula is designed to Clean, Lubricate, and Protect in a single step. It effectively penetrates and loosens fouling while providing lasting lubrication to reduce wear on moving parts.
The protective qualities of Break-Free CLP are proven to shield metal surfaces from rust and corrosion, even under harsh environmental conditions. Its long-standing reputation and widespread use by military and law enforcement agencies speak to its reliability and effectiveness for general firearm care.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gun Cleaning Solvent
Walking down the cleaning aisle at a sporting goods store can be overwhelming. With so many bottles, aerosols, and wipes claiming to be the best, how do you pick the right one for your firearms? I have found that the best gun cleaning solvent for you depends on a few key factors related to your specific needs and how you use your guns. Let’s break down what you should consider before making a purchase.
First, think about the type of fouling you need to remove. This is the most important consideration. For most of us, that means dealing with carbon and copper. Carbon buildup is that gritty, sooty residue left behind by burnt powder. It can be stubborn, but many general-purpose solvents handle it well. Copper fouling is a different beast. It comes from the jacket material of bullets being scraped off in the barrel’s rifling. It appears as a shiny, metallic residue and can be much harder to dissolve. If you do a lot of high-volume shooting, especially with rifles, you will want a solvent that specifically targets copper. Some products are dedicated copper removers, while others are versatile “all-in-one” formulas that tackle both.
Next, consider the formulation and application. Solvents come in liquids, gels, and aerosols. Liquid solvents are the classic choice, often applied with a patch or brush. They are versatile and effective. Gel solvents are thicker and designed to cling to surfaces, which is great for letting them soak on tough, built-up carbon on parts like bolt faces or muzzle devices. Aerosol sprays are fantastic for quickly flooding a chamber or reaching into small nooks and crannies inside an action. Your cleaning style might prefer one over the others.
You should also pay attention to the chemical properties. Look at the odor and toxicity. Many powerful traditional solvents have strong, pungent fumes and require good ventilation. If you clean in a small, enclosed space like an apartment, you might prefer a less aggressive, low-odor, or bio-based formula. Also, consider the material compatibility. A good solvent should be tough on fouling but safe on your firearm’s materials, including steel, aluminum, plastics, and common finishes. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to be safe.
Finally, factor in your routine. Are you doing a quick field clean after a range trip, or a deep, thorough cleaning before long-term storage? For a quick clean, a fast-acting, all-in-one solvent that doesn’t require a long soak time is ideal. For that annual deep clean of a precision rifle barrel, a dedicated, potent copper remover that you can let soak overnight might be the better tool for the job. By matching the solvent to your specific fouling problems and cleaning habits, you can keep your firearms in top condition without overcomplicating the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cleaner, a solvent, and a lubricant?
This is a fundamental question that confuses many new gun owners. In simple terms, a cleaner or solvent is designed to break down and remove fouling like carbon, copper, and powder residue. Its job is to get things off your gun. A lubricant, often called “oil,” is designed to reduce friction between moving parts, preventing wear and ensuring smooth operation. They are two different products for two different jobs. Using a lubricant on a dirty gun just creates a greasy, abrasive paste. Always clean first with a proper solvent, then apply lubricant to the appropriate points afterward.
How often should I clean my gun with a solvent?
There isn’t a single, perfect answer, as it depends heavily on use. As a general rule, I clean my firearms after every shooting session. This prevents fouling from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove later. For a gun that sees high-volume use, like a competition pistol, a basic clean after each match is smart. For a defensive firearm that might sit in a safe, a periodic inspection and light cleaning every few months is a good practice to ensure it’s ready, even if it hasn’t been fired. The key is consistency; don’t let heavy fouling sit for months.
Are bio-based or “non-toxic” solvents as effective as traditional chemical ones?
Modern bio-based solvents have come a long way. While the most aggressive traditional chemicals might still hold a slight edge on extremely stubborn, decades-old fouling, for 99% of shooters, a high-quality bio-solvent is more than effective enough. They are much safer to use, with less harsh odor and fumes, and are better for the environment. For my routine cleaning, I often prefer them because I can use them in my basement workshop without needing to open all the windows. They are a fantastic and effective option for most cleaning needs.
Can I use the same solvent on my pistol and my rifle?
In most cases, yes, absolutely. The basic fouling you find in a pistol barrel (carbon and a little lead) and a rifle barrel (carbon and copper) can be handled by a good, all-purpose gun cleaning solvent. Many shooters, including myself, use one primary solvent for all their general cleaning tasks. The only time you might need a specialized product is if you have a precision rifle with significant copper fouling that your regular solvent isn’t touching. Then, adding a dedicated copper remover to your kit makes sense.
Is it safe to leave solvent in my gun barrel overnight?
This is a common technique for dealing with stubborn fouling, but you must be cautious. Most modern solvents are perfectly safe to leave in a steel barrel for an extended period, like overnight. However, you should always read the product’s instructions carefully. Some potent copper-removing solvents can be corrosive if left for too long, especially on certain metals or if they come into contact with aluminum components. When in doubt, do not let it soak for more than the recommended time on the label, which is usually 15-30 minutes for many all-purpose formulas.
What is the best way to apply a gun cleaning solvent?
I find the method depends on the solvent’s form. For liquid solvents, I put a few drops on a bronze bore brush and run it through the barrel several times to scrub and distribute the solvent. Then, I let it sit for a few minutes before following with clean patches. For gel solvents, I use an applicator or a small brush to coat the fouled area, like a bolt tail, and let it soak. For aerosol solvents, I use the thin straw attachment to precisely spray into the chamber and action parts. The goal is to get the solvent where the fouling is and give it a little time to work before scrubbing and wiping it away.