Best Brake Cleaner (2026): 5 Picks Compared
5 brake cleaners compared by formula, can size, pack size and flammability for brake jobs.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Top PickCRC BRAKLEEN 050899.6/10View on Amazon - 2
Best Bulk BuyDenco 19309.5/10View on Amazon - 3
Best Warranty PickSQ Non-Chlorinated9.5/10View on Amazon - 4
Best Single CanCRC Brakleen 050849.5/10View on Amazon
A brake job leaves dust and grease on every part it touches, and fresh pads deserve a clean surface before the wheel goes back on. This guide compares the best brake cleaner picks for home garage brake work, using only what each listing states about formula, can size, pack size, flammability and state restrictions.
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Quick picks
- Top Pick CRC BRAKLEEN 05089: Non-flammable formula in a pack of 2 for brake parts, lining and pads. Check price on Amazon
- Best Bulk Buy Denco 1930: 36-pack of non-chlorinated cleaner with low odor and low VOC. Check price on Amazon
- Best Warranty Pick SQ Non-Chlorinated: 24-pack with a 2 years warranty and fast, residue-free cleaning. Check price on Amazon
- Best Single Can CRC Brakleen 05084: 14 oz non-chlorinated, low VOC can for fast-drying degreasing. Check price on Amazon
Picks for the garage
CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner
A non-flammable brake parts cleaner in a pack of 2, formulated to remove grease, brake dust, brake fluids, oils and other contaminants from brake parts, lining and pads.
Pros
- Non-flammable formula stated on the listing
- Removes grease, brake dust, brake fluids, oils and other contaminants
- Cleans brake parts, lining and pads
- Pack of 2 for repeated brake work
Cons
- Cannot be sold for use in CA or NJ
- Not for sale in Catalina Island
- Listing says its information is per-pack only while selling a pack of 2, so the 19 Ounce size is unclear
- No warranty term is stated
SQ Brake Cleaner Non Chlorinated, 24 Pack
A non-chlorinated brake cleaner in a 24 pack with 14.5 OZ per can, described as a strong degreaser with fast cleaning action that evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
Pros
- 24 pack with 14.5 OZ per can for repeated brake work
- Strong degreaser with fast cleaning action
- Evaporates quickly, leaving no residue
- Fully made in the USA
Cons
- Highly flammable formula
- Not for use in CA, CO, CT, DE, MD, MI, NH, NY, OH, RI and parts of UT
- Spec table lists NumberOfItems as 1 while the title sells a 24 pack
- Buyers in restricted states receive a different compliant version, not the listed formula
Denco 1930 Brake & Parts Cleaner, Non-Chlorinated
A non-chlorinated brake and parts cleaner in a 13 Ounce, 36-pack, with a low-VOC, low-odor formula and high-pressure spray that dries fast with minimal runoff.
Pros
- 36-pack for a busy garage supply
- Low-VOC, low-odor formula
- High pressure from full to empty
- Dries fast with low runoff and cleanup
Cons
- Title says 13 Ounce while a bullet says 15.3 FLUID OUNCES
- Sale prohibited in DE, NH, MD, CT, UT, CA, RI, MI, CO, NY
- No warranty term is stated
- No residue-free claim is stated in the listing
CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner Spray
A non-chlorinated, low VOC brake parts cleaner spray in a 14 oz can, described as fast-drying and residue free for degreasing and removal of oil and grime from automotive brake parts.
Pros
- Non-chlorinated, low VOC formula
- Fast-drying and residue free
- Degreases and removes oil and grime from brake parts
- 14 Fl Oz can size suits occasional brake work
Cons
- Bullets give package dimensions but little cleaning detail
- Bullets list sport type as Boating, which does not match a brake parts cleaner
- No warranty term is stated
- Pack of 1 only, so no spare can is included
Gunk Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner
A chlorinated brake parts cleaner in a 19 oz can, sold as a case of 6, that cuts through brake dust and grime, dries quick and leaves no residue.
Pros
- Chlorinated formula for brake dust and grime
- Dries quick with no residue
- Targeted application without needing to disassemble parts
- Also usable as a parts cleaner spray for other engine components
Cons
- Title and spec table say a case of 6 while a bullet calls it a 12-pack case
- Not for use in CA and NJ
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety listing is stated
Compared on paper
| Model | Shop Score | Formula | Can size | Pack size | Flammability | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRC BRAKLEEN 05089 | 9.6/10 | Non-flammable | 19 Ounce | Pack of 2 | Non-flammable | Not stated |
| SQ Non-Chlorinated | 9.5/10 | Non-chlorinated | 14.5 OZ | 24 Pack | Highly flammable | 2 years |
| Denco 1930 | 9.5/10 | Non-chlorinated | 13 Ounce | 36-Pack | Not stated | Not stated |
| CRC Brakleen 05084 | 9.5/10 | Non-chlorinated | 14 Fl Oz | Pack of 1 | Not stated | Not stated |
| Gunk Chlorinated | 9.4/10 | Chlorinated | 19 oz | Case of 6 | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 2 November 2026. Where a listing contradicts itself, the differing figures are shown.
How the points were given
Each cleaner is scored on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published on the How We Pick page. Safety points here reflect stated safety-relevant features only, such as a non-flammable formula or a low-VOC, low-odor formula, and warranty points reflect a concrete term only, so most listings score nothing on warranty.
| Product | Shop Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRC BRAKLEEN 05089 | 9.6 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 7 | 0 |
| SQ Non-Chlorinated | 9.5 | 29 | 20 | 21 | 0 | 3 |
| Denco 1930 | 9.5 | 29 | 21 | 22 | 5 | 0 |
| CRC Brakleen 05084 | 9.5 | 28 | 20 | 19 | 5 | 0 |
| Gunk Chlorinated | 9.4 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
What the listings tell you
All 5 listings are brake parts cleaners, but the formulas split: the Gunk listing is the only chlorinated formula here, the Denco, CRC 14 oz and SQ listings state non-chlorinated formulas, and the CRC BRAKLEEN listing states a non-flammable formula without naming a chlorine type. Flammability splits the same way: the CRC BRAKLEEN listing states a non-flammable formula, while the SQ listing warns its cleaner is highly flammable. Pack sizes run from a pack of 1 to a 36-pack, and can sizes run from 13 Ounce to 19 Ounce, with the SQ listing at 14.5 OZ per can. State restrictions appear on most listings, and the SQ listing notes buyers in restricted states receive the 50 State compliant version. Warranty terms are thin across the roundup: only the SQ listing states a concrete term, while other listings state a limited warranty without a term or state no warranty at all.
Buying guide: your best brake cleaner
Formula: chlorinated or non-chlorinated
The Gunk listing is the only chlorinated formula here. The Denco, CRC 14 oz and SQ listings state non-chlorinated formulas, and the CRC BRAKLEEN listing states a non-flammable formula without naming a chlorine type. The listings name the formula type but do not explain the chemistry, so choose by the stated type and by the state restrictions tied to each listing.
Can size and pack size
Can sizes here are 19 Ounce, 13 Ounce, 14 Fl Oz, 19 oz and 14.5 OZ, and pack sizes are a pack of 2, a 36-pack, a pack of 1, a case of 6 and a 24 pack. A 36-pack or 24-pack suits a busy garage, while a pack of 1 suits occasional brake work. Check both figures before ordering, since some listings contradict themselves on can size or case size, and the review for each pick names the mismatch.
Flammability and ventilation
The CRC BRAKLEEN listing states a non-flammable formula, while the SQ listing warns its cleaner is highly flammable and evaporates quickly. Use any brake cleaner in a ventilated space and keep flammable formulas away from flames and hot surfaces. Drying claims also differ: several listings state fast drying or fast evaporation with no residue, while the Denco listing states fast drying with low runoff.
State restrictions
State restrictions decide whether a listing can even be sold where the garage sits. The CRC BRAKLEEN listing cannot be sold for use in CA or NJ, the Gunk listing is not for use in CA and NJ, the Denco listing is prohibited in several listed states, and the SQ listing is not for use in several listed states while noting buyers there receive the 50 State compliant version. Check the restriction list on the listing before ordering.
What to check before ordering
Confirm the formula, can size, pack size, flammability and state restrictions against the brake work planned, and note where a listing states no warranty term or safety listing. Where a listing contradicts itself on size or pack count, the review for that pick names the differing figures so the mismatch is visible before purchase.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Garage Fit Check
- Space: cans range from 13 Ounce to 19 Ounce sizes, and packs run from a pack of 1 to a 36-pack, so check shelf space against the pack size before ordering a case.
- Power: no listing states a power requirement for these cleaners, so no charging or outlet planning is needed.
- Storage: keep cans where the garage stays ventilated and away from flames, since the SQ listing warns its formula is highly flammable.
- Ventilation check: the listings describe fast-drying, fast-evaporating formulas, so airflow matters during a brake job.
- Restriction check: check the state restriction list on each listing before ordering, since several listings cannot be sold for use in some states.
FAQ: garage tools
What is brake cleaner used for?
It removes grease, brake dust, brake fluids, oils and other contaminants from brake parts, lining and pads, as the CRC BRAKLEEN listing states. The Gunk listing adds that its spray can also serve as a parts cleaner spray for other engine components and other crucial vehicle parts.
What is the difference between chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaner?
The listings name the formula type but do not explain the chemistry: Gunk states a chlorinated formula, while Denco, CRC 14 oz and SQ state non-chlorinated formulas. State restrictions differ by listing, so check the restriction list for the garage state before choosing by formula type.
Can brake cleaner be used on plastic or rubber?
The listings here do not state plastic or rubber compatibility, so check the listing before spraying beyond brake parts. The CRC BRAKLEEN listing names brake parts, lining and pads as its cleaning targets, and no listing here names plastic or rubber as a target.
Does brake cleaner leave residue?
The CRC 14 oz, Gunk and SQ listings each state no residue or residue-free drying, while the Denco listing states fast drying with low runoff. The CRC BRAKLEEN listing does not state a residue claim, so residue performance there is not stated.
Why do some brake cleaners have state restrictions?
The listings state sale or use restrictions for some states without giving a reason, and the SQ listing notes buyers in restricted states receive the 50 State compliant version. Check the restriction list on the listing before ordering.
Related: see the brake cleaner chemical category for more engine and shop equipment picks.
