Best Gun Cleaners of 2023

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If you want your firearm to work impeccable all the time, you need to commit to it and provide it with suggested maintenance. That includes cleaning.

You don’t want to allow your gun to stop working because of the dust particles or rust. That’s why you should immediately buy the best gun cleaning kit.

Here is the list of 15 great products of that kind.

What Is The Best Gun Cleaning Solvents

What Is The Best Gun Cleaning Solvents

1. Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Cleaner

Specification

  • Effective
  • Penetrates deep and quick
  • Approved by champion shooter
  • Safe and easy to use
  • Childproof cap

This product is made by a brand that’s highly rated and known for its gun cleaning assortment for more than 100 years. Their No.9 gun cleanser is super effective, reliable, and it can be applied to a great range of weapons.

Its formula is proven to be efficient, and it smells good too. You can apply it to your revolvers, as well as your rifles since it’s universal, and it will keep any of the weapons in perfect condition and balance.

You can use this cleanser as often as you believe that’s needed, and it will make sure your firearm is protected from damage, besides it will make it clean and workable. It is safe and very simple to use, and the best part is that it penetrates into the weapon quickly and quite deep.

The package of this cleanser may vary, but it always comes with a childproof cap. The manufacturer claims that using this product will allow your firearm to have a long life of great performance. 

This item is even trusted by some of the well-known shooters and world champions like John Scouten, Lena Miculek, Jessie Harrison, Maggie Reese, and Missy Gilliland.

2. Sweets 7.62 Solvent

Specification

  • Super strong
  • Non-abrasive
  • Easy to use
  • Won’t damage steel
  • For any type of gun

Sweets 7.62 solvent is one of the strongest solvents on the market. It’s a non-abrasive gun cleanser that creates foaming action and strongly attacks the toughest lead, copper, and plastic deposits on your weapon.

If you have a gun with a difficult-to-clean and unreachable throat area, you should use this product because it will dissolve baked-in carbon and powder residue easily, and allow you to clean your weapon nicely. It is super strong, so it will take just a few minutes for it to instantly strip out the heaviest copper fouling.

Bear in mind that because it’s so aggressive, this cleanser may be harmful to synthetic, painted, plastic or varnished stock finishes. It comes from China, and it is very popular among professional shooters.

It will not damage steel gun construction, but it is recommended to apply good gun oil on the gun bore after cleaning it with this cleanser. It will penetrate deep, it’s easy to use, and it can be used for any type of gun. But remember that it should not be blended with other similar chemicals.

3. Bore Tech Eliminator

Specification

  • Safe to use
  • Biodegradable
  • Cannot damage steel
  • Made in the USA
  • Provides with rust prevention

If you are looking for the best gun cleaner, here is a product that may meet all your expectations. Bore Tech Eliminator is based on a revolutionary formula that will keep your barrel safe and super clean.

It is biodegradable, and it has the ability to remove copper and carbon fouling really quickly, while there won’t be any unpleasant smell or harmful toxicity present.

This non-ammonia product will very quickly act and decompose unwanted particles from your gun parts, and it is the number one choice of many worldwide professional shooters. It has a formula that will cut through thick layers of carbon and copper fouling that naturally accumulate during gun usage.

It will not damage in any way barrel steel, so you can feel free to soak the bore into this substance and leave it like that for an infinite time. The product is made in the USA, and it will provide you with rust prevention as well.

It is recommended to use this cleanser every two weeks, at least, so you can be sure your weapon will work perfectly. It’s quite affordable, and it comes in a package that will allow you to easily apply it where you should.

4. Thompson Center 31007143

Specification

  • Very practical
  • Reliable
  • Affordable
  • Made of cotton
  • Non-toxic bore cleaning

Among best gun cleaning products are also these Thompson Center patches. If you are willing to try them on, you won’t regret it. Besides, patches are super practical and affordable, they will do the job of cleaning your pistol parts quite well.

They are made of gentle cotton, and each patch is soaked with a strong firearm solvent that has excellent cleaning power. These cleaning tools come in a package of 100 pieces, and they are covered with Thompson Center No. 13 bore cleaner that’s completely natural.

With these patches, you will be in a position to use a toxic-free cleaner that will keep your firearm and its finish completely safe. They may not seem very reliable, but they truly are, especially because they are highly effective when it comes to cleaning build-up dirt.

They are safe, gentle, 100 percent made of cotton, and they are perfect for .58 and .45 caliber weapons. Each patch is 2.5 inches in diameter, but you can clean larger or smaller weapons with them, too, by simply bending them or using a double patch.

5. Nu Calgon 4774-0 Coil Gun Sprayer

Specification

  • Practical
  • Comes with a hose-end sprayer
  • Different patterns
  • Five mix ratio settings
  • Easy to use

One of the best gun cleaner sprays is most certainly Nu Calgon’s one that can be used for coil cleaning. It comes with a hose-end sprayer for more practical and easy usage, and it is a bit pricey, but its quality justifies it.

Mixing chemicals takes a lot of time, and you really need to be super careful not to make any mistakes. In order to avoid that stressful process, you can simply use this product for cleaning coils. It allows you to set the desired mix ratio setting in five different ways, and to apply it effortlessly.

The water will dilute with the chemicals automatically as you use the spray. Even though it is created for coils maintenance, this spray can be used in other situations where water-diluted chemicals are necessary.

The recommended water pressure is 40-60 psi, but you can also use it up to 90 psi. You can use this spray in three different patterns – if you need solid steam, don’t place a nozzle, if you need to cover large areas use a deflector tip, and if the extra foam is needed, set up a foaming wand.

6. Gloryfire Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

Specification

  • Parts made from solid brass
  • Kit case included
  • Size label
  • Portable and practical
  • Easy to use

This is definitely the best pistol cleaning kit or at least one of the best. Everything you will need in order to make your weapon super clean comes in this sturdy and durable but lightweight green case. The content of this kit will allow you to clean all sorts of guns, from pistols to shotguns.

There’s a place for every item, so you can always keep everything in order after you finish with the cleaning process. Every piece is made from CNC machined slotted solid brass, not from cheap plastic that can be easily broken. Even the thin rods are strengthened and can withstand great pressure.

The manufacturer claims that this set is perfect for both beginners and professional shooters. It’s affordable, and you will be able to use it for a really long time. The kit includes six rods for rifles, and a few more for shotguns and pistols, nine mops, 14 brushes, patch loops, 13 spear-pointed jags, muzzle guards, cotton swabs, etc.

Bear in mind that some of these items are consumable, so you will have to purchase others to replace them when the time comes. The great thing is that both products and their space in the case are marked with the same number, so it won’t take too much time to find the right piece you need.

7. Hoppe’s Gun Medic Bio-based Cleaner & Lube

Specification

  • Cleaning and protection
  • Easy to use
  • Evaporates after 60 seconds
  • Suitable for different temperatures
  • High-quality made

The HOPPE’S brand created another gun cleaner that can make quite a difference with your firearm. It is created with an intention to help you to resuscitate the dirty firearms. Their unique formula will clean up the action parts of your guns and protect them against corrosion with a thin layer of lubrication.

The weapon can experience the malfunction because the traces of dirt and gunpowder are left behind after continuous usage. That’s why it’s extremely important to maintain it the right way, and cleaning is the first step.

This product is ideal in those situations where you don’t have much time for deep cleaning. By using it, you will get two things at once – you will make sure your firearm is clean and lubricated. This cleanser will evaporate after only 60 seconds, and it’s very easy to use.

It is designed with a bio-based formula that leaves an extremely thin layer of protection. The cleaner is resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures – from -65 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. We are talking about a product that’s made with the same technology that’s used for jet propulsion engines.

8. Ballistol Multi-purpose Lubricant Cleaner

Specification

  • Multi-purpose cleaner
  • Lubrication included
  • Easy to use
  • Penetrates deep
  • Alkaline nature

This is a multi-purpose cleaner, as the title of the product says, so besides for gun maintenance, it can be used for many different purposes. With this product, you can clean your gun, but also wood and leather items, tools, knives, locks, metal, and rubber.

If you apply it to your gun, it will clean it first, but also it will protect it from any further damage and preserve it. The product is biodegradable, and it won’t harm the environment, which is another great thing. It will neutralize the effect that skin oils and sweat left on your firearm.

The protection of your guns will be guaranteed thanks to the lubrication this product will provide. It’s very easy to use and won’t take you pretty much any time since all you have to do is to spray the product in the right place.

It has alkaline nature, so it will surely remove all corrosion and black powder. The cleanser will minimize the necessity for scraping and brushing barrels, and given that it can penetrate deep into the finest cracks, it will protect your firearm without any doubt.

9. Great Stuff Pro Dispensing Gun Cleaner

Specification

  • Made in the USA
  • Spray adapter included
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable
  • Two ways usage

Among the best gun cleaners is definitely this one. It is a professional cleaning product that is designed in the form of a spray. It has a capacity to first dissolve and then to clean uncured polyurethane foam from guns, applicator tools, and other surfaces.

In order to be extremely precise while using it, you should attach it to the applicator gun to clean an inside of weapons or to the spray nozzle so you can clean the outside of the firearm. It’s not an expensive solution, and it will give you everything you wished for regarding this matter.

You can use this product with any of the brands dispensing guns, but it is sold separately. It can create moisture and airtight seal between a dispensing gun and can. It is reliable, very easy to use, and it will last for a long time.

This can is designed for pretty much all-foam applicator guns, and the spray adapter for easy application is included. It’s produced in the USA, and it can penetrate deep in all the cracks in order to make sure every part of your gun works in the best possible way.

10. Hoppe’s Hso Boresnake Clp All-in-one Oil

Specification

  • Easy to use
  • Includes rust protection
  • High-quality made
  • Pinpoint applicator
  • Unique CLP formula

This is a three-in-one product that cleans, lubricates, and protects your weapon. Its CLP formula will provide you with everything you need regarding the maintenance of your gun is only one step. It is the brand’s first-ever product of this kind, and it is rated as quite good and reliable.

It is intended for all sorts of pistols, rifles, and shotguns, and designed in a way that will allow you to resolve powder fouling, carbon, and lead from the gun parts, and to prevent the presence of corrosion. The rust preventive that’s provided from a thin layer of lubrication is something to look forward to.

If you combine this CLP product with Hoppe’s BoreSnake, you will make sure you create total protection of your weapon. It’s very easy to use, it includes rust protection, and it comes with a pinpoint applicator. It comes in the form of oil, in a 2 oz squeeze bottle.

This brand has a long history, given that 1903 the founder of this brand created one of the most effective gun cleaners by combining nine different chemicals. Many soldiers, hunters, and shooters claim their cleaners are truly the best on the market.

11. Pro-shot Products 100% Cotton Flannel Patches

Specification

  • Soft cotton
  • Flannel finish on both side
  • Made in the USA
  • Easy to use
  • Reliable

Here is another set of gun cleaning patches that are, according to the gun cleaner reviews, really effective. The package includes 100 pieces made of soft cotton, while each one of the patches has a flannel finish on both sides.

They have great cleaning power, they are very thorough and efficient, and people all around the world became very fond of them. They are soaked with a chemical that will clean and protect your weapon for some time.

These patches will push the fouling through the bore and make sure the barrel has the smallest possible abrasive contact. They can absorb and remove all sorts of dirt that are left behind after gun usage. This product is made in the USA.

Pro-Shot patches are very lightweight and suitable for traveling purposes, and they became super popular thanks to their cleaning ability. The tightly woven material, as well as high thread count, made them reliable and very efficient.

Their price varies from four to some less than 30 dollars, depending on the size of the package and the number of patches included.

12. Pro Shot 1 Step Solvent

Specification

  • Environmentally friendly ingredients
  • Easy to use
  • Protects from corrosion
  • Great quality
  • Contains rust inhibitors

The classical gun cleaner will thoroughly remove all the dirt and gunpowder from your weapon, but the modern-day one that besides cleaning solvent includes protective lubrications is simply something you cannot ignore.

This product is one of those since it can remove copper fouling, powder, lead, and plastic from your firearm and make it work perfectly, but also it will apply a layer of lubricant that will keep your guns safe and secure from the impact of dirt and corrosion.

The manufacturer recommends using this cleanser repeatedly so you can protect your gun’s bore and lower the fouling and residue build-up level. You will instantly see how this oil removes rusted particles and leaves your weapon fully passable.

It has rust inhibitors, and it can penetrate the metal parts very deeply, which will lead to creating a corrosion barrier and complete gun protection. The brand used only non-hazardous and environmentally friendly ingredients.

13. Otis Ip-904-085

Specification

  • CLP formula
  • Easy to apply
  • Efficient
  • Penetrates deep
  • Leaves a protective layer

Here is another product that can deliver three benefits instead of only one, as it’s expected. It is the best gun cleaner that’s based on a CLP formula, which means that by simply applying it to your weapon, you will clean it, lubricate it and preserve it.

It is pretty affordable and packed in a plastic bottle of 4 oz. The manufacturer claims it has the capability to remove powder residue, carbon, and fouling from metal. It is designed with strong chemicals that can penetrate into the gun parts deeply, even in those tight areas.

The idea is to reduce the surface friction and keep your firearm from malfunctioning. After the item has been cleaned and released from all sorts of dirt, the thin film of lubrication will stop the moisture from creating corrosion and rust.

There is no doubt you will be pleased with this product, especially if you don’t have enough time to deal with a deep and thorough cleaning process. The product is made in the USA. This will be a perfect present for every sports shooter or professional hunter.

14. M-pro 7 Copper Cleaner Solvent

Specification

  • Odor-free
  • Easy to apply
  • Ammonia-free
  • Non-toxic
  • Safe for steel

If you are looking for a gun cleaner that’s ammonia and odor-free, here is what we suggest. Not only does this M-Pro 7 Copper cleaner solvent have no smell and is free from ammonia, but it’s four times faster than products based on this component.

It will remove all the dirt and gunpowder from the pistol parts, improve its accuracy, and make sure it doesn’t experience a malfunction. It is very easy to use, effective, and reliable. This cleanser will decompose copper fouling, and it will prevent your weapon from creating additional fouling in the future.

You can apply it on your steel bore since it’s safe, and it won’t damage it at all, but it’s created to be used inside of the bore only. It’s non-toxic, non-hazardous and non-flammable cleaner. The brand created a new formula and used revolutionary technology that allows the substance to penetrate deep into the material.

Thanks to that, it attacks the edges of fouling left in the barrel. It will lift and remove the entire layer of this dirt at once, leaving nothing behind. So if you want to make sure you cleaned your firearm thoroughly, you should definitely try this product immediately.

15. Lucas Oil 10905 Extreme Duty

Specification

  • Unique blend
  • Quickly dries off
  • High-quality made
  • Easy to use
  • Made in the USA

This gun oil is one of the best gun cleaners since it’s praised and recommended by many famous gun manufacturers. It is made of unique cleaning agents and a blend of solvents that will destroy and remove powder residue, oil, dirt, grease, and every other dirt particles that stand in the way of impeccable gun work.

You will see how it’s easy to apply it to the right spots, and it’s safe when in touch with metal finish, so it won’t cause any type of damage on your firearm. It’s designed with a superior formula that cleans and dries very fast.

It’s CFC free, and it doesn’t contain chlorine. In case you find yourself shooting or hunting in the rain outside, you won’t have to worry because this product will displace water and keep your guns fully functional.

Zero residue properties made it perfect for final firearm degreasing, and the perfect last step before bluing. It’s really affordablemade in the USA and it comes in a bottle of 11oz. The manufacturer says it has extremely good contact with weapons and accts really quickly.

Types of Gun Cleaning Solvents

Types of Gun Cleaning Solvents

Gun Cleaning Oils

Gun oils are cleansers that are most commonly used. They need to have an adequate applier in order to provide you with precision and avoid spilling the oil on the entire weapon. But even though they are good cleaners, you cannot expect they will eliminate all debris.

They are the right choice for regular maintenance. And bear in mind that gun oils are designed for specific weather conditions, so pick the one you need, those all-weather oils probably won’t do the work in the best possible way.

Gun Cleaning Sprays

Gun cleaning sprays are a very practical, effective, and great solution when you don’t have enough time to fully commit to the deep weapon cleaning process. Another great thing is that they usually aren’t just cleaners, these products will probably provide you with a certain amount of protection.

That’s thanks to the lubrication they leave behind after spraying the gun parts. Gun sprays will clean your firearm, but also, they will leave a thin layer of lubricant that will keep them safe from collecting a new round of dirt.

Gun Cleaning Patches

Most people will take this gun cleaning solution with reserve because gun cleaning patches do not seem super reliable. But they actually are.

They come in a package of a couple of hundred pieces, where each patch is soaked with an adequate cleaning substance. They are super soft, mostly made of cotton, so they won’t damage your weapon for sure. And they are quite lightweight, which is great for travelling.

How to Choose the Correct Gun Cleaner

Now that you know how important it is to clean your weapon regularly, it is time to decide what product for that purpose you are going to use.

The market is full of gun cleaners, and you should make sure you have the right one for your weaponry. Below is the list of all things you need to consider before picking and purchasing one. But first, let’s take a look at what types of gun cleaner there are.

How to Choose the Correct Gun Cleaner

Price

Like with pretty much everything else, gun cleaners can be pretty cheap, they can be in medium price range or pretty expensive. But the price doesn’t dictate their quality, at least not always. For instance, gun cleaning patches are really affordable, and they will get the job done.

But make sure not to pick your product only on a base of its price because you don’t want to maintain your guns with the low-quality substances – they can do more damages than you suspect.

Accessories

Even though gun cleaners can come with nothing but the cleaning product, some of them include an additional accessory that can help you apply it properly and clean your guns in the right way.

Quite often, you will see there are some brushes, patches, solvent, mops, applicators, etc. These things will allow you to fully commit to your cleaning task, without leaving anything to chances.

Portability

It is important that you can take your gun cleaner with yourself anywhere you go, especially if we are talking about field assignments or long-term shooting competitions. In those circumstances, make sure to pick the smaller bottles of oil and spray or smaller packages of patches.

Also, you can decide to buy a kit that contains all the necessary parts you may need in order to remove any type of dirt particles from your firearm.

Brands

When you start researching this topic, you will notice some brand names are quite often mentioned. Some of them are present in the gun industry for years, and they are proven to be efficient and worth the trust.

If you want to go with a product that’s signed by some of them, choose Hoppe’s, Gunslick, BreakFree, Lucas, M-Pro 7, CLP, Ballistol, or Pro Shoot.

Are Gun Cleaners Toxic

Frequently asked question

Can You Clean a Gun Too Much?

No, in most cases and with most of the gun cleaners, you cannot overdo it. Most manufacturers will tell you to clean your weapon whenever you believe you should and to make sure you do it regularly. It’s just important to do it right and with the right tools.

Are Gun Cleaners Toxic?

Some of the gun cleaning products may contain a certain amount of toxic substances, so it is super important to follow the instructions and use them in the proper way, making sure you are protected. But most of them are not toxic, especially the new age cleansers that are environment friendly, non-hazardous, and odor-free.

Can I Use Rubbing Alcohol to Clean My Gun?

In theory, yes, but it’s not something that’s recommendable. That’s because applying alcohol on your gun may damage its finish. But in other cases, it can be useful since the alcohol can remove skin oils and grease that’s left behind after gun usage. But alcohol will not be able to penetrate deep and remove build-up grime or powder.

Do I Need to Clean My Gun Every Time I Use It?

It is not obligatory, but the experts suggest you do it if you want to make sure your weapon will work perfectly whenever you take it in your hands. The regular gun maintenance will eliminate the possibility of malfunction and gun failure, and that’s something that can save you life.

What Can Happen if I Don’t Clean My Gun Regularly?

Just like we previously mentioned, the absence of regular maintenance can lead to gun malfunction because some gun parts can get a bit rusty. That’s something that can be quite dangerous in a field, and it can lead to you having to buy a new weapon.

Do You Have to Clean a Gun if You Don’t Shoot It?

Even though you are not using your gun regularly and it simply lies somewhere in your house, you should make sure to clean it once in a while.

It would be good to apply a gun cleanser on it every six months, just to make sure it will remain fully functional in case you need it. Use that opportunity to inspect all parts thoroughly.

Conclusion

Every responsible gun owner will keep their weaponry safe and protected, and that includes taking care of their maintenance. The malfunctioning guns can be quite dangerous, and you don’t want to allow something like that happens because you didn’t clean and protect them as you should.

Picking the right gun cleaner can be pretty challenging, but it is a must, and you need to make sure to apply the right product to every piece of your gun equipment. We hope we managed to help you understand the importance of this subject and to provide you with some useful advice you can adopt.

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