Our Top Picks for the Best Gun Cleaners
Best Overall Gun Cleaner
Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaning Solvent
Trusted worldwide, even by professional shooters.
- Value: 9/10
- Performance: 9.5/10
- Cost: 9.5/10
Best Gun Cleaning Oil
CLP by Sage & Braker
All-in-one cleaner that’s worth every penny!
- Value: 9/10
- Performance: 9/10
- Cost: 7/10
Best Gun Cleaning Spray
Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray
A short, catchy description
- Value: 8.5/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Cost: 9/10
The best gun cleaner not only removes carbon, copper, and lead residues but also lubricates your firearm properly so it’s protected from corrosion and rust. Our picks below are all those and more so this will be a worthy read!
Quick Comparison of the Best Gun Cleaners
Features to Consider
Gun cleaner is the primary player among all your gun cleaning supplies, so take the time to consider what you’re going to use to protect your investments!
Cleaner Application
There are four types of gun cleaners that you can choose from.
Liquid
The great thing about liquid cleaners is that they can easily wipe off carbon, lead, and copper residues. But take note that they’re also messy to use and are prone to spillage.
Foaming
If you want to remove built-up residues from your gun, we suggest that you use a foaming cleaner. They’re very easy to use as they can be effortlessly applied to specific areas.
Aerosol
Aerosols are also convenient to use because they can be easily sprayed on certain gun parts, even the tiniest holes and crevices. They can also be used to remove built-up carbon, copper, and lead residues.
Cleaner Type
CLP cleaners
As the name implies, CLP’s are made to Clean, Lubricate, and Protect your weapon. CLP’s are the most multi-purpose among all the types. Some brands can even be used to clean other stuff aside from guns.
Solvents
Gun solvents are important to properly remove dirt or dust from your firearm. They also protect your gun from contaminants that may cause corrosion and rust.
Reliability
If you’re not yet familiar with the reliable manufacturers in this field, we’ve got you! All of our picks below are from trusted manufacturers. You can also ask someone more experienced for their recommended brands. The bottom line is, you want your cleaner to leave your guns ready to go into storage and protect them like new until you pull them back out again.
Good cleaners even lubricate and make your gun more reliable.
Cost
Another factor that would hugely affect your decision is the cost. Consider the brand that not only fits your budget but also fulfills your needs.
Size
A gun cleaner’s size becomes an issue if you need to bring it to the range or if you need to store it. You don’t want your cleaner to take up too much space to leave room for other cleaning accessories.
Accessories
Some gun cleaners come with a brush or a cleaning rod for additional convenience. But that also means they cost a bit more.
5 Best Gun Cleaners
Best Overall Gun Cleaner: Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaning Solvent
The ultra-effective bore cleaner Hoppes No.9 smells good and comes with a child-proof cap, so it’s super safe and easy to use. It’s also compatible with all kinds of firearms.
Hoppes’ extra-potent formula helps in preventing copper, lead, and carbon build-up in barrels. So your gun remains in top shape.
Pros
- Deep cleaning
- Very affordable (MSRP 32 oz bottle: $19.79)
- Universal to all platforms
- No harsh smell
Cons
- Not suitable for firearms with high round counts
- Not bio-based
What Customers Say
Same great formula, same great scent. I was running out so I decided to buy in bulk this time.
Rob Evans
The scent is fine like vanilla, product works well keep the Guns. clean, and will produce a shine.
Tony
Best Gun Cleaning Oil: CLP by Sage & Braker
Sage & Braker swears by its CLP’s non-hazardous and aggressive cleaning. It deeply penetrates your gun’s crevices, eliminating the slightest amount of copper, carbon, and lead.
Aside from rust and corrosion protection, Sage & Braker also protects every moving part of your gun. Its special coating provides enhanced heat dissipation, improving your gun’s accuracy.
This CLP also creates a cleaner burn when firing, so fewer carbon contaminants are generated. Talk about being environmentally friendly! What’s great about the CLP by Sage & Braker is that it doesn’t leave any oily coating, unlike other CLPs.
Pros
- No oily after-cleaning residues
- Bio-based formula
- Multi-purpose
- Universal to all firearms
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Expensive (MSRP 4oz bottle: $33)
What Customers Say
The smell is like pinesol/pledge. overall though, amazingly breaks down old deposits. keeps my glock 21 smelling and running perfect! you only need a spray at most a time. any more is too much. this stuff will get it done.
Daniel
I have used the Sage & Braker CLP multiple times before writing this review and all I can say is wow, I’m highly impressed.
Amazon Customer
Best Gun Cleaning Spray: Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray
The Ballistol Multi-purpose cleaner stands up to its name, as it can be used in cleaning other stuff aside from guns. It can be used to clean knives, belts, wheels, and anything else you can think of.
Ballistol’s formula helps preserve metal, leather, plastic, and wood. It is also non-toxic so it’s extremely safe to use.
If you prefer environment-friendly products, we suggest that you get this biodegradable multi-purpose cleaner.
Pros
- Affordable (MSRP 6oz bottle: $13.99)
- High viscosity
- Great for cleaning other stuff aside from firearms
- No-mess application
Cons
- Has a strong smell
What Customers Say
This stuff has been around for years and still the best stuff to clean, lube, and protect an ar15. It’s an all in one nothing else needed and works great well worth the money and it’s inexpensive can’t go wrong.
Georgie Peorgie
Smell is not harsh like some cleaners and works well.
Viking
Best Budget Gun Cleaner: BreakFree CLP-4 Cleaner
The Break-Free CLP cleaner is good at reaching your gun’s tiniest pits and curves. It also provides long-lasting lubrication so your firearm is protected from sand and grit.
Its boundary film also prevents moisture and other contaminants from reaching your gun’s surfaces. This specially formulated oil also contains corrosion inhibitors that prevent rust formation.
Another great feat of the Break Free CLP cleaner is that it’s made to perform in the most extreme temperatures. So you can be sure that it won’t dry out or lose viscosity.
Pros
- Affordable (MSRP 4 oz bottle: $14.59)
- No sticky residue
- Prevents rust formation
Cons
- Better as a cleaner than a lubricant
- Bottle leaks easily
What Customers Say
This is one of the best all around products you can use. Having used it for more than 7 years on everything I own, I can recommend this product without a doubt. Just wish I could find it locally easier.
Ian
Great product for cleaning and maintenance when needed.
Joshua Macias
Best Gun Cleaning Kit: Hoppe’s No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit
The Hoppe’s No. 9 deluxe gun cleaning kit features the Hoppe’s Bore Cleaner we reviewed above. Hoppe’s made sure not to compromise quality while providing a budget-friendly option for us gun enthusiasts.
Aside from the deep-penetrating bore cleaner, this kit comes with a lubricant that doesn’t gum, a three-piece brass rod with a swivel handle, and phosphor bronze brushes that are equipped with stout bristles for effective cleaning.
Pros
- Affordable (MSRP: $38)
- Complete Kit
- High-quality lubricant and solvent
Cons
- The aluminum rod is not that sturdy
- The case is made of thin plastic
What Customers Say
Bought as a gift and it was very well appreciated! I’ve been a user of their products for a long time and they never fail to deliver. This kit is very complete for entry level and very customizable for broader use.
Michael S.
Keep your guns clean and rust free.
Maurice R. Franks
Conclusion
When cleaning your firearm, always observe safety precautions such as chamber checks. Also, take care of your body and crib; wear gloves to protect your hands, and use a gun cleaning mat for easier clean up after polishing your gun. We also suggest doing gun maintenance in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling too much of the gun cleaner.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Images from Amazon Product API
