Brake Cleaner

What Is Brake Cleaner and Why Does It Matter?

Brake cleaner is a mostly colorless cleaning agent designed for removing brake dust from brake discs and other components of motor vehicles. It may be one of the most underappreciated products in any shop or garage — but it plays a critical role in safe, effective brake service. Grease, brake dust, fluid, and oils accumulate over time and can cause premature wear and lower brake performance. A thorough cleaning before and after any brake job helps ensure components seat properly and perform as intended.

How Brake Cleaner Works

An important feature of brake cleaner is that it leaves no residue after the solvents evaporate. This makes it ideal for brake system components, where even trace amounts of oil or grease can compromise friction and stopping power. Chlorinated brake cleaners, often sold as non-flammable, use organochlorides like tetrachloroethylene and dichloromethane. Non-chlorinated formulas are increasingly popular as they comply with stricter VOC (volatile organic compound) regulations in many states while still delivering strong cleaning performance.

Brake cleaners quickly remove brake fluid, grease, oil, and other contaminants from brake linings and pads, then clean and dry without leaving residue, providing effective degreasing. Most formulas are delivered via aerosol can, making them easy to apply precisely to calipers, rotors, drums, brake shoes, and other components.

Chlorinated vs. Non-Chlorinated: What to Choose?

The two main types of brake cleaner each have their place. Chlorinated formulas are typically non-flammable and extremely fast-acting, making them a go-to in professional shop environments. Non-chlorinated formulas are flammable but meet broader environmental regulations, including those in California and other low-VOC states. Some manufacturers offer multiple unique non-chlorinated formulas to provide the strongest products across the country while complying with each state's VOC regulations. Always check local regulations and product labels to ensure the formula you choose is compliant in your area.

Top Brake Cleaner Brands

CRC Industries is the definitive name in brake cleaner. CRC Brakleen®, the original aerosol brake parts cleaner, was developed in 1971 and was the very first brake cleaner product of its kind — and is still the industry leader today. CRC is the #1 brand in brake cleaner worldwide, with years of experience providing safe, reliable products. Their lineup spans chlorinated, non-chlorinated, and even foaming water-based formulas to cover every shop need and regulatory environment.

CAM2 brings professional-grade cleaning power in a value-focused package. CAM2's non-flammable brake cleaner is a premium aerosol that quickly cleans and degreases brake components, with a quick-drying formula that leaves no residue and helps eliminate brake squeal and chatter caused by dirty components. CAM2 offers both chlorinated and non-chlorinated options, making it a versatile choice for a range of applications.

Tips for Using Brake Cleaner Safely

• Always use brake cleaner in a well-ventilated area — outdoors or with proper shop ventilation.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection.
• Non-flammable formulas are safe to use on all components of your brake system, but avoid applying to plastic or rubber parts.
• Check that the formula you select complies with VOC regulations in your state before purchasing.
• Allow components to dry completely before reassembly to ensure no solvent residue remains on friction surfaces.