If you have recently purchased a gun for the first time or have owned a gun for years, you will need to make sure that you purchase some gun cleaner to make sure that the gun will always perform at its best as well as look brand-new and shiny at all times.
Gun cleaner is different from gun oil as it helps to remove any debris and residue from your firearm, while gun oils lubricate the weapon to provide protection.
In this article, we’ll be taking you through the best gun cleaners on the market, so you can choose the best product for your lifestyle while the FAQ and Buyers Guide will allow you to research the products properly, so you know what to look out for.
Gun Cleaner Review
Here are the best gun cleaners available on the market:
Hoppes 9 Elite Gun Cleaning kit
Our first recommendation is the Hoppes 9 Elite Gun Cleaning kit which is a 2 oz solution that is ultra-effective and a potent solvent that is ideal for removing any lead, powder, primer, and metal fouling which helps to prevent any rust from developing.
While also proving to be super-efficient, easy to use, and safe meaning that it penetrates rapidly and flows freely when being safe.
This cleaner is a high viscosity oil that is refined to perfection for use in firearms and other equipment including precision mechanisms and fishing reels meaning you can get even more use out of it, while the solvent itself does not gum, become rancid, or harden which gives it extra-long service.
The lubricator comes in a 14.9 ml bottle, so you will have plenty to hand, making it suitable for a wide variety of guns.
What makes this our top pick is that the kit comes with 2-inch square 40 count patches that are a high thread count made from a tightly woven material that has been double napped on both sides to create a superior cleaning patch that is guaranteed to smoothly clean your gun with ease.
This kit comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be guaranteed fantastic results and know that you are getting the best on the market, while the customer service team is on hand to provide you with any assistance that you may need.
Pros
- It is a 2 oz solution that is ultra-effective and a potent solvent that is ideal for removing any lead, powder, primer, and metal fouling which helps to prevent any rust from developing while also proving to be super-efficient, easy to use, and safe meaning that it penetrates rapidly and flows freely when being safe
- The cleaner is a high viscosity oil that is refined to perfection for use in firearms and other equipment including precision mechanisms and fishing reels meaning you can get even more use out of it, while the solvent itself does not gum, become rancid, or harden which gives it extra-long service
- Comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be guaranteed fantastic results and know that you are getting the best on the market, while the customer service team is on hand to provide you with any assistance that you may need
Cons
- The bottle of solvent is quite small
Mossy Oak Gun Oil
Our second selection is the Mossy Oak Gun Oil which is a gun cleaning solvent, lubricant, and protectant all in one making it one of the best choices for those who are on a budget and want a product that has many features and properties without compromising on performance.
This solution is great on a variety of materials including wood stocks, plastics, polymers, gold inlays, and camo coatings among much more while also remaining suitable to use in practically any weather without freezing or running as it can be applied in temperatures ranging from -65 °F to 400 °F.
This solution is great as it comes in an 8 oz bottle that makes it one of the best choices for those who want a larger product and can be used as a cleaner, protectant, and lubricator for any kind of gun with ease, so you can have peace of mind and know that you’ll get long-term use from it.
Mossy Oak has been a trusted brand for more than three decades thanks to their impeccable formula and product selection, making this one of the best products on the market thanks to their expertise in the field.
Pros
- It is a gun cleaning solvent, lubricant, and protectant all in one making it one of the best choices for those who are on a budget and want a product that has many features and properties without compromising on performance
- It is great on a variety of materials including wood stocks, plastics, polymers, gold inlays, and camo coatings among much more while also remaining suitable to use in practically any weather without freezing or running as it can be applied in temperatures ranging from -65 °F to 400 °F
- Comes in an 8 oz bottle that makes it one of the best choices for those who want a larger product and can be used as a cleaner, protectant, and lubricator for any kind of gun with ease, so you can have peace of mind and know that you’ll get long-term use from it
Cons
- The spray nozzle can be temperamental
Lucas Extreme Duty Cleaning Kit
Our third choice is the Lucas Extreme Duty Cleaning Kit which is one of the best cleaning kits as it has been recommended and used by a lot of major firearm manufacturers thanks to the high-quality products in the kit.
It comes with a Lucas Extreme Duty Bore Solvent and Ultrasonic Gun Cleaner which boasts a premium blend of corrosion inhibitors and cleaning solvents that help to remove any powder residue and carbon from your firearm as well as lead fouling and carbon from the barrels and cylinders.
The Extreme Duty Gun Oil has been specially formulated for a high volume and high heat to withstand the firearm temperatures whether you have a full-auto firearm or suppressor as well as pistols and shotguns among many more.
This cleaning kit also comes with an Extreme Duty CLP that has been manufactured to lubricate, clean, and protect your firearm in one go thanks to the high-grade additives.
That help to dissolve any powder residue while simultaneously also getting rid of any old lubricant and any other potential contaminants with ease.
The Extreme Duty Gun Grease is one of the best gun greases on the market as it is a premium grease that has been formulated with a unique additive system that provides maximum lubrication even when applied under severe operating conditions.
Pros
- Comes with a Lucas Extreme Duty Bore Solvent and Ultrasonic Gun Cleaner which boasts a premium blend of corrosion inhibitors and cleaning solvents that help to remove any powder residue and carbon from your firearm as well as lead fouling and carbon from the barrels and cylinders
- The Extreme Duty Gun Oil has been specially formulated for a high volume and high heat to withstand the firearm temperatures whether you have a full-auto firearm or suppressor as well as pistols and shotguns among many more
- Comes with an Extreme Duty CLP that has been manufactured to lubricate, clean, and protect your firearm in one go thanks to the high-grade additives that help to dissolve any powder residue while simultaneously also getting rid of any old lubricant and any other potential contaminants with ease
Cons
- High price point
BREAK FREE CLP Gun Cleaner Bore Cleaning Solvent
Our penultimate recommendation is the BREAK FREE CLP Gun Cleaner Bore Cleaning Solvent which is a fantastic choice for those who want a multipurpose solution as it can lubricate clean, and protect your gun in one step.
The solvent’s formula can be applied in freezing and high temperatures as well as in extreme pressure as it has been manufactured from premium synthetic esters and oils as well as anti-wear additives.
And corrosion inhibitors while the special cleaning action helps to break down any corrosion and dirt that can potentially damage your gun.
The ingredients in the formula have been improved to reduce the amount of friction and prevent any foreign matter from building up.
This gun cleaner penetrates and spreads across the surface and can reach the nooks and crannies that are difficult to get through to help undercut any contamination and lift the residue away with ease.
Preventing rust thanks to the unique boundary film protects the surface from other contaminants and moisture. What is great about this solvent is that the oils do not lose their viscosity or stiffen in extreme environments, making it a suitable option wherever you are.
Pros
- Can be applied in freezing and high temperatures as well as under extreme pressure as it has been manufactured from premium synthetic esters and oils as well as anti-wear additives and corrosion inhibitors while the special cleaning action helps to break down any corrosion and dirt that can potentially damage your gun
- Penetrates and spreads across the surface and can reach the nooks and crannies that are difficult to get through to help undercut any contamination and lift the residue away with ease, preventing rust thanks to the unique boundary film protects the surface from other contaminants and moisture
- The oils do not lose their viscosity or stiffen in extreme environments, making it a suitable option wherever you are
Cons
- The lube is quite thick
Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber
Our final selection is the Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber which makes cleaning your firearm a lot faster and easier thanks to the fast evaporating and pressurized formula that cleans any residue or powder from your firearm effectively
It is also suitable for cleaning the internal metal firearm parts with ease, making it a good choice for those who are looking for a gun cleaner that can get into the nooks and crannies that are initially difficult to get to.
This synthetic firearm cleaner is a great choice for those who are looking for a cheaper product that provides the best performance as it can clean any material with ease.
It comes in a two-pack of 10 fl. oz aerosol cans which makes application easy and quick, so you don’t have to worry about using a lot of solvent every time.
Pros
- Makes cleaning your firearm a lot faster and easier thanks to the fast evaporating and pressurized formula that cleans any residue or powder from your firearm effectively
- Suitable for cleaning the internal metal firearm parts with ease, making it a good choice for those who are looking for a gun cleaner that can get into the nooks and crannies that are initially difficult to get to
- Comes in a two-pack of 10 fl. oz aerosol cans which makes application easy and quick, so you don’t have to worry about using a lot of solvent every time
Cons
- A lot of solution has to be used when cleaning
Buyer’s Guide
Knowing what to look out for when researching gun cleaners will ensure that you are choosing a product that is right for you and your lifestyle. This is because there are certain factors that should always be taken into account when deciding what gun cleaner to purchase.
Always consider what you receive with the purchase, what kind of gun you have, any warranty period or returns policy, and your budget.
This allows you to make a fully informed choice that is going to be hugely beneficial to you and avoid any disappointment.
What You Receive
The first thing you need to think about is what you will receive with your purchase.
As you can see from the options in this list, there are cleaners that come as an individual product, but there are also full cleaning kits that come with multiple products that are designed to work together to properly clean your gun.
Think about what kind of cleaner you want to get as this will mean that it is suitable for your lifestyle. Some gun cleaners come in a small, compact size that makes it easier to carry around which is convenient for those who travel a lot.
Your Gun
Another important factor that you need to consider is what type of gun you have. This is because certain cleaners are best for certain guns so making sure that you look into the suitability of the cleaner for your gun is going to ensure that it will clean your gun properly and efficiently.
Smaller guns can be trickier to clean as it can be difficult to get into the tight spots, however, those with larger guns may need a larger container to ensure that they have enough cleaner to work the entire gun.
Warranty
Looking into whether the gun cleaner comes with a warranty is a great way to give you peace of mind when making your purchase.
Because gun cleaner is a smaller product and is a substance that is reduced over time, it isn’t common to see warranty policies alongside them, but as you can see from the options in this list, there are some that come with a warranty.
This is a good choice for those who want to ensure that they are choosing a quality product that is going to provide the best results.
Budget
When it comes to deciding on a gun cleaner, it’s important that you make sure you are purchasing a product that is within your financial means.
There are gun cleaners available at all price points meaning that whether you are looking for a cheaper option or have the money to spend, you’ll be able to find a choice that is financially suitable for you.
The most expensive options tend to come as full cleaning kits meaning that you will get more products for your money, however, there are plenty of brilliant cleaners that are available at lower price points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Thing To Clean A Gun With?
When it comes to the best solution to clean a gun with, the most popular homemade solution is actually hydrogen peroxide.
This is because the solution will eliminate any metal deposits in your gun and help clean any burned particles of gunpowder or metal that have stained your gun meaning that your gun will look brand-new and shiny when you have used it.
What Gun Cleaner Does The Military Use?
The military uses a gun clean called CLP. CLP stands for Cleaner, Lubricant, and Preservative which is constantly reapplied to ensure that the guns look and function as new. This solution is a conventional wet lubricant that does a brilliant job of cleaning military-grade guns.
Can You Over Clean A Gun?
It may seem surprising to some, but it is actually possible to over-clean a gun.
This is because it can result in contaminant accumulation which can eventually result in reliability issues over a long period of time.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you are cleaning your gun properly to prevent any injury.