Gun experts can tell you that cleaning your gun after every use or after a couple of uses can keep it in good working condition.
Neglecting to clean your gun, whether you use it regularly or not can significantly reduce its performance.
It’s not always you might have the time to give your gun a deep clean. Sometimes all you want is it to give your gun a quick clean particularly when you are at the range or in the field.
To do that you need a cleaner that is super easy to use and can remove dirt and crud quickly and easily even in places that are difficult to reach. And one cleaner that can do that is an aerosol gun cleaner.
The wonderful thing about gun cleaner sprays is that they are easy to use, and they are not messy. And they can help you remove carbon buildup and dirt in areas that are hard to reach.
But how do you do know what aerosol gun cleaner to buy? Knowing what gun cleaner spray to buy can be a challenging task particularly if you are a newbie. And there are many options available.
So when deciding which aerosol cleaner to buy, it comes down to the reputation of the product and what you can afford. So here is our selection of the best gun cleaner sprays you can get.
Top Pick
Hornady 99901
- Unique DynaGlide Plus Formula
- Dual Corrosion Resistant Technology
- Not Messy & Non-Tacky
Gun Cleaner Sprays Comparison Chart
| Photo | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 99901 | Type: Cleaner & Lube Content: 10 fl oz Temperature Range: n/a | Check Price |
| HOPPE'S GM2 Gun Medic | Type: Cleaner & Lube Content: 10 fl oz Temperature Range: -65F to 500F | Check Price |
| Ballistol 120076 Multi-Purpose | Type: CLP Content: 16 fl oz Temperature Range: n/a | Check Price |
| Break-Free 1009227 CLP-2 | Type: CLP Content: 4 fl oz Temperature Range: -65F to 475F | Check Price |
| Remington Accessories 24027 | Type: Cleaner & Lube Content: 10 fl oz Temperature Range: -20F to 165F | Check Price |
5 Best Gun Cleaner Sprays (as of April, 2024):
1. Hornady 99901 Gun Cleaner Spray Review
Hornady 99901 One Shot with DynaGlide Plus is an innovative formula made to help prevent gun malfunctions caused by dirt and fouling.
The formula largely contains an ingredient called hexane, which is used for degreasing and cleaning different items.
It is used as a cleaning agent in the furniture, printing, and textile industries.
The formula contains other powerful ingredients that can quickly and easily remove dirt and grime buildup. It also has a lube in it that leaves a protective film that helps prevent corrosion and rust. You can also use it to lube other tools like knives.
It is important to note that this cleaner is highly inflammable and under no circumstances should you place it near a source of heat.
Exposure to heat or sunlight may cause the can to explode. So make sure to store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
Also, you are advised to wear protective clothing, which is a mask and gloves when using the spray to avoid nose and skin irritation.
This cleaner is designed to remove carbon, copper, lead, brass buildup, so the ingredients are extremely powerful. And you definitely do not want the cleaner touching your skin.
The cleaner comes in 5-ounce and 10-ounce spray bottles. And you can use it to clean and lube almost any type of gun. But don’t use it on plastic, as its going to damage the plastic.
Main Features
- Unique DynaGlide Plus Formula
- Dual Corrosion Resistant Technology
- Cleans & Lubricates
- Micro-Thin Layer of Dry Lubricant
- Not Messy & Non-Tacky after application
- Extremely Easy to Use
- 10 fl oz. Aerosol Spray Can
Pros:
- Ideal for different types of firearms
- Cleans and lubes efficiently
- Breaks down powder and carbon residue quickly
- It’s extremely easy to use
- Ideal for removing crud in hard to reach spaces
- It’s not messy
Cons:
- It is expensive
- The smell is a bit too strong
- It’s highly flammable
2. HOPPE’S GM2 Gun Medic Cleaner Spray Review
Hoppe’s GM2 Gun Medic is both a cleaner and lube made of quality ingredients that are powerful enough to remove dirt and fouling.
It doesn’t matter how dirty your gun is, Gun Medic is designed to remove carbon, copper, lead residues, and dirt quickly and easily.
The formula contains a bio-based lube. This lube is the same one that is used on jet engines.
So there is no way your gun is going to jam when you use this cleaner. And the best part is that the cleanser when applied evaporates in a couple of seconds leaving a thin layer of lubricant. And this lube helps prevent rust and corrosion.
Unlike the Hornaday One Shotgun Cleaner, Gun Medic is not flammable and it does not cause skin irritation.
Gun Medic can withstand temperatures ranging from -65°Farenheit to 500°Farenheit. And it does not cause skin or nose irritation as it is odorless and it does not contain harsh chemicals.
The cleaner comes in a high-pressure spray can. And it comes in two different sizes: 4 ounces and 10 ounces.
As for the price, the 10-ounce bottle is slightly expensive. But then again given that it can clean and lube your gun in just a couple of minutes, without you needing to wear any protective gear, it is well worth it.
Main Features
- Universal To All Firearms
- Quick Fix for Major Malfunctions
- Bio-Based Formula
- Cleans & Lubricates In One Step
- Cleanser Evaporates In 60 Seconds
- Leaves an Extremely Thin Layer Of Lube
- Lubricant Utilizes the Same Technology Used In Jet Propulsion Engines
- Cold/Heat Resistant -65°F to 500°F
- Not Messy & Odorless
- 10 oz Aerosol Can
Pros:
- Penetrates the tightest of areas
- It removes dirt and fouling quickly and easily
- The formula combines a cleanser and lube
- Lube protects against corrosion and rust
- Cleanser evaporates quickly
- Comes in two different sizes
- It is easy to use
- It is not messy
- Ideal for different types of firearms
- It is odorless
Cons:
- Not ideal for a deep clean
3. Ballistol 120076 Multi-Purpose Gun Cleaner Spray Review
When you need to clean an extremely dirty gun, you cannot go wrong with Ballistol 120076 Multipurpose cleaner.
Ballistol is a leader when it comes to producing high-quality gun cleaning products.
And with Ballistol multipurpose cleaner, you don’t need to scrub and brush bores and chambers.
This cleaner is made of bio-based ingredients that are non-toxic but are capable of removing grime and dirt with ease.
There is no Kerosene in its formula. Kerosene contains Benzene and Hexane, two very powerful and inflammable compounds.
Some gun cleaners contain hexane, which is an aggressive cleaner. And while it does remove many types of grease and dirt, it’s also quite harsh. You need to wear protective clothing when handling gun cleaners that contain this compound.
Although you are advised to do the same when using Ballistol multipurpose cleaner, it’s not necessary. The ingredients used to create its formula are safe and biodegradable.
There are literally no known inflammable or toxic ingredients in the formula despite its ability to dissolve lead and copper residues.
Aside from keeping your guns clean, you can use the cleaner to clean silver, bronze, and brass. You can also use it to clean and preserve leather, plastic, and wood items, but not anything made of suede.
You can mix the cleaner with water as well as diesel fuel and gasoline for certain applications.
It’s highly alkaline and neutralizes acidic substances like the ones found in human sweat and battery fluid. Due to its alkalinity, the cleaner can protect your guns from saltwater corrosion, acidic corrosion, and galvanic corrosion.
While it does offer protection against rust and corrosion, you need to use it often as the protective film expires with time. It also is said to be noncarcinogenic, which a huge plus.
Although the cleaner is not flammable, do not store it in areas where temperatures exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Or on hot surfaces. Make sure you store the cleaner in a place that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. And away from children’s reach.
Main Features
- Original Multi-Purpose CLP
- For Metal, Wood, Leather, Rubber & Plastics
- Use To Clean Silver, Brass & Bronze
- Lubricates & Cleans
- Protects Against Rust & Corrosion
- Non-Toxic & Biodegradable
- Non-Carcinogenic
- Skin Safe
- Slightly Alkaline In Nature
- Environmentally Friendly
Pros:
- Made from non-toxic, non-hazardous bio-based materials
- It’s eco-friendly
- Incredibly effective at dissolving copper, carbon, and lead residues
- Removes grime and dirt quickly and easily
- Protects metal surfaces against rust and corrosion
- It’s highly alkaline and neutralizes acidic substances
- You can use it to clean different types of materials including leather and wood
- You can use it to clean silver, brass, and bronze
- It is noncarcinogenic
- Ideal for different types of guns
Cons:
- Some users find the smell strong and pungent
4. Break-Free 1009227 CLP-2 Review
Break-Free 1009227 CLP-2 is advertised as a cleaner, lubricant, and preservative.
It’s a thin oil that can penetrate difficult to reach places to remove dirt and fouling as well as lubricate those tight areas.
Breakfree does not use toxic ingredients to make its gun cleaners, so this cleaner is non-toxic.
There is a warning label on the bottle that advises against ingesting the cleaner. So make sure to store it in a place where kids cannot access it.
The cleaner is made of bio-based ingredients. And these ingredients are not toxic and neither are they flammable. They are also not harmful to your health or the environment.
But bear in mind that these ingredients have been mixed together to produce a formula that is capable of dissolving copper, lead, and carbon residues. And that is one thing that this cleaner does very well.
So always wear protective clothing when using the cleaner. You are advised against storing the cleaner near extreme heat but to store it in a dry and well-ventilated area. Also, do not store it together with foodstuffs, acidic or oxidizing materials.
The Breakfree CLP-2 cleaner also contains a lube. And once the cleanser evaporates, it leaves a thin layer of lube to help protect the metal parts of your firearm from corrosion and rust.
The lube lasts for quite some time. But remember, its not a permanent coating so ensure you use it regularly to keep the action parts of your gun in good working condition.
Some cleaners are not heat-resistant, but that is not the case with this cleaner. It can withstand any weather or temperature conditions. And this is because its made of synthetic oils that don’t dry out, lose viscosity or stiffen up.
Main Features
- Cleans, Lubricates & Protects Metal
- Long-Lasting Lubricating Film
- Specially Formulated Synthetic Oils
- Protects From Rust & Corrosion
- Proven to Perform In Extreme Environments
- Temperatures Ranging From -65F to +475F
- Eco-Friendly & Not Toxic
Pros:
- Highly viscid oil that can clean and lube hard to reach places
- It’s heat-resistant
- Removes dirt and fouling with ease and speed
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Removes rust
- It’s not toxic or hazardous
- It’s eco-friendly
- It’s not flammable
Cons:
- It’s not noncarcinogenic
- Difficult to control the amount of oil dispersed
5. Remington Accessories 24027 Review
Remington Accessories 24027 oil is a cleaner and lube that you can use on any type of firearm to remove dirt and contaminants.
It also displaces moisture that can accelerate rusting and corrosion.
The cleaner comes in a spray can for easy application.
So you can get rid of dirt and lube tight areas that you cannot easily reach with a gun cleaning brush or mop.
The cleaner works quickly and with little effort, you can get your gun to be as clean as a new pin. Since the oil contains both a cleaner and lube, the cleaner evaporates leaving a thin coat of lube to protect your gun from corrosion and rust.
The cleaner evaporates after a minute or so, which is enough time to dissolve copper, carbon, and lead residues. In any case, you can spray the cleaner more than once to ensure that all the dirt and fouling comes off.
Notably, don’t use the cleaner without wearing gloves and a mask as it capable of causing mild skin and eye irritation.
It is also extremely flammable. So don’t place it near a source of heat or on a hot surface. Don’t even smoke a cigarette near the cleaner.
Exposure to sparks, hot surfaces, and open flames may cause it to explode causing serious injury. Caution should be exercised when using this product.
Main Features
- Cleans Dirt & Grime From Exposed Metal Surfaces
- Exclusive Formula Provides a Thin, Long-Lasting Film
- Displaces Non-Visible Moisture From Metal Pores
- Protects From Rust & Corrosion
- Temperatures Ranging From -20F to +165F
- Easy to Use
Pros:
- Removes copper, carbon, and lead residues easily and quickly
- Removes dirt and debris with ease
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Lasts long giving your gun longer protection against corrosion
- It is easy to use
- Displaces moisture preventing rust and corrosion
Cons:
- It’s highly flammable
Buyer’s Guide
A good gun cleaner can help you remove dirt and fouling in a very short span of time. We are talking about just a few minutes. Some guns malfunction after 100 or so rounds, cleaning them can help keep them in excellent working condition.
So when you are at the range and need to give your gun quick clean, you need a quality cleaner that can help you get it done quickly and effectively.
The best type of gun cleaner is one that you can use on different types of metal. Hoppe’s No. 9 is one such cleaner. You can use it on aluminum, nickel, titanium, and steel to remove lead, carbon, and copper resides without a problem.
Some cleaners work well on metals as well as materials like plastic, leather, and wood. But be cautious, some cleaners contain some harsh chemicals, which can cause nose, skin, and eye irritation.
This is why many gun cleaning manufacturers always advise that you wear protective gear when handling gun cleaning solvents, whether they are in spray or other forms.
So when you get down to choosing a gun cleaner spray that can meet your needs. We recommend that if you have small children in your home, make sure to store the cleaner in a place they cannot reach.
Also, never place any type of gun cleaner spray, whether it contains bio-based ingredients or other types of ingredients near a source of heat. Some gun cleaners contain highly inflammable ingredients which when exposed to heat can explode or catch fire.
So always exercise caution when handling a gun cleaner spray. With that in mind, let’s check to see what factors are important when selecting a gun cleaner spray.
Choosing a Gun Cleaner spray
Compatibility
Now, one of the things that you should always check when deciding on a gun cleaner spray is what metals or materials it works on. Some gun cleaners are designed to work on certain metals.
So if you have a gun made of steel or steel parts, you need to get a cleaner that is designed to clean steel surfaces.
Some cleaners claim that they can clean and preserve other materials other than metals like leather, wood, and plastic.
It’s kind of hard to tell if a cleaner can clean wood or leather without damaging it. You cannot believe everything that is advertised about a gun cleaner.
But what you can do is read user reviews to see what cleaners you can use safely on materials like wood, rubber, plastic, and leather.
Ingredients
No one cleaner contains the same types of ingredients in its formula. Some use synthetic oils and others use a mix of chemicals in their formula.
So check the ingredients on the label and any other information on the product about the ingredients and level of safety.
Some cleaners contain benzene or hexane, and although these products are excellent cleaning agents, they are also quite harsh and extremely flammable.
And cleaners that contain any one of these compounds also include a danger warning label stating that the cleaner is highly flammable and should not be placed near heat, sparks, or hot surface.
Also, cleaners that contain harsh chemicals only work on metals and not other types of materials. Some compounds contained in some cleaners may not be suitable for materials like plastic and wood.
Function
Are you looking for a cleaner that only cleans? Or are you looking for a cleaner that lubes and preserves/protects as well? There are different types of gun cleaners. Some clean, lube, and preserve/protect. And these types are referred to as CLP’s.
And there are those designed to remove dirt and fouling, but not lubricate. With these types, you need to buy a lube separately to lubricate your gun.
Some gun owners prefer CLPs because they perform three actions that is to remove dirt and grime, lubricate, and protect.
So the way they work is the cleanser evaporates leaving a thin coat of lubricant which helps protect your gun from rust and corrosion.
Some gun owners don’t like CLPs because they don’t lube very well. But when you need to give your gun a quick coat of oil to protect it from jamming or malfunctioning when you are at the range or in the field, a CLP would be an ideal choice.
It is easier to carry around a small bottle of CLP, than to carry around a bottle of lubricant and cleaning solvent. But note that CLP are designed for quick cleaning and not deep cleaning.
Also, it’s not advisable to use a CLP when you want to store a gun. The lube in CLPs is quite thin and it does not last very long. You need a gun oil that is thick because it will last long and repel dirt and debris.
Effectiveness
The reason why gun owners use gun cleaner sprays is that they are quite effective at cleaning every inch of a gun. And they are work quickly.
When you are at the range, you don’t have time to do a deep clean. This requires time and a whole bunch of tools. You want a cleaner that is easy to use and effectively removes dirt, fouling, and powder residue with ease and speed.
You don’t want a cleaner that takes 20 minutes or more to remove crud from your gun. If you are not intending to use the gun after cleaning it, waiting 20 or 30 minutes should not be a problem.
But if you need to get rid of carbon and dirt to get a better and cleaner shot, you need a cleaner that works fast.
The only problem with cleaners that remove crud and residues in a matter of seconds is that they contain one or two harsh ingredients. And these ingredients may cause skin or eye irritation.
This is why users are advised to wear protective gear when handling gun cleaning agents.
Odor
Let’s be honest, on one likes pungent smells. And when it comes to gun cleaners, no one cleaner smells the same.
Some are odorless, and some have a scent. Those that have a scent have additives that make smell good. But then these additives can also cause damage to your gun with time.
So unless you keep your gun close to your bed, the smell should not be a priority when choosing a gun cleaner spray.
Price
Many gun cleaning solvents are affordable. But you may find that some are more expensive than others.
So when deciding on a gun cleaner spray, get one that meets your needs. And preferably one that has a good reputation. As for the cost, don’t worry too much about that because many of them are affordable.
What you need to do is avoid cleaners that are dirt cheap. There must be a reason they are that cheap. Chances are that they not effective or contain compounds that are highly toxic. So stay from extremely cheap gun cleaners.
Conclusion
Aerosol gun cleaners can make your life easy when you need to clean your gun quickly.
We have covered quite a bit about what you need to look for when deciding on a gun cleaner spray. The most important thing is not to compromise on quality just to save a couple of bucks. It may cost you more.
