Best Gun Cleaning Solvent and Oils – 2022 Buyer’s Guide

 Best gun cleaning solvent and oils

The key to keeping your guns in working order is regularly cleaning them.

Your gun collects a lot of filth over time, which impedes its performance. You would have a hard time shooting your targets with a firearm that is full of muck!

Properly cleaning and maintaining a gun requires high-quality gun cleaning solvents and oils.

Without the right one, you risk ruining your gun instead of protecting it.

You might find it extremely difficult to choose the best gun cleaning solvent & oils given that the market offers different types of these products.

Read the in-depth guide that we’ve designed to assist you in making the decision process a whole lot easier!

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall
  • Comes in a small 5 oz. bottle
  • Highly-effective classic formula
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  • Offers deep cleaning
  • Spray-on foam offers more convenience
  • Made with non-flammable and non-toxic ingredients
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  • Best value for the money
  • Specially designed to protect idling firearms
  • Comes in a light 1.75 oz metal tube
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  • Best leakproof
  • Comes in an aerosol can, so no chance of leaking
  • Penetrates well into the narrowest spaces
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  • Best multi purpose
  • Designed to be multipurpose for added convenience
  • Biodegradable and non-toxic, so it’s safe to use
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  • Excellent cleaner, lubricant, and preservative
  • Specially formulated synthetic oils for extreme weather tolerance
  • The long-lasting lubricating film offers amazing lubrication
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  • Capable of going deep into the components for better cleaning
  • Lubricates to prevent rusts and corrosion
  • The synthetic oil is specially formulated for tolerating extremity
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  • Comes in a 4 oz. spray pump bottle
  • Wide range of application
  • Multipurpose product
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  • Applicable on most of the firearms
  • Prevents rust buildups and corrosion
  • Designed to be used in all seasons
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  • Specially engineered to provide military-grade performance
  • Offers superior lubrication and protection to heavy-duty weaponry
  • Performance doesn’t decrease in harsh conditions
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Top 10 Gun Cleaning Solvent & Oils

Top Pick

Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner

HOPPE'S No. 9 Gun Cleaning Patch.38-.45 Caliber/.410-20-Guage (500 Pack) No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner, 16 oz. Bottle

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features

  • Comes in a small 5 oz. bottle
  • Highly-effective classic formula
  • Very potent and safe to use
  • Child-proof cap reduces leakage


Hoppe’s NO. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner is a widely popular gun cleaning solvent. This is a brand that you can put your faith in.

It’s been around for a long time, providing amazing cleaning facilities to generations after generations!

It’s cheap, ultra-effective, and super easy to use, so it’d almost instantly become your favorite gun cleaner.

You can’t really go wrong with this one. It is coming in a small and lightweight 5 oz. Bottle with a childproof cap, it’s highly convenient as well.

The classic formula of this solvent is known to be significantly potent and safe to use at the same time. It isn’t as smelly or hazardous as others.

It can penetrate deep into the filth of your guns and quickly remove all the unwanted materials like lead, power, rust, metal fouling, etc. with incredible efficiency. As a result, your firearms would always remain in mint condition and offer peak performance!

This universal bore cleaner can handle a wide range of firearms so you can rely on it to clean almost any type of gun. Whether it is a deer rifle, an AK47, or even a revolver, it will clean it nice and easy.

Besides being awesome at cleaning, it doubles as a high-quality gun lubricant. It not only cleans your equipment but also makes sure it is well-protected from future damages.

If you want to give your firearm the best treatment, you should get this one. It works just as it should without any issues.

Runner Up

Hoppe’s Elite Foaming Gun Cleaner

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Offers deep cleaning
  • Spray-on foam offers more convenience
  • Made with non-flammable and non-toxic ingredients
  • Almost odorless for comfortable use
  • Ideal for black powder shoots

 

We’ve got another impressive gun cleaner coming from the renowned and trusted brand, HOPPE’s. With its incredible cleaning and lubrication technology, it has earned the favors of professional shooters, law enforcement, and even the military!

This spray-on foam feature eliminates the chance of leakage. It is almost odorless, so if you aren’t a fan of strong smells, you can go for it.

Besides, it is made with non-flammable and non-toxic materials, so you’re offered safety in use. You’d find it quite easy to use as well as all you have to do is press the sprayer to start cleaning!

This one is capable of penetrating deep into the bore so you can rely on it to get into all those nooks and crannies with ease.

It will make sure no area of the firearm is left untouched and uncleaned! You’ll appreciate how it cuts through the caked grimes and grits with buttery smoothness!

Most of the solvents fail to dissolve carbon fouling but not this one. It will ensure all the residues are completely removed so that you’re left with a firearm that looks and works almost as good as new!

Besides cleaning, it will lubricate your guns to enhance their performance and keep them protected. So, this is quite a versatile product. Additionally, it can be used on almost any kind of weapon. This one comes at a pretty cheap price too, so you’d get top-notch quality without hurting your wallet.

Best Budget Option

Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Grease

Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Grease, 1-3/4 oz. Tube

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Specially designed to protect idling firearms
  • Comes in a light 1.75 oz metal tube
  • Offers real grease that spreads easily

 

This is the perfect product for keeping your firearms in working condition when you won’t be using them for a considerable time.

When storing guns for a long period, they tend to get a stiffy as they lose the grease and become vulnerable to rusts and corrosion.

With Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Grease, your guns will remain incredibly smooth even when it is left unused for a while!

Just rub a small amount of this grease into the metal parts of your firearm, and it will never get rusted. It lubricates the moving parts so your firearms won’t stiffen up.

You can also utilize this thing to thoroughly clean your guns after every shooting session. If you find your equipment to be jamming too much or can’t get enough smooth action, you can rub a drop or two of this grease to alleviate these unwanted issues.

The cleaner also makes sure that the collection of powder, debris, dirt, etc. is prevented. As a result, your firearms will always provide peak performance! You’d find it to be pretty easy to apply as it is free of any complexity.

A little dab will be more than enough to cover a lot of areas.  As a result, one tube will last you a while. It won’t leave any stains and cleans up easily as well!

The best thing about this one is that it’s highly affordable. Coming from a renowned brand like HOPPE’S, you can rest easy knowing that it’s a high-quality solution!

Best Leakproof

BreakFree CLP

BreakFree CLP Gun Cleans Lubricates Prevent Aerosol Can, 12-Ounce/340gm, BF-CLP12, Clear (BF1009218)(2pack)

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Comes in an aerosol can, so no chance of leaking
  • Penetrates well into the narrowest spaces
  • Boasts corrosion inhibitors and boundary films
  • Specially designed to sustain under extreme conditions

 

BreakFree CLP is another fantastic product that offers amazing gun cleaning performance.

It’s a very popular choice, even favored by the US Army! Being a high-quality solvent, you can expect it to clean your firearms with unmatched efficiency.

It was designed to tolerate hazardous conditions. As a result, the specially formulated synthetic oil would retain its viscosity and won’t dry out or stiffen up no matter how extreme the environment is.

It will perform outstandingly even when the temperature’s freezing cold or scorching hot!

This chemical can be safely used on all gunmetal finishes starting from steel to titanium. You can even apply it to polymer composite firearms. This one comes in an aerosol can with which you can target individual spots.

As the cleaner penetrates deep into the firearms, it will get into every pit and crevice with ease. So, if you’re struggling to clean those hard to reach spaces of your firearm, allow it to do the job for you!

Within a very short time, all the contaminants and mucks will be completely removed. As a result, you’d end up with a firearm that is much cleaner and performs a whole lot better!

This item also works as a lubricant and preservative. So, besides simply cleaning your firearms, this one will also prevent corrosion and rust. With its unique boundary film, the cleaner will ensure protection from moisture as well. So, you’d get a lot of functions out of one unit.

Best Multi Purpose

Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil

Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil, Aerosol spray, 6 oz

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Designed to be multipurpose for added convenience
  • Biodegradable and non-toxic, so it’s safe to use
  • Protects wood, plastic, and leather other than metal

 

It is a fantastic product, designed for those who are looking for a decent gun cleaning solvent for an affordable price.

This biodegradable unit is perfect for cleaning your firearms while keeping the environment safer.

The best thing about this one is it’s multi-purpose. So, aside from being a great cleaner, it can be used to lubricate and protect your guns.

This is great for those who prefer the convenience of using one product to take care of everything. Additionally, you can feel free to clean knives, marine parts, and other tools with it.

This cleaner is powerful, but it won’t damage metal surfaces. Besides metals, you can even use this to protect wood, plastic, and leathers. It’s remarkably safe to use as well thanks to its non-toxic nature, so it won’t harm you or your family!

With its aerosol spray, the solvent will creep into the finest cracks and fissures. So, no matter how deep the filth have managed to get into, they will all be completely eliminated.

After cleaning with Ballistol, your firearms will look as if you’ve just bought it! You’ll notice a significant improvement in performance as well.

An amazing feature that is worth mentioning is its formula, which is made to be slightly alkaline. As a result, once lubricated, the effect of your skin oil and sweat on your gun will be neutralized. So, your firearms will enjoy extra protection!

Break-Free CLP-2 Aerosol

Break Free CLP Cleaner Lubricant and Preservative Aerosol Gun Cleaner, Spray, Synthetic Oil, 4 oz

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Excellent cleaner, lubricant, and preservative
  • Specially formulated synthetic oils for extreme weather tolerance
  • The long-lasting lubricating film offers amazing lubrication
  • Performs well in temperatures ranging from -65F to +475F

If you’re looking for a cleaner that has a high tolerance of extreme environments, then look no further!

This uniquely designed unit provides superior performance in any weather at any time.

With its special formulation of synthetic oils and top-grade ingredients, you’ll be able to clean, lubricate and give protection to the metals at the same time. Thanks to the aerosol spray system, you will enjoy an easy application.

It is astoundingly effective in getting into the tightest spaces, allowing you to remove pretty much any grime that is reducing your firearm’s performance.

Feel free to apply it on your shotguns, AR’s, AK’s, revolvers, etc. as it is designed to handle a wide array of guns.

You will find this cleaner to be especially competent in removing corrosion with its advanced corrosion inhibitors. Additionally, the unique boundary firm will keep the metal surfaces protected from moisture and other pollutants.

The oils offer incredible viscosity that remains unaffected by the extremity of the environment. It won’t dry out or even stiffen up so you can feel free to use it under any condition. Moreover, it is tested to perform rather well in both cold and hot temperatures.

This unit is also far less aromatic than others, so it won’t spread the bad stench that you might find in most of the cleaners. All in all, this is an excellent CLP that costs so little to buy. If you decide to go for it, you’re likely to have your expectations exceeded!

Break-Free CLP 5 Trigger Spray

Break Free CLP Cleaner Lubricant and Preservative Gun Cleaner, Spray Bottle, Synthetic Handgun Lube, 1 Pint

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Capable of going deep into the components for better cleaning
  • Lubricates to prevent rusts and corrosion
  • The synthetic oil is specially formulated for tolerating extremity
  • Safe to be applied on any gunmetal finish

 

The Break-Free CLP 5 was originally created for the automatic cannons operated by the US Army. So, you’d be right to expect outstanding performance from this CLP cleaner.

This liquid offers fantastic cleaning as it bores into the farthest part of your firearms and scrubs out even the tiniest bit of the most persistent contamination.

No matter how dirty your gun is, it will turn it into the cleanest equipment ever! You’d enjoy enhanced performance once it’s completely cleaned.

Additionally, it can be utilized to lubricate your tools. This formula boasts corrosion inhibitors to eliminate any chance of rust buildups.

Thanks to the special boundary film, the metal surfaces of your weapons won’t be contaminated by moisture and other pollutants.

Furthermore, this thing leaves out a lubricating film that lasts for a considerable amount of time. This film decreases adhesion of materials that wears your guns out. It’s impressively safe to use as well, so you can go ahead and use it on any type of gunmetal finishes.

This CLP is known to have great weather tolerance, so its performance won’t be impeded by extremity of weather conditions. Be it a colder or hotter temperature, the viscosity of the oil will remain the same. As a result, you can depend on it anywhere and anytime!

Being a multipurpose product with a very low price tag, it will save you tons of money and time!

Prom Hoppe’s M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Oil

M-Pro 7 Hoppe's LPX Gun Oil, 4 Ounce Bottle

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Comes in a 4 oz. spray pump bottle
  • Wide range of application
  • Multipurpose product
  • Made with non-toxic, non-flammable and biodegradable materials

 

This is, hands down, one of the best gun oils available in the market. Whether you need cleaning, lubrication, or protection for your gun, you can leave it up to this product to do the job with exceptional efficiency.

You’d find unprecedented performance from this top-notch solvent. Where others find it hard to clean out lead, copper, and carbon fouling at the same time, The M-PRO 7 will scrub them all out with no trouble!

With its spray pump bottle, it will easily penetrate deep into the pores of the metals, leaving it super clean. Besides, the cleaner will also reduce friction for smoother operation! As a result, you’d find your firearms to perform way better than before.

Its lubrication feature is equally impressive. While cleaning, it will also lubricate the metal surfaces to make sure the firearm is protected from wear, moisture, and rust. This one leaves out a film that doesn’t evaporate quickly to repel the dirt and dust.  You won’t have to worry about lubricating it for a while after applying only a small amount.

As this cleaner was specially designed for military purposes, it is actually applicable to a wide range of firearms, starting from revolvers to M4 carbines! It is also one of the fastest solvents on the market, so you won’t have to wait around for a long time to complete its job.

An amazing thing about this unit is that it’s non-toxic and non-flammable, so you’re offered safe and harmless use. Besides, it is friendly for the environment as it is quite biodegradable!

Lucas Oil 10006 2 Ounce Gun Oil

Gun Oil Each 2oz each

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Applicable on most of the firearms
  • Prevents rust buildups and corrosion
  • Designed to be used in all seasons
  • Thicker, higher viscosity gun oil

Lucas Oil 10006 is especially popular among those gun enthusiasts who cannot stand the strong smell that comes with most gun oils.

It is odorless, so you won’t have to tolerate any stench. This makes this cleaner the perfect choice for hunters as well.

Applying only a little bit of this product will be more than adequate for any of your firearms. As a result, it will take quite some time before you can finish a whole bottle, making it highly cost-effective.

It is extremely efficient in alleviating jamming and over-heating issues in handguns, machine guns, and rifles.

When applied, your firearms will remain protected from rust buildups and corrosion. So, it increases the durability of your equipment!

You will find your guns to be sliding far smoother than before once you use this oil to lubricate them. Unlike most other oils, it is made to be an all-weather unit, so you can feel free to use it in all seasons! Additionally, it stays longer and doesn’t evaporate, so you won’t have to frequently apply it.

This one’s a completely harmless lubricant as it won’t damage any of the components of your guns. With the product’s ability to reach tighter spaces, you can utilize it to oil tightly fitted guns like the custom house 1911’s.

Although Lucas specializes in making fluids for vehicles, they’ve really outdone themselves by creating this excellent gun oil!

Mil-Comm TW25B Gun Grease Lubricant

MIL-COMM TW25B Gun Grease Lubricant 1.5-Ounce Tube

PROS

CONS

 

Highlighted Features:

  • Specially engineered to provide military-grade performance
  • Offers superior lubrication and protection to heavy-duty weaponry
  • Performance doesn’t decrease in harsh conditions
  • Tested to offer more firing after a single application

The last product that we found fitting to be included in our list is the Mil-Comm TW25B Gun Grease.

Being favored by the US Special Forces and professional shooters, this will offer military-grade performance that is bound to satisfy you.

This one is uniquely engineered to deal with heavy weaponry like shotguns, rifles, AR’s, AK’s, etc. It excels at performing in the harshest conditions so you can rely on it even in the toughest environments.

You only need to rub a small amount of grease to lubricate your firearms. Once applied, it will lower friction and offer protection from rusts, corrosion, and other contaminants.

This thing will also minimize wear caused by moisture and debris. You will enjoy enhanced firing performance even in the most extreme temperatures.

The 1.5-ounce tube contains enough grease to last you a long while. It’s been tested to allow six to ten times more firing than others before you need to lubricate it again.

As a result, you’ll end up saving a lot of money! The grease has just about enough viscosity to stick onto where it is applied instead of being inconveniently runny.

It’s well-equipped to make your weapons smoother so you’d enjoy soothing action. You’d find the recoil to be snappier and more consistent as well!

Besides, you can use it to prevent the jamming up of the moving components of your guns.  It is devoid of any foul odor, so it won’t fill up the room with an unbearable smell.

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Gun Cleaner

Choosing the right solvent is the trickiest part for every beginner. They all look the same, so if you aren’t experienced enough, you would be super confused. However, considering some of the key features will allow you to single out the best one among them!

Performance

You want your gun cleaning solvent to completely remove the dust. So, naturally, you should look for the one that is powerful enough to deal with even the most persistent residues.

Functions

Some solvents are more than just simple cleaning solutions. You can use them to have your firearms lubricated to enhance their performance. This offers the convenience of not having to spend extra money on a different product as you get it all in one.

Safety

Not all of the gun cleaning solvents are completely safe to use. Some of them are made with toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your health, and some are flammable. You should avoid them if you can and go for the non-toxic as well as inflammable ones for safety.

What It Can Be Used On

Each solvent is usually made for handling specific types of materials. If you don’t pick the right cleaning solvent, it can eat away at your gun and damage it.

So, be sure to pick the one that suits the metal that was used to build your firearm. The multipurpose ones are designed to handle an extensive range of materials.

How Fast It Works

You don’t want to wait around for a long time for the dirt and debris to come off. Fortunately, many of the gun cleaning solvents offer quick cleaning these days.

However, some of these extremely fast-acting products are often made with toxic and abrasive substances to speed up the process. They can do more harm than good. So, you should keep an eye out for them and choose only the safer ones, even if it means slower performance!

Cost

Cleaning the gun isn’t and shouldn’t be expensive. The cleaning solvents are usually cheap. However, some of the high-quality multipurpose ones are kind of expensive. If your budget permits it, you should go for them for the best results.

Many of the cheaper ones are pretty amazing too, so don’t worry if you don’t have much to spend!

Things You Should Look For Before Using a Gun Cleaner

Cleaning the gun isn’t really that hard of a job. If you approach it the right way, you can bring your filthy looking gun back to its former pristine condition in almost no time! Here is a couple of things that you should consider before using a gun cleaner that will surely ease up the process.

Secure the Gun

Before cleaning the gun, make sure to secure it firmly onto a decent gun vise. We recommend it mainly because this way, your gun will remain protected from scratches. Also, go ahead and cover up the surface to make sure the leaking CLP cannot touch it to inflict damage.

Prevent Leaking

The CLP can easily leak out, and it’s really hard to wash off. So, you should pay extra attention to prevent leaking.  Always keep the cap tightly shut and do not tip it over. When carrying it in a bag, make sure that it’s not placed upside down.  It’s best to separate the solvents from the other materials.

Consider the Weather Condition

The weather condition will greatly affect the performance of your cleaning solvent. For example, it might freeze up during extremely cold weather. However, if you’ve got an aerosol spray product, you won’t have to worry about it freezing, but it won’t work well under hotter climates.

So, make sure to choose the CLP that is suited for the climate in which you’ll be using it. Fortunately for you, most of the products that we’ve reviewed are well suited for any weather.

Types of Firearms

As the solvents are designed to be used for specific types of firearms, you should make sure to pick the solvent that is suitable for your gun before applying it. This is important because using an unsuitable one can bring harm to your weapon. You’d end up destroying it if you’re not careful enough!

The products that we’ve listed can be used on various types of modern and older models of the firearms.

 

Final Verdict

If you want to keep your firearms to perform impressively for years to come, there is no alternative to cleaning and lubricating them every once in a while. It’s best if you can make a habit out of it. However, it’s important to choose the best gun cleaning solvent & oils to maintain your weapon’s perfect condition.

We’ve gone to extra lengths to make the decision process easier for you with our reviews and buying guide.

If you’re still confused, we’d suggest Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner as it’s been providing amazing cleaning and lubrication for decades with its classic potent formula. You’d get it for an unbelievably cheap price, so it’s almost unbeatable

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.