Best Gun Cleaning Patches – 2022 Buyer’s Guide

An essential part of maintaining your gun’s accuracy is keeping it clean. Over time, a gun can build up dust and copper fouling along with oils and dampness.

A good gun cleaning patch is a must-have, but choosing one is a challenge. If you choose the wrong one, you’ll end up with hundreds extra!

To make things easier for you, we’ve made a list of the five best gun cleaning patches. Keep reading to see our top picks. 

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall
  • Suitable for all calibers
  • Knit cotton
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  • Can be reused up to 6 times
  • 100% cotton
  • Circular shape for 360-degree cleaning
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  • Best value for the money
  • Excellent for hunting guns
  • Includes 500 patches
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  • Made in the USA
  • 450 per package
  • 100% cotton flannel
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  • Enhanced double-cross stitching
  • Lint-free
  • Extremely absorbent
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When Would I Use Gun Cleaning Patches?

Gun cleaning patches are necessary any time you need to clean your gun, which is frequently. Basically, the goal is to thoroughly clean your firearm with a patch every time you shoot it. 

A flame gets ignited whenever you fire a gun, which leaves behind ash, residue from gases, and fouling from copper or lead bullets. But there are other times when cleaning is essential too.

You should always clean brand new guns since they always come with grease and solvent on them. This is to prevent rust from forming while they sit on the shelf. You may need to clean it multiple times to remove all of it, but failing to do can cause it to malfunction when you shoot it.

Cleaning a new gun is just as important as taking it apart to understand how it works. Both go hand in hand to make sure there are no broken pieces or debris inside. 

Are Gun Cleaning Patches Universal?

It’s easy to think that a simple patch will work on any gun, but that’s not always the case. Some patches work better on smaller to medium caliber guns but may not be suitable for something larger like a shotgun. A gun cleaning patch meant for a 12 gauge or 50bmg barrel might not make it through a .223 or .17 barrel no matter the cleaning rod you use. (If you find yourself with this issue, cut your patches down to size).

If you own a variety of calibers, be sure to look out for products that are one size fits all.

Other than that, firearm patches function the same. They are meant to apply cleaning solvent and wipe down the outside of the gun and the hinge. They’re also for cleaning the inside of the bore with a cleaning rod and bore snake. 

What Should I Look For When Buying Gun Cleaning Patches?

Buying cleaning patches might seem straightforward, but too many gun owners end up with shoddy products that don’t get the job done. People experience some common problems: patches leaving behind lint, not being absorbent enough, or fraying at the edges. 

Although it’s not necessary, it’s also good to find durable patches that you can use multiple times. Going through too many can end up costing you a lot, depending on how often you go shooting. 

Problems like these can leave your gun dirtier than before and make cleaning it more time-consuming. Here are some key things to look for in your gun cleaning patches:

  • Lint-free for a truly clean gun
  • Cotton for better absorption 
  • Evenly cut to avoid fraying
  • Reusable and strong
  • Suitable for a wide range of calibers

5 Best Gun Cleaning Patches

There are a few qualities to look for when shopping for a good gun cleaning patch. Finding an option that doesn’t leave lint but is also absorbent is critical. These five patches hit many of the marks gun owners look for in a cleaning patch. 

Top Pick

Southern Bloomer Cotton Cleaning Patches

 

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

One of the reasons we love these Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches so much is because of all the positive feedback buyers have given. We went through many verified customer reviews, and the majority said that these are the only cleaning patches they’ll use. 

It’s not surprising that most buyers love that each bulk bag comes with 1,000 patches, but what they love the most is the versatility. These will work on any caliber gun, and you can cut them into smaller sections without tons of fraying.  

Why It Stands Out to Us

Southern Bloomer has a long history of producing high-quality cleaning patches, which you can see in the fabric quality. These tightly woven 100 percent cotton squares will work on nearly any caliber gun. Each square is 2.5 x 2.5 inches, so it can easily fit into a range of boreholes.

One simple thing we love about Southern Bloomer’s cleaning patches is the quantity. For an affordable price, you’ll get a bag of 1,000 patches, which will keep you set up for a long time. Considering the quality, price, and flexibility, we decided to make these our top choice. 

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for basic, reliable cleaning patches, then you can’t go wrong with Southern Bloomer’s Cotton Cleaning Patches. Not only do you get 1,000 patches at an affordable price, but they’re also suitable for all calibers, so you won’t have to get multiple patches. 

Runner Up

Otis Technologies All-Cal Cleaning Patches

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Otis Technologies’ All-Cal Cleaning Patches have built up a loyal following, and the recent buyer reviews reflect that. 

One of the primary cons for these cleaning patches was the cost. Each pack comes with 100, but they cost as much as more massive bulks. However, the fact that these are reusable makes up for that. You can use these up to six times before moving on to the next patch. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

We love Otis’ All-Cal Cleaning Patches because they quickly remove the crud without leaving lint. There are many products out there that require you to use multiple patches, but not these. They are incredibly absorbent, and you can use them several times. 

Another thing we love is the design. These are circular cleaning patches that allow you to give your gun a 360 degree clean inside and out. Best of all, they have three slots in the center, making it easy to use with a slotted tool. 

Bottom Line

Otis Technologies gun cleaning patches will give you a lot of bang for your buck. They’re strong, reusable, and you can use them on almost all caliber guns. 

Best Budget Option

Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Cleaning Patch

Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Cleaning Patch, .38-.45 Caliber/.410-20-Guage (500 Pack)

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report 

For the most part, recent buyers were happy with Hoppes’ No. 9 Gun Cleaning Patches. They are an excellent choice for guns with a small bore hole between .22 and .270. These patches are also made of cotton, which is perfect for absorbing leftover dust and residue. 

There were a couple of cons that some buyers did point out. A couple of buyers said that these cleaning patches frayed too quickly, which was a problem they ran into consistently. Others were disappointed that they couldn’t work on larger bore holes. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

Hoppe has been a trusted manufacturer of gun cleaning patches for over 100 years, which gives them quality you can trust. They’re made of 100 percent cotton and come in multiple sizes depending on the caliber of your gun. 

These patches are also incredibly affordable. For less than $5, you can get a 500-pack, making it the most economical option on our list. Considering these things, we love this option because amateurs and pros alike can thoroughly clean their guns. 

Bottom Line

Hoppe’s is one of the most trusted brands of patches around, but that’s not the only reason why you should consider them. They’re made of high-quality cotton, and they’re suitable for smaller guns between .22 and .270 caliber

However, if you only own larger caliber guns or have a versatile collection, these may not be the best option for you. 

Pro Shot Gun Care Flannel Cleaning Patches

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Customers were impressed with the level of absorption of Pro Shot’s Flannel Cleaning Patches. In particular, one review noted how well it holds oil and solvent, ensuring your gun will be left sparkling clean. Buyers also appreciate that these are manufactured in the USA. 

But there were a couple of complaints, like how easily they fray at the edges. Unfortunately, this can make the cleaning process take longer and require more patches. Another con that a few buyers mentioned is the loose-knit of the fabric.

Why It Stands Out to Us

We like these firearm cleaning patches because they are versatile enough to clean a wide range of calibers. If you own a pistol, rifle, and shotgun, expect to clean all of them without leaving lint behind quickly. 

We also agree with what many reviewers said about its high-level of absorbency. These patches picked up fouling, dust, and crud effortlessly with leaving little to no lint behind. They’re a great consistent option for a gun owner with a vast collection who shoots regularly.

Bottom Line

Pro Shot’s cleaning patches can work wonders on your guns and make them look squeaky clean. They are a little pricier, but for how well they soak up crud, they’re worth it. 

Birchwood Casey Gun Cleaning Patches

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers loved the quality of Birchwood Casey’s Gun Cleaning Patches. Many said that they’re thicker and sturdier than most patches on the market today. On top of that, these have a coarse side for collecting debris and an absorbent side for oil. 

The primary complaint that buyers had was that these aren’t 100 percent lint-free. This, of course, adds another step to ensuring your gun is free of debris. Other than that, though, most recent customers felt that Birchwood Casey’s patches exceeded their expectations. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

These cleaning patches are great for serious shooters who need something durable to hold up with their frequent shooting. Their unique double cross-stitching weave is loose enough to grab all the crud but tight enough to hold oil and debris. 

Even though there were some complaints about lint, this doesn’t seem to be an issue. Most customers didn’t notice anything left behind. This is great because finding a quality cotton patch that doesn’t go any lint is hard to find.

Bottom Line

Birchwood Casey’s Gun Cleaning Patches are incredibly durable, making it a no-brainer option for people with guns between .38 and .45 mm caliber. These patches do a great job of picking up leftover fouling and residue, and the thick fabric is the best for frequent shooters.

For less than $10, you’ll get 500 resilient patches that will last you a lot longer than twice as many low-quality ones. 

Benefits of Investing in Gun Cleaning Patches

You don’t want to use just any patch to clean your gun. Investing in quality patches has many benefits. Here are some of the top ones. 

  • Prevent firing mishaps.
  • Stop ammunition residue from building up.
  • Maintain shooting accuracy. 

Conclusion

Keeping your gun properly cleaned will ensure you always maintain excellent accuracy. Owning good gun cleaning patches is an essential part of keeping up with cleaning. Within these five options, you’re guaranteed to find something that’s affordable and works for your guns.

People Also Ask

Owning quality patches is only part of keeping your gun clean. Here are some common questions people have about cleaning guns. 

Should I Clean My Gun Every Time I Shoot it? 

Ideally, you should at least give your gun a quick, thorough cleaning every time you’ve shot it. Doing so will prevent the buildup of dust and grime.

What Are Gun Cleaning Patches Made of?

Gun cleaning patches are generally made of cotton because they are absorbent, but synthetic options are out there. 

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.