Best Gun Cleaning Solvents

Looking for the best gun cleaning solvent that cuts carbon build-up, tackles copper/lead fouling, won’t wreck gun parts or finishes, and ideally smells less harsh. You also want to know when to use a dedicated bore cleaner vs an all-in-one CLP (cleans, lubricates, protects), and which options are safe to use indoors or around polymers. In short: performance, safety, compatibility, and value.

Top Contenders

• Hoppe’s No. 9 Bore Solvent | Time-tested carbon & lead fouling remover; classic choice for deep, accurate cleans.
• Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber 2-in-1 (Aerosol) | Fast, convenient “all fouling” spray for range-day tear-downs.

Stanley Dispensing Gun Cleaning Solvent

Key Specs

• Format: Concentrate
• Type: Degreaser
• Use: Parts cleaning
• Surfaces: Hard, washable
• Not firearm-specific

Pros

• Heavy grease cut
• Big-bottle value
• Mix/dilute flexible

Cons

• Not a bore solvent
• Polymer caution
• Odor/ventilation

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This is a general-purpose degreaser, not a purpose-built gun solvent. Shooters sometimes use concentrates like Stanley Original Degreaser to de-gunk slides, bolt carriers, or metal parts in a gun cleaning tray, rather than to clean a bore or sensitive internal components. If you want “shop sink” power for filthy metal bits, it’s a workable alternative to avoid plastics/rubbers unless verified, rinse thoroughly, dry, and follow with gun oil. For regular firearm maintenance, a proper bore solvent or CLP is the safer default.

Birchwood Casey Gun Solvent

Key Specs

• Format: Aerosol
• Type: 2-in-1 cleaner
• Targets: Carbon/copper/lead
• Speed: Fast spray-off
• Finish: Safe as directed

Pros

• Broad fouling removal
• Super quick use
• Great for shotguns
• Good for range kits

Cons

• Aerosol overspray
• Ventilation needed

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Bore Scrubber 2-in-1 “attacks, dissolves, and removes” lead, copper, plastic wad residue, carbon, and powder. In practice, it’s a time-saver: flood the bore/chamber, dwell a minute, pass a brush/patch, done. It’s our go-to when we need convenience without juggling multiple bottles. Keep it in a range bag; use outdoors/ventilated spaces.

Hoppe’s 9 Gun Cleaner Solvent

Key Specs

• Format: Liquid
• Type: Bore solvent
• Targets: Powder/lead/rust
• Legacy: Century-proven
• Scent: Classic, strong

Pros

• Deep bore clean
• Accuracy upkeep
• Corrosion inhibitor
• Works across calibers

Cons

• Strong smell
• Not copper-specific

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Hoppe’s No. 9 is still the benchmark for routine bore cleaning. It removes powder, lead, metal fouling, and rust, helps free firing pins/strikers, and protects against corrosion, which is why so many hunters and marksmen keep a bottle on the bench. If you’re chasing serious copper fouling, pair it with a copper remover; otherwise, this covers 90% of routine cleaning.

Brownells Gun Solvent

Key Specs

• Format: Paste/compound
• Type: Bore cleaner
• Use: Stubborn fouling
• Action: Mild abrasive
• Depth: Deep-clean

Pros

• Stuck fouling killer
• Accuracy recovery
• Small-use economy

Cons

• Not a liquid solvent
• Requires technique

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Under the Brownells house brand, J-B Non-Embedding Bore Cleaning Compound is a mild abrasive paste, not a chemical solvent—yet it’s legendary for lifting stubborn carbon/copper when liquids plateau. Use it sparingly on a tight patch, short strokes from chamber to crown, then flush with solvent and lubricate & protect. It’s a gunsmith’s trick to bring a tired bore back.

Frog Lube Gun Cleaning Solvent Spray

Key Specs

• Format: Spray (8–32 oz)
• Type: Bio-based cleaner
• Odor: Low
• Use: Carbon removal
• Disposal: Non-hazmat*

Pros

• Non-toxic feel
• Low odor shop
• Polymer friendly
• Eco positioning

Cons

• Slower dwell on heavy fouling
• Best with FrogLube system

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FrogLube Solvent Spray is the non-toxic, bio-oriented option many indoor or family-garage cleaners prefer. It’s designed to strip petroleum residue and let carbon “fall out” ahead of FrogLube’s paste/oil. If you want lower odor and easier cleanup without HAZMAT baggage, this is your cleaner lubricant system’s first step. Expect to let it dwell a bit longer on gnarly fouling.

Want to read more about sprays to choose the perfect one. So, see our expert reviews on the best gun cleaning sprays.

Final Words

If you clean once after the range and want fast & simple, Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber 2-in-1 wins on speed. If you’re after precision-grade bore hygiene, Hoppe’s No. 9 remains the bore solvent to beat. For “this thing is glued on” fouling, Brownells J-B compound is your deep-clean play. If you want fewer harsh chemicals in your shop, FrogLube is the alternative with a friendlier indoor profile.

CLP vs. Dedicated Solvent | Where it fits

A CLP (e.g., Break Free CLP) is built to clean, lubricate, and protect in one bottle and is tested against MIL-PRF-63460 for military grade performance. CLP is perfect for routine cleaning gun actions and for field kits. But for copper-heavy barrels, a dedicated bore solvent (or copper remover) still outperforms a one-step. That’s why many of us keep both on hand: CLP gun cleaner for regular cycles; bore solvent when accuracy matters and fouling is stubborn.