best solvent to clean suppressor: 10 Best Choices

After countless range trips and meticulous cleaning sessions, I’ve come to understand that finding the best solvent to clean suppressor isn’t just about grabbing any gun cleaner; it’s about preserving your investment and ensuring peak performance. Suppressors collect a nasty buildup of carbon and lead, and a good solvent makes all the difference. In this guide, I’ll share my insights into ten top-tier products, from dedicated suppressor cleaners to versatile kits, helping you choose the right solution for your cleaning routine.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Breakthrough Clean Suppressor Cleaner – Heavy Carbon and…	View on Amazon
	Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Cleaning Kit,…	View on Amazon
	Breakthrough Clean Technologies® Suppressor Cleaning Tubes,…	View on Amazon
	Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Gun Spray…	View on Amazon
	Flitz Gun Bore Cleaner – 7.6oz Bottle of USA-Made Gun…	View on Amazon
	Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Solvent,…	View on Amazon
	GRITR Suppressor Cleaning Kit – for Suppressors up to 12”…	View on Amazon
	CAJUN PATRIOTS ECO Suppressor and Gun Solvent	View on Amazon
	Pro-Shot Products Suppressor Cleaning Brush (Cleans…	View on Amazon
	Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Solvent,…	View on Amazon

Breakthrough Clean Suppressor Cleaner – Heavy Carbon and…

This water-based cleaner is a dedicated powerhouse for tackling the toughest carbon and lead deposits that accumulate inside your suppressor. I appreciate that it not only dissolves grime but also neutralizes corrosive residues and offers temporary rust protection, all while being American-made and free from petroleum and ammonia. Its proprietary blend ensures a thorough clean without harming aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium surfaces.

Key features that stand out:
– Water-based formula: Dissolves heavy carbon and lead deposits.
– Corrosion Neutralizer: Neutralizes corrosive residues and temporarily protects against rust.
– Safe for various materials: Works with aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
– Petroleum and Ammonia-Free: Gentle yet effective.

Pros:
– Highly effective at removing stubborn carbon and lead.
– Provides anti-corrosion protection.
– Safe for a wide range of suppressor materials.
– Odorless and non-toxic formula.

Cons:
– May require soaking for very heavy buildup.

Best for: Dedicated suppressor owners looking for a powerful, specialized carbon and lead remover.

Expert Opinion: This cleaner is a solid choice for maintaining suppressor longevity, especially due to its material compatibility and corrosive residue neutralization.

Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Cleaning Kit,…

If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to suppressor maintenance, this all-in-one kit has you covered. It includes a robust 16oz bottle of their high-performance suppressor cleaner, a soaking tube, specialized brushes, and a retrieval tool, all organized in a handy tray. This kit simplifies the entire cleaning process, ensuring every component of your suppressor gets the attention it needs for optimal function.

Key features that stand out:
– All-in-one kit: Contains cleaner, soaking tube, brushes, retrieval tool, and tray.
– High-performance cleaner: 16 oz bottle of Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Cleaner.
– Compatible with various sizes: Fits suppressors up to 2.375” in diameter and 8.5” in length.
– Specialized tools: Includes baffle brushes and a retrieval tool for thorough cleaning.

Pros:
– Provides everything needed for a complete suppressor cleaning.
– Soaking tube allows for deep, hands-free cleaning.
– Brushes and retrieval tool aid in removing stubborn deposits.
– Organized tray keeps all components tidy.

Cons:
– The included soaking tube might not fit exceptionally long or wide suppressors.

Best for: Shooters who want a complete, ready-to-use solution for regular suppressor maintenance.

Expert Opinion: A fantastic starter kit for anyone serious about suppressor care, offering convenience and effective tools in one package.

Breakthrough Clean Technologies® Suppressor Cleaning Tubes,…

While not a solvent itself, these cleaning tubes are an essential accessory for anyone using liquid solvents to clean multiple suppressors. They allow you to soak several suppressors at once, which is a huge time-saver. The leak-proof design is a big plus, preventing messes, and their generous dimensions accommodate a variety of suppressor sizes. Getting a value pack of three means you’re set for a while.

Key features that stand out:
– Multiple soaking capability: Allows cleaning several suppressors simultaneously.
– Leak-proof design: Ensures a mess-free cleaning process.
– Ideal dimensions: 2.875 inches in diameter and 9.5 inches in height, fitting most suppressors.
– Value pack: Includes three tubes for convenience.

Pros:
– Great for batch cleaning, saving time and effort.
– Prevents spills and keeps your workspace clean.
– Durable construction for repeated use.
– Accommodates various suppressor sizes.

Cons:
– They are an additional purchase to an actual cleaning solvent.

Best for: Enthusiasts with multiple suppressors who want an efficient and clean soaking solution.

Expert Opinion: These tubes are a game-changer for batch processing your suppressor cleaning, making the soaking step much more manageable and less messy.

Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Gun Spray…

This Military-Grade solvent spray is a versatile cleaner and degreaser that works wonders on more than just suppressors. It effectively removes oil, grease, and carbon buildup from your entire firearm, including components that might be inside your suppressor. What I really appreciate is its low odor and safety for various finishes like wood, plastic, polymer, and Cerakote, leaving no residue behind.

Key features that stand out:
– Military-Grade solvent: Multipurpose cleaner and degreaser.
– No unpleasant fumes: A more comfortable cleaning experience.
– Safe on various materials: Will not stain wood, plastic, polymer, Cerakote, or hydro-printing.
– Leaves no residue: Ensures a clean surface ready for lubrication.

Pros:
– Excellent for general firearm and suppressor cleaning.
– Quick and easy spray application.
– Safe for almost all firearm finishes and components.
– Low vapor pressure and won’t freeze.

Cons:
– Might not be as concentrated for heavy suppressor carbon as dedicated soakers.

Best for: General firearm cleaning, including quick suppressor wipe-downs, where safety on various materials is a priority.

Expert Opinion: An incredibly versatile solvent for the entire firearm, making it a valuable addition to any gun cleaning kit, especially for light to moderate suppressor fouling.

Flitz Gun Bore Cleaner – 7.6oz Bottle of USA-Made Gun…

While primarily marketed as a bore cleaner, Flitz’s formula is also an excellent option for suppressor parts, especially when dealing with lead and copper fouling. Made in the USA with German ingredients, this non-abrasive, non-flammable, and ammonia-free cleaner deep cleans without leaving residue. It’s safe for various finishes, including bluing, stainless steel, and nickel, making it a gentle yet effective choice.

Key features that stand out:
– USA-Made, cutting-edge formula: High-quality ingredients for effective cleaning.
– Deep clean for gun bores: Expertly removes copper, lead, and powder residue.
– Non-abrasive, non-flammable, ammonia-free: Safe for gun and suppressor materials.
– Prevents corrosion and damage: Protects firearm finishes.

Pros:
– Exceptionally good at removing lead and copper.
– Safe on a wide array of firearm finishes and materials.
– Leaves no residue, ensuring a clean surface.
– Non-flammable and low odor.

Cons:
– Requires manual application and scrubbing; not a dedicated soak.

Best for: Precision shooters needing to remove stubborn lead and copper fouling from suppressor baffles and internal components.

Expert Opinion: Don’t let the “bore cleaner” label fool you; this is a powerful, safe option for specific types of suppressor fouling, particularly metallic residues.

Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Solvent,…

This is the larger, refill version of the Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Solvent, offering 32 ounces of cleaning power. It’s the same Professional-Grade, multipurpose cleaner and degreaser, fantastic for removing oil, grease, and carbon buildup. The larger size makes it economical for frequent users or for refilling smaller spray bottles. Like its smaller counterpart, it’s safe on wood, plastics, polymers, and won’t stain or leave residue.

Key features that stand out:
– Professional-Grade solvent: Multipurpose cleaner and degreaser in a large volume.
– Economical refill: 32 ounces for extended use and refilling spray bottles.
– Safe on various materials: Protects wood, plastic, polymer, Cerakote, and hydro-printing.
– Low vapor pressure: Won’t freeze and is safe to store.

Pros:
– Excellent value for bulk cleaning needs.
– Versatile for all firearm components, including suppressors.
– Odorless and non-staining.
– Leaves no residue behind.

Cons:
– As a bulk refill, it requires an additional spray bottle for application.

Best for: High-volume shooters or those who clean multiple firearms and suppressors regularly, seeking an economical and versatile solvent.

Expert Opinion: A smart purchase for dedicated gun owners, providing a high-quality, safe solvent in a cost-effective bulk size for all your cleaning needs.

GRITR Suppressor Cleaning Kit – for Suppressors up to 12”…

The GRITR Suppressor Cleaning Kit stands out with its comprehensive set of tools and a highly effective concentrate. This kit provides a 16oz concentrate that yields 32oz of solution, a deep soaking container, multiple specialized brushes (nylon, bronze, stainless steel), a microfiber cloth, and gloves. It’s designed to tackle heavy carbon without harming internal surfaces, making it a robust choice for suppressors up to 12 inches long.

Key features that stand out:
– Complete Suppressor Cleaning Kit: All essential supplies, including concentrate, container, and brushes.
– Suppressor-safe cleaner concentrate: Breaks down carbon without damaging internal surfaces.
– Effective multiple brushes: Nylon, bronze, and stainless steel for various cleaning tasks.
– 2-Step Cleaning with Soak & Detailing Tools: Deep immersion and targeted scrubbing.

Pros:
– Concentrate provides a large volume of cleaning solution.
– Includes all necessary tools for thorough suppressor cleaning.
– Safe for various suppressor materials and finishes.
– Lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.

Cons:
– The concentrate requires mixing before use.

Best for: Suppressor owners needing a heavy-duty cleaning solution and all the specialized tools to get the job done right, with peace of mind from a lifetime warranty.

Expert Opinion: This kit is an impressive offering for serious suppressor users, especially with its potent cleaner concentrate and comprehensive toolset for deep cleaning.

CAJUN PATRIOTS ECO Suppressor and Gun Solvent

The CAJUN PATRIOTS ECO Solvent is an environmentally conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on performance. This non-flammable, non-hazardous, non-petroleum, and odorless solvent effectively removes all dirt, oil, and grease, leaving your suppressor ready for lubrication. Its ability to fully evaporate without residue is a huge benefit, and the locking trigger sprayer makes application a breeze. Proudly made in the USA.

Key features that stand out:
– Eco-friendly formula: Non-flammable, non-hazardous, non-petroleum, and odorless.
– Removes all dirt, oil, & grease: Highly effective at cleaning.
– Fully Evaporates: Leaves absolutely no residue behind.
– Locking Trigger Sprayer: Convenient and controlled application.

Pros:
– Excellent cleaning power for carbon and general fouling.
– Safe for the environment and user (odorless, non-toxic).
– Leaves no residue, ensuring a pristine surface.
– Easy to use with the included spray nozzle.

Cons:
– May require agitation for extremely heavy, caked-on carbon.

Best for: Eco-conscious shooters looking for an effective, safe, and residue-free solvent for their suppressors and firearms.

Expert Opinion: A standout product for its environmental profile and residue-free evaporation, making it a top contender for those prioritizing safety and cleanliness.

Pro-Shot Products Suppressor Cleaning Brush (Cleans…

While not a solvent, the Pro-Shot Suppressor Cleaning Brush is an indispensable tool when cleaning your suppressor, especially for specific models. This specialized brush is designed to help dislodge stubborn carbon and lead deposits that solvents alone might struggle with. It’s particularly useful for SureFire SOCOM SERIES and other suppressors less than six inches, ensuring thorough mechanical cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.

Key features that stand out:
– Specialized Suppressor Brush: Designed for efficient mechanical cleaning.
– Compatible with specific models: For SureFire SOCOM SERIES, SOCOM SERIES 2, LEGACY, WARDEN, & other suppressors under six inches.
– Maintains performance: Helps keep suppressors operating at peak.
– Made in USA: Quality manufacturing.

Pros:
– Essential for mechanical removal of stubborn buildup.
– Specifically designed for suppressor internals.
– Durable and effective.
– Improves the overall effectiveness of solvent cleaning.

Cons:
– It is a tool, not a cleaning agent, so a solvent is still required.

Best for: Owners of SureFire SOCOM series and similar compact suppressors who need a dedicated tool for mechanical scrubbing to supplement their solvent.

Expert Opinion: A specialized brush like this significantly enhances your suppressor cleaning regimen, allowing you to manually remove what solvents might loosen but not entirely eliminate.

Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Solvent,…

This offering from Breakthrough Clean Technologies is another iteration of their popular Military-Grade Solvent, available in various sized spray bottles for convenience. It’s a robust multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser that excels at removing oil, grease, and carbon buildup from all your firearm components, including suppressors. Its low vapor pressure and safety on wood, plastics, polymers, and Cerakote make it a go-to choice for many.

Key features that stand out:
– Military-Grade solvent: Multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser.
– Various sized spray bottles: Convenience for different users and applications.
– Safe on multiple materials: Won’t stain wood, plastics, polymers, Cerakote, or hydro-printing.
– No residue left behind: Ensures a clean surface for lubrication.

Pros:
– Highly effective for general carbon and fouling removal.
– Convenient spray application in preferred sizes.
– Safe for virtually all firearm finishes.
– Odorless and non-freezing.

Cons:
– Smaller bottles may not be cost-effective for very frequent use.

Best for: Shooters who need a reliable, safe, and versatile solvent for everyday firearm and suppressor cleaning, appreciating the convenience of a ready-to-use spray bottle.

Expert Opinion: This is a versatile and reliable general-purpose solvent that effectively cleans suppressors and other firearm components without causing damage or leaving residue.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When choosing the best solvent to clean suppressor, it really comes down to your cleaning style and the level of fouling. For heavy carbon and lead buildup, dedicated soakers like the Breakthrough Clean Suppressor Cleaner or the GRITR Suppressor Cleaning Kit (with its concentrate) are your best bet. They allow for deep chemical action. If you’re looking for a complete solution with tools, both Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Cleaning Kit and GRITR Suppressor Cleaning Kit offer excellent value. The Breakthrough Clean Suppressor Cleaning Tubes are a fantastic accessory if you already have a solvent but need an efficient way to soak multiple cans. For general firearm and lighter suppressor cleaning, the Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Solvents (in spray or bulk) are highly versatile and safe on many materials. The Flitz Gun Bore Cleaner is specialized for copper and lead, making it great for specific fouling issues. Lastly, the CAJUN PATRIOTS ECO Solvent is a top pick for those prioritizing an eco-friendly and residue-free clean. Don’t forget, a specialized brush like the Pro-Shot Suppressor Cleaning Brush can significantly enhance any solvent’s performance, especially for stubborn internal deposits.

Final Verdict: My Top Recommendations for the Best Solvent to Clean Suppressor

If I had to pick just a couple of favorites for the best solvent to clean suppressor, here’s what I’d suggest based on different needs:

For the dedicated suppressor owner who wants the absolute best for heavy carbon and lead, the Breakthrough Clean Suppressor Cleaner – Heavy Carbon and… is my top pick. Its specialized formula is unmatched for deep cleaning and protecting your investment. Pairing this with the Breakthrough Clean Technologies® Suppressor Cleaning Tubes for efficient soaking creates an incredibly effective system.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one kit that provides everything you need to get started and maintain your suppressor effectively, the GRITR Suppressor Cleaning Kit is a standout. The concentrate, comprehensive tools, and lifetime warranty offer fantastic value and peace of mind.

And for those who prioritize a safe, eco-friendly, and residue-free clean for both their suppressor and other firearms, you absolutely can’t go wrong with the CAJUN PATRIOTS ECO Suppressor and Gun Solvent. It’s impressive how well it performs while being mindful of the environment.

Ultimately, the best solvent to clean suppressor for you will depend on your specific needs, but these options offer exceptional performance and value across the board.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: Why is it important to use the best solvent to clean suppressor regularly?
A1: Regular cleaning with the best solvent to clean suppressor prevents the buildup of carbon, lead, and other residues, which can degrade sound suppression performance, cause baffles to lock up, and even reduce the suppressor’s lifespan. It’s crucial for maintaining efficiency and longevity.

Q2: Can I use regular gun cleaner on my suppressor?
A2: While some general gun cleaners, like the Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Solvent, are safe for suppressors and can handle light fouling, dedicated suppressor cleaners are often formulated to tackle the heavy carbon and lead specific to suppressor use. Always check the product’s compatibility with suppressor materials.

Q3: What kind of suppressor materials are these solvents safe for?
A3: Most of the best solvent to clean suppressor options reviewed, especially those from Breakthrough Clean and GRITR, are safe for common suppressor materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. Always double-check the product description for specific material compatibility.

Q4: How often should I clean my suppressor?
A4: Cleaning frequency depends on your shooting habits and ammunition type. For rimfire suppressors, which get very dirty quickly, cleaning every few hundred rounds is advisable. For centerfire suppressors, especially those used with supersonic ammunition, cleaning every 500-1000 rounds or after a few range trips is a good general guideline. Using a quality best solvent to clean suppressor makes this process much easier.

Q5: Is soaking my suppressor in solvent effective, and what should I use for it?
A5: Yes, soaking can be very effective, particularly for heavily fouled suppressors. It allows the best solvent to clean suppressor to penetrate and dissolve stubborn deposits. For soaking, specialized tubes like the Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Cleaning Tubes are excellent, but any sturdy, chemically resistant container will work.

Q6: Are there any solvents to avoid when cleaning suppressors?
A6: Generally, avoid harsh, highly corrosive solvents not specifically designed for firearms or suppressors, especially those containing strong ammonia if your suppressor has aluminum components, as ammonia can react with aluminum. Always opt for a product clearly labeled as safe for firearms and suppressors, or one of the options for the best solvent to clean suppressor mentioned above.