One of the most important obligations for gun owners is to regularly clean their firearms. This is especially true for people who use their guns often, like law enforcement officers, military personnel, etc. Cleaning and inspecting the gun is recommended at least once a month, maybe even more if you use the gun more often.
When the time comes for you to clean your gun, you will find dozens of cleaning solutions. You’ll find oil-based, toxic, natural, biodegradable, cleaners as pastes and sprays, and so much more.
The possibilities are endless, but we have found that CLP gun cleaners work best on all kinds of firearms. That is why we decided to base today’s review on the five best CLP gun cleaners on the market.
Do you want to learn more about these cleaners and what they are made of? Maybe you’re interested in knowing what they are most suitable for, or how to choose the ones that fit your needs best. Either way, we recommend reading until the end. Let’s get right into it!
Top 5 CLP Gun Cleaners: Detailed Reviews
Before discussing the different types of CLP cleaners you can find on the market, let’s discuss what CLP means. This acronym stands for Clean, Lubricate, Protect. So, this type of cleaner can function as a gun lubricant, cleaner, and protector that will guarantee you have a gun that is always in pristine shape.
Such cleaners have been popular for a while, especially after the military started using them for gun cleaning in the 1980s. Since then, many companies have started making these cleaners. As the market expanded, they all developed different smells, ingredient lists, and specialties.
The average shooter might not care much about all this, but proper maintenance of all types of firearms is key to keeping them in good condition. If this was enough to convince you to look into these cleaners, here are the best CLP gun cleaners you should focus on:
1. BreakFree CLP Gun Cleaner Lubricant Preservative Squeeze Bottle
Break Free is one of the most popular CLP manufacturers, having a long tradition and many satisfied customers. Its Break-Free CLP solution comes in several different packaging forms. We decided to review the squeeze bottle option today. We believe this to be an excellent option as it allows you to easily apply the cleaning solution without causing a mess.
This is one of the most effective cleaners, so we recommend it for extreme conditions or when the gun has not been cleaned for a while. It can be helpful with carbon buildup and other dirt and debris, removing even the toughest and stickiest gunk.
Pros
- Removes all kinds of residue
- Creates advanced boundary film
- Suitable for all temperatures
- Prevents rust from forming
Cons
- The bottle cap can easily come undone
- The solution has a strong smell
As one of the most effective gun cleaning solutions, this Break-Free solution comes at quite an affordable price compared to similar products. You get a quality solution that will clean any gun for practically the same price as some random gun cleaners.
Furthermore, the company has been endorsed by the military and similar agencies that deal with firearms. If the cleaner is good for them, it will surely work for you as well!
2. Real Avid Pri-Max CLP Gun Cleaner and Lubricant
This Real Avid cleaner is an excellent solution for long-lasting protection against dirt and grime. Considering that the solution is based on chemicals, you can rely on it to penetrate through the grime and the rust that might have appeared on your gun.
However, we recommend using this solution only in well-ventilated areas so you do not inhale much of it. You should also consider wearing gloves when cleaning your gun with it, as the chemicals in the solution can cause a skin reaction.
Pros
- Long-lasting lubrication
- Friction prevention
- Rust prevention
- Flip-up nozzle
Cons
- Not biodegradable
- Based on strong chemicals
We love the fact that the CLP solution is available in packaging with a nozzle. This slim nozzle is excellent for reaching hard-to-reach places. So, this is a great option if you have a gun that needs thorough cleaning.
Another thing is that the lubrication of this solution is amazing, eliminating friction altogether. You should apply it on the gun after cleaning it to guarantee that it creates a protective boundary on the gun’s exterior.
3. Apex Wilderness CLP Gun Cleaner
The Apex Wilderness three-in-one cleaner is suitable for all firearms you could ever think of. Even if it has been a while since you cleaned your gun, all you need to do is spray a bit of the solution on the metal and gently rub it in, then wipe it off to find it cleaner than ever.
Since the solution is made for all kinds of finishes, you do not need to worry about potential damage to the finish. Instead, you will find that a light but long-lasting coating forms on top.
This particular solution comes in a bottle with a spray nozzle. It would be best to keep in mind that cleaning the solution from the nozzle is important as you could otherwise cause the nozzle to clog up. So, after spraying, use whatever is in the nozzle before storing away the product.
Pros
- Multi-finish compatibility
- Spray allows easy application
- A blend of effective solvents
- Affordable compared to other solutions
Cons
- Not for very heavy fouling
- Spray nozzles could get clogged
Compared to similar cleaning solutions, this is a better option because it’s not entirely based on strong chemicals, which can be harsh to breathe in. It does not have an entirely pleasant smell, but at least it will not cause respiratory issues if you inhale some while cleaning your guns.
4. Qucship Multi-Purpose Gun Cleaner
Instead of having just one product that promises to do everything to clean your gun, Qucship decided to have two products that can split the work. This gun cleaning kit comes with a pump sprayer and a needle oiler, both highly effective at cleaning all types of surfaces.
The pump sprayer is perfect for cleaning large surfaces, whereas the needle oiler can get into those tight spaces and clean all the gunk stuck there.
Another thing we liked about this product is that you can use it in all kinds of weather and not worry about the gun freezing or becoming extremely oily and hot. The product is made to work in all kinds of weather, so you can use it whenever you need to.
Pros
- The kit includes a pump sprayer and needle oiler
- Suitable for extreme weather conditions
- Does not make guns greasy
- No foul odor
Cons
- Not suitable for removing rust
- Poor quality packaging
We would love to see the packaging improved, as some users have reported the caps falling off or the needle oiler not allowing enough solution to get onto the gun. But apart from that, there is little we can complain about with this product. It’s easy to use, apply, and clean off, and does not have a nasty smell.
5. CLENZOIL Mossy Oak All-in-One CLP Gun Cleaner Oil
This gun cleaning oil from Mossy Oak comes in several different variations. You can get it in a regular bottle, spray bottle, or as a needle oiler. Once you get the product, you will see its effectiveness. A simple spray on your gun will cause all the dirt to come off, thanks to the premium cleaning formula the company has used for years.
While there are cleaning solutions for specific types of firearms, this specific solution is meant for all types of firearms, materials, and weather. As a bonus, the coating that forms on the gun will have corrosion protection properties, so you will improve your gun’s longevity by cleaning it with this solution.
Pros
- Non-greasy coating
- Long-term protection from rust and corrosion
- No foul smell
- Easy application through spray nozzle
Cons
- A bit more expensive than competitor CLP cleaners
- The spray handle could malfunction
This is a cleaning solution we recommend to all interested parties. What’s there not to love about a cleaner that smells wonderful, is not that harmful to the environment, and also helps keep your guns in top shape?! If you want to explore different applicators, you can also visit the company’s official website and explore the other packaging options for this solution.
What are CLP Gun Cleaners?
Many people wonder about the difference between a CLP gun cleaner and a regular cleaner. So, here is a bit more on the cleaners and their key features to help you decide which one can better satisfy your gun cleaning needs:
For starters, we would say that CLP cleaners are more convenient as you get an all-in-one solution, a single bottle of cleaning solvent that can do it all. It will not take up much storage space while allowing you to clean, lubricate, and protect your guns.
That is more than we can say for standard cleaners, which are meant only for cleaning, not lubricating, and protecting. If you also want to do those things, you will need to get separate solutions.
Another thing we love about CLP cleaners is that most are meant for all kinds of weather, even extreme conditions. Standard cleaners are more prone to freezing, so you always need to check the weather conditions they are meant for.
Most CLP cleaners are also meant for all kinds of surfaces and cannot damage them, whether you use them on wood or metal surfaces. With regular cleaners, you need to check the type of surface they are meant for to avoid damage. Furthermore, regular cleaners will do little to prevent rust, corrosion, or friction between gun parts. Remember, they will only help with cleaning.
The bottom line is that CLP cleaners are better, any way you put it. If you are in the market for a new CLP solution for maintaining gun surfaces, we recommend you go for an eco-friendly solution with a natural smell. Bonus points if you find one that is biodegradable and can also last a long time. You will be set for a long time with that kind of cleaner!
FAQ
Does CLP expire?
CLP cleaners usually do not have an expiration date and can be used years after they are made. However, the cleaner must be kept in good condition and unopened if you want it to last a long time. After opening it, keeping it for years might cause the cleaning solution to lose some properties.
Does CLP remove rust?
CLP cleaners are good at removing rust from the surface of your gun and its elements. However, how effective the cleaner is will depend on its ingredients list. If you have a rusty gun that you need to clean as soon as possible, consider going for a hard cleaning solution based on stronger chemicals, as they will help remove the rust easily.
Is WD-40 OK for gun cleaning?
WD-40 is mainly used for lubrication, rust prevention, penetrating through stuck dirt and grime, and displacing moisture. That said, it can be used for gun cleaning, but only for guns that are not that dirty. If you have a gun that has not been cleaned for a while, you should get harder gun cleaning supplies or a proper CLP cleaner.
What home products can I use to clean my gun?
The most effective cleaning products you can find at home are transmission oil and dish soap. While this may clean your gun, it will not be as effective in lubricating and protecting it, so you might want to get special supplies that can do that. Otherwise, investing in and using a CLP solution from the get-go would be a better option.
What are the Best CLP Gun Cleaner Brands?
The CLP gun cleaners reviewed above are some of the best of their kind. While we discussed those products, we also found it necessary to explore the companies that have made them. Here is a bit more on the best CLP gun cleaner brands:
Break-Free
Safariland is the company that stands behindBreak-Free, along with a few other brands. This company specializes not only in gun cleaning solutions but also in all kinds of tactical gear.
As for Break-Free, the brand was established in 1975 and has since created many different CLP solutions. It also has many semi-automatic firearm lubricants and protectors for all kinds of weapons.
Real Avid
Real Avid is a company known among gun enthusiasts for its cleaning solutions and for selling various firearms at affordable prices. It offers various tools for all handymen, but its best products are cleaning solutions based on the CLP formula.
If you are not into all-in-one products, you can also look into its cleaning kits with separate solutions for every part of the gun cleaning process.
Apex Wilderness
Apex Wilderness is a company that is focused solely on CLP gun cleaning solutions, considering that their official website features just one product – the cleaner we reviewed above.
Nevertheless, the company has received much praise for this product, with people saying that it has amazing cleaning, protection, and lubrication properties but is still not too hard on the skin or the nose. If you want to learn more about the current price of the product or how to contact the company, you should look at itsofficial website.
Qucship
Qucship is a company focused on gun cleaning solvents and supplies. It currently does not have an official website but sells its products through an Amazon store. If you want to learn more about what it has to offer, we recommend looking there and exploring the customer’s comments to find out whether a product is suitable for your needs or not.
Mossy Oak
Mossy Oak is a company famous among hunters. Once you look into it, you will find out why! This company has everything you would ever need to start hunting.
From the proper gear and accessories to the cleaning solutions you can use to clean your firearm, there is nothing you cannot get from Mossy Oak. Some of its products come at higher prices, but that is justified by the premium quality the company offers.
Wrap-Up
Thank you for reading our detailed guide on CLP gun cleaning solvents and what they are all about. Remember that an all-in-one cleaner could be your solution to cleaning your guns quickly and effectively.
That said, if you are ever in the market for the best CLP gun cleaner, we recommend you look into theCLENZOIL Mossy Oak All-in-One CLP Gun Cleaner Oil and theBreakFree CLP Gun Cleaner Lubricant Preservative Squeeze Bottle. If you want a more budget-friendly solution for a simple and quick cleanup, then theQucship Multi-Purpose Gun Cleaner could be the way to go.
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