I have spent years in messy garages cleaning greasy rotors, and I have sprayed hundreds of cans of both CRC Non-Chlorinated Brakleen and CRC Regular Chlorinated Brakleen. This hands-on comparison will break down exactly how these two formulas behave on the workbench so you can choose the right one for your garage. We will look at cleaning speed, safety, and regional restrictions to find your perfect match.
CRC (05084-12PK) Brakleen Non-Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner
I keep this low VOC non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner on my shelf for daily shop tasks where I want to avoid harsh chlorinated vapors. This specific formula is formulated to remove brake fluid, grease, oil, and other contaminants from sensitive brake components without leaving a greasy film behind. I regularly spray it directly onto brake cylinders, brake drums, brake linings, brake shoes, calipers, and clutch discs to prep them for reassembly. The pack gives you a 14-ounce bottle with 12 bottles per pack, making it an excellent bulk option for high-volume shops. Because of its low volatile organic compounds formulation, it meets stricter environmental standards in many states while still dissolving stubborn road grime.
- Formulated to remove brake fluid, grease, oil, and other contaminants from brake linings and pads
- Low volatile organic compounds (VOC) formulation for reduced environmental impact
- Safe for use on brake cylinders, brake drums, brake linings, brake shoes, calipers, and clutch discs
-
Comes in a 14-ounce bottle, sold in a convenient 12-bottle pack
-
Fast evaporation rate leaves no oily residue behind on bare metal
- Meets low-VOC regulations in multiple states
- Bulk 12-pack offers excellent value for busy garages
-
Less chemically pungent odor compared to chlorinated alternatives
-
Extremely flammable formulation requires extra caution around sparks and hot surfaces
- Requires slightly more mechanical scrubbing on baked-on grease than chlorinated formulas
Best for: DIYers and professional mechanics working in states with strict VOC laws who need a reliable bulk supply of fast-drying, residue-free cleaner.
Expert Opinion: This non-chlorinated formula is my daily driver for general degreasing because it dries incredibly fast and doesn’t linger in your lungs like heavy chlorinated solvents.
CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner – Non-Flammable – 1lb 3 Oz (05089)
This is the original brake parts cleaner that mechanics have trusted for decades when dealing with the absolute worst grease buildup. The non-flammable nature of this solvent means you can spray it near potential spark sources without worrying about starting a fire. It is formulated to quickly and effectively remove grease, brake dust, brake fluids, oils, and other contaminants from brake parts, lining, and pads with minimal scrubbing. You get a heavy-duty 1lb 3 oz bottle that delivers a powerful, pressurized blast to knock grime loose instantly. Keep in mind that this powerful chlorinated formula cannot be sold for use in CA or NJ because of environmental laws.
- The original chlorinated brake parts cleaner formula with extreme cleaning power
- Non-flammable chemical composition for safer use around hot surfaces and sparks
- Formulated to quickly and effectively remove grease, brake dust, brake fluids, oils, and other contaminants from brake parts, lining, and pads
- Packaged in a generous 19-ounce (1 lb 3 oz) aerosol can
-
Restrictive sales policy means it cannot be sold for use in CA or NJ, or Catalina Island
-
Non-flammable formula dramatically reduces fire risks in active workshop environments
- Dissolves baked-on, crusty grease almost instantly on contact
-
Stronger blasting spray pressure helps mechanically dislodge dirt
-
Highly toxic fumes require excellent ventilation and a proper respirator
- Restricted shipping and sales in several states due to chlorinated chemical content
- Can damage certain plastics and painted surfaces much faster than non-chlorinated options
Best for: Mechanics in unrestricted states who need maximum cleaning power for heavily neglected, greasy brake systems without the risk of flammable flare-ups.
Expert Opinion: If you are dealing with decades of baked-on axle grease, nothing cuts through the grime faster than this original formula, but you must wear a respirator to protect your health.
non chlorinated brake cleaner vs regular: Key Differences That Matter
Performance Comparison
When you spray regular chlorinated cleaner on a greasy rotor, the oil literally melts off. The chlorinated solvents are incredibly aggressive. They break down chemical bonds of baked-on grease almost instantly, requiring minimal wiping.
The non-chlorinated version still gets the job done, but it takes a bit more effort. You will find yourself using a wire brush or a shop towel to scrub away the residue that the non-chlorinated spray loosened but did not completely dissolve. If speed is your only metric, the regular chlorinated version wins easily.
Price and Value Analysis
The non-chlorinated CRC option often comes in bulk 12-packs. This packaging brings the cost per ounce down significantly, making it the smarter choice for shops that go through cases of cleaner every week.
Regular chlorinated Brakleen is usually sold in larger individual 19-ounce cans. While a single can of regular might seem reasonably priced, the shipping restrictions and regional taxes can make it more expensive in the long run. If you want the most fluid for your dollar, buying the non-chlorinated 12-pack is the better route.
Formulation and Safety
This is the most critical difference between the two products. Regular brake cleaner uses chlorinated solvents like perchloroethylene. These chemicals are non-flammable, which is a massive safety benefit if you are working near hot exhaust pipes or grinding metal. However, these chemicals are highly toxic. If you accidentally heat chlorinated cleaner with a welding torch, it can produce phosgene gas, which is extremely dangerous.
Non-chlorinated cleaner uses hydrocarbons and alcohols. This makes the fluid highly flammable. You must keep it away from open flames, pilot lights, and sparks. On the positive side, it is much less toxic to breathe, though you still need good ventilation.
User Experience Differences
Using these two sprays feels quite different in the shop. The regular chlorinated spray has a very heavy, sweet chemical smell that can quickly give you a headache in a closed garage. It dries almost instantly, leaving a bone-dry metal surface.
The non-chlorinated spray smells more like acetone or rubbing alcohol. It takes a few seconds longer to evaporate. I find the non-chlorinated spray is gentler on my skin, whereas the regular chlorinated spray will instantly dry out your hands and turn your skin white if you do not wear gloves.
Which Should You Choose?
If you live in California or New Jersey, your choice is already made for you. Environmental laws restrict the sale of regular chlorinated cleaner, so you will need to grab the non-chlorinated CRC 05084. This version is also the best choice if you are doing general shop cleanup where you might be grinding metal or welding nearby, as you want to avoid any risk of creating toxic gases from chlorinated residue.
You should choose the regular chlorinated CRC 05089 if you live in an unrestricted state and are tackling ancient, baked-on grease on a classic car restoration. The non-flammable safety aspect is also a huge plus if you are spraying down parts of an engine that is still warm.
My final preference goes to the non-chlorinated bulk pack for general shop duty. It is safer for your health over long-term exposure, cheaper when bought in bulk, and legal nationwide. Just make sure to keep your welding torches and grinders far away while you use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main chemical difference when comparing non chlorinated brake cleaner vs regular?
A: Regular brake cleaner contains chlorinated solvents like tetrachloroethylene, which are non-flammable but highly toxic. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner uses highly flammable solvents like acetone and heptane instead.
Q: Why is regular brake cleaner banned in states like California and New Jersey?
A: The chlorinated chemicals in regular cleaner release hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds that damage the ozone layer and pose long-term health risks to users.
Q: Is non chlorinated brake cleaner vs regular safer for cleaning electronic parts?
A: Neither is safe for delicate electronics, but non-chlorinated is slightly less aggressive on hard plastics. You should use a dedicated electronic contact cleaner to avoid melting plastic housings.
Q: Can I use regular brake cleaner near my welding setup?
A: Absolutely not. When chlorinated brake cleaner is heated by a welding arc, it produces phosgene gas, which can be fatal even in tiny amounts.
Q: Which version dries faster on metal surfaces?
A: Regular chlorinated brake cleaner dries faster and leaves zero residue, whereas non-chlorinated formulas take a few seconds longer to evaporate.
Q: Is non-chlorinated brake cleaner safe to spray on painted surfaces?
A: No, both formulas will quickly strip paint, soften clear coats, and ruin finishes, so you should always protect painted surfaces before spraying.
When you purchase a product through Amazon links on kitchinprep.com, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links, including those from Amazon and other partners, at no extra cost to you.
Kris S. Cary is the founder of KitchinPrep.com and a passionate kitchen enthusiast with over three years of experience in the culinary world. A graduate of the Culinary Management, A.S. program at Daytona State College in Daytona Beach, USA, Kris spent two years honing their skills and deepening their love for cooking and kitchen essentials. Specializing in kitchen baking tools, Kris is dedicated to sharing practical tips, insightful product reviews, and expert guides to help home cooks elevate their baking and cooking game. When not testing the latest kitchen gadgets, Kris is likely whipping up something delicious or dreaming up new ways to inspire culinary creativity.