Brake Cleaner Guide

Brake cleaner is a fast-evaporating solvent designed to strip brake dust, oil and light grime from brake assemblies with zero residue. The three formulas on the market — chlorinated (the strongest but most hazardous), non-chlorinated (the AU workshop default), and water-based (the lowest-VOC option) — have distinct use cases, distinct safety profiles, and one combination that can hospitalise you. This guide covers what each formula actually does, what brake cleaner damages, the deadly chlorinated-plus-welding scenario every workshop needs to know about, AS 1674.2 compliance considerations, and the AU brand and bulk supply landscape.

AIMS Industrial stocks a broad range of brake cleaners and parts cleaning chemicals — including the full CRC Brakleen aerosol and 20L bulk range, Inox, Loctite, Dy-Mark Protech, WD-40 Specialist, plus refillable sprayer systems and the CRC SmartWasher solvent recycling parts washer range. Contact the AIMS team or call (02) 9773 0122 for bulk supply, technical selection advice or workshop solvent recycling assessment.

Brake cleaner sizes — aerosol, bulk and refillable systems — Quick Reference

Brake cleaner is sold in three primary formats. The right choice depends on workshop volume, application access and economics.

What is brake cleaner?

Brake cleaner is a fast-evaporating solvent spray formulated to dissolve brake dust, oil, grease and brake fluid residue from brake assemblies — leaving no film, no residue, and no surface contamination. The "no residue" property is the defining characteristic. Any film left on brake friction surfaces compromises stopping power, which is why brake cleaner is chemically distinct from a workshop degreaser.

Three classes of brake cleaner formula are sold in Australia:

The three formulas are not interchangeable. Each has applications where it is the correct choice and applications where it is the wrong choice — or in one specific combination, the dangerous choice.

Brake cleaner vs degreaser vs carburettor cleaner — the disambiguation

These three product categories look similar in the aerosol can, smell similar, and partially overlap in chemistry. They are not the same product and substituting one for another causes real problems in workshop practice.

The cardinal rule: never use a general degreaser on brake friction surfaces. The oily or surfactant film left behind contaminates pads and rotors and reduces braking performance. For workshop degreasing tasks — engine bays, machinery, floors — see the Industrial Degreaser Guide. The two products live alongside each other in a working shop; they are not substitutes.

Carburettor cleaner is the opposite of brake cleaner in one specific way: brake cleaner is designed to evaporate completely and leave nothing behind, while carb cleaner is designed to leave a working film that dissolves deposits over a longer dwell time. CRC Clean-R-Carb in the AIMS range is the typical carb-cleaner choice.

Chlorinated brake cleaner — when to use it

Chlorinated brake cleaner uses tetrachloroethylene (PERC, also called perchloroethylene) or methylene chloride as the primary solvent. The "Red Can" CRC Brakleen identifier in the US convention refers to the chlorinated formula. In Australia the chlorinated formula is becoming less common at retail but is still stocked by industrial suppliers for specific applications.

Why workshops still use chlorinated:

• Non-flammable. Chlorinated solvent does not ignite. For work in or near hot equipment, around sparks or open flame, this is a real advantage over flammable hydrocarbon blends.
• Strongest cut. Perc is a more aggressive solvent than the hydrocarbon blends — it cuts heavy grease and oily contamination faster.
• Vapour displacement. Heavy chlorinated vapour displaces water from crevices and blind passages — a property exploited in sealed-gearbox flush procedures.
• Zero residue. Both chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaners evaporate completely; chlorinated evaporates faster.

The serious downsides:

• Tetrachloroethylene is classified as a Category 1A carcinogen under Australian WHS classifications. The Safe Work Australia Workplace Exposure Standard for perc is 50 ppm time-weighted average (TWA), 200 ppm short-term exposure limit (STEL).
• Trichloroethylene (TCE — sometimes found in older formulations) has a stricter WES of 10 ppm TWA.
• Chlorinated solvents are hazardous waste under NSW EPA classifications. Used product, contaminated rags and empty drums must go to a licensed liquid waste contractor — they cannot be binned or poured to drain.
• Chlorinated solvents damage many plastics and many synthetic rubbers more aggressively than hydrocarbon blends.
• The combination with welding heat is potentially lethal — covered in detail below.

AIMS stocks chlorinated formulas including the Dy-Mark Protech Brake & Parts Cleaner Chlorinated 500g for workshops that need the chlorinated capability for specific procedures.

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner — the AU workshop default

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner uses a hydrocarbon solvent blend — typically toluene, acetone, methanol, heptane, or a proprietary mixture of similar solvents. The "Green Can" CRC Brakleen identifier refers to the non-chlorinated formula. Non-chlorinated is now the dominant retail and workshop format in Australia.

Why non-chlorinated has become the default:

• Lower toxicity than chlorinated formulas. Hydrocarbon solvents still have WHS exposure standards but the carcinogen classifications are less severe.
• Generally safer on plastics and synthetic rubbers — though not safe on all (see the damage section below).
• No phosgene risk — does not produce phosgene gas under welding heat or arc UV exposure.
• No chlorinated-solvent hazardous waste classification — disposal is less restrictive (still controlled waste; check local council and EPA classifications).
• Wider retail availability — most consumer-tier retailers (Bunnings, Repco, Supercheap) stock only non-chlorinated formulas.

The trade-offs:

• Flammable. The aerosol propellant and the solvent itself are flammable. Keep away from open flame, sparks, and hot surfaces. The flash point varies by formula but is typically very low (around -20°C to 0°C).
• Slightly slower evaporation than chlorinated — though still very fast compared to a typical degreaser.
• Marginally weaker cut on heavy grease — one pass may not displace heavily-baked-on contamination that a chlorinated pass would clear.

The AIMS range covers the full non-chlorinated workshop tier: CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated 400g, CRC Brake & Parts Cleaner (500g aerosol and 20L bulk), CRC Brakleen Force (400g + 20L), Dy-Mark Protech Non-Chlorinated 350g, WD-40 Specialist Brake & Parts Cleaner 300g, Loctite 230824 Brake & Parts Cleaner 417g, and the Inox MX11 Chain & Brake Cleaner. Browse the full parts washers and cleaners collection for the complete range.

Water-based brake cleaner — the low-VOC option

Water-based brake cleaner uses an aqueous base combined with surfactants and a low-VOC solvent fraction to deliver cleaning performance with significantly reduced solvent vapour emission. Slower-evaporating than solvent-based formulas but compliant with the strictest VOC regulations and friendlier to workshop air quality.

Water-based brake cleaner is the right choice for:

• Indoor or poorly-ventilated workshops where solvent vapour buildup is a concern.
• Plastic-rich brake systems (newer vehicles with composite reservoirs, plastic brake lines and plastic fittings) where solvent aggression is a real risk.
• Workshops with a VOC reduction policy or solvent management plan in place.
• Surface cleaning prior to coating — the lower-residue profile of water-based products won't interfere with subsequent paint or sealer adhesion.

The trade-offs:

• Slower evaporation — components may need to be air-dried or blown off before reassembly. Allow 5-15 minutes of dry time depending on temperature and ventilation.
• Weaker on heavy oil contamination than solvent formulas.
• The water content means it will flash-rust unprotected bare steel if not dried properly.

The CRC Brakleen Water-Based Brake & Parts Cleaner 500g is the dominant AU offering — fully VOC-compliant and compatible with all common metals and most plastics.

⚠️ The deadly chlorinated + welding combination

The mechanism: TIG, MIG and stick welding arcs produce intense UV radiation (200-400 nm) and heat above 3,000°C. Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent molecules in residue, vapour or on rags nearby split apart under this energy and recombine to form phosgene. The reaction is efficient and produces lethal concentrations rapidly. The early symptoms are mild throat irritation and a slight cough — the killer is the delayed pulmonary response 4-24 hours later, which can be fatal.

The rules:

• Use only non-chlorinated brake cleaner for any cleaning where welding will follow — even hours later, even on adjacent components. Read the SDS to confirm formula.
• Allow non-chlorinated brake cleaner to fully evaporate before striking an arc — minimum 15 minutes, more in cool or humid conditions.
• Never decant chlorinated brake cleaner into a generic spray bottle. Identification is the difference between safe and lethal.
• Train every welder in the workshop on the chlorinated identification mark (red can in US, "chlorinated" or "tetrachloroethylene" on the SDS in AU).
• If chlorinated formulas are used in the workshop for any reason, store them physically separated from welding bays and tag containers clearly.

This is covered as a safety rule across multiple AIMS welding guides — see the MIG Welding Guide, Stick Welding Guide and Plasma Cutter Guide. AS 1674.2 (Safety in welding and allied processes — Electrical) is the AU standard reference. Make non-chlorinated the workshop standard and the problem doesn't arise.

What brake cleaner damages — paint, plastic, rubber and the EPDM exception

Brake cleaner is an aggressive solvent. Used carelessly, it strips clear coat, softens plastics, swells rubber and damages painted surfaces. The damage profile varies between chlorinated and non-chlorinated, but the rules are similar.

The EPDM exception is what makes brake cleaner workable on brakes in the first place. Brake caliper seals are intentionally specified as EPDM precisely because EPDM resists brake fluid (which is glycol-based) and brake cleaner solvent under brief exposure. The fast-evaporating nature of brake cleaner means contact time is short — typically seconds. EPDM tolerates this; most other elastomers don't.

For O-ring and seal material selection, the O-Ring Guide covers the full chemical resistance matrix across NBR, Viton, EPDM, silicone and other materials.

Brake cleaner sizes — aerosol, bulk and refillable systems

Brake cleaner is sold in three primary formats. The right choice depends on workshop volume, application access and economics.

The bulk economics are real. An aerosol can typically delivers 200-400 ml of usable solvent for $10-$15. A 20L drum at $165-$320 delivers the equivalent of 50-100 cans for the cost of 12-20 cans. For any workshop using more than two cans a week, switching to bulk plus a refillable sprayer system pays back inside two months.

AIMS stocks the full bulk range: CRC Brakleen Force 20L, CRC Brakleen Heavy Duty 20L, CRC Brake & Parts Cleaner 20L, and the Inox MX11 Chain & Brake Cleaner 20L.

For the refillable sprayer side: the Alemlube 6603A Brake Cleaner Fluid Sprayer is the AIMS sprayer pick — manual pump pressurised bottle, brake-cleaner-rated seals, replicates the aerosol convenience without the per-can propellant cost. The German-industry standard for refillable steel brake cleaner bottles is the Wurth refillable bottle system; AIMS doesn't currently stock the Wurth bottle but can source on request.

Australian WHS, SDS and disposal requirements

Brake cleaners are scheduled hazardous chemicals under Australian WHS regulations. Workshops handling them have specific obligations under the model Work Health and Safety Act and the chemicals regulations.

SDS register requirement: A current Safety Data Sheet must be available for every brake cleaner product in use. Most suppliers including AIMS, CRC, Loctite, Inox, WD-40 and Dy-Mark publish current SDS on their websites. The SDS register obligation applies whether the product is consumer-tier or industrial.

Workplace exposure standards (Safe Work Australia):

Ventilation: Use brake cleaner in ventilated areas. For prolonged or enclosed-space use, local exhaust ventilation or appropriate respiratory protection is required. See the Respirator Guide for organic vapour cartridge selection (AS/NZS 1716 Type A or AB cartridges for solvent vapour).

PPE basics: Solvent-resistant nitrile gloves (not natural rubber), safety glasses with side shields, and appropriate respiratory protection in enclosed spaces.

Disposal:

• Chlorinated solvent waste (used product, contaminated rags, empty drums with residue) is classified as hazardous waste under NSW EPA and most state waste classifications. Disposal requires a licensed liquid waste contractor — not the general waste bin, not the drain.
• Non-chlorinated solvent waste is typically controlled waste — still regulated, still requires licensed disposal in most jurisdictions, but the classification is less severe.
• Aerosol cans with residual product must be fully discharged before recycling. Many local councils accept fully-empty aerosols in recycling streams; check with your council.
• Bulk drums are returned to the supplier under product stewardship programs or collected by licensed waste contractors.

AIMS provides SDS documentation on request for all stocked brake cleaner products. Contact the AIMS team for SDS PDFs and supply documentation.

Common applications — brake dust, oil contamination, weld prep

The headline application is brake servicing, but workshop use spreads well beyond that.

Brake servicing: Spray rotors, calipers, drum interiors and pad backing plates during brake service to remove brake dust, oil contamination from leaks, and pad transfer film. Fast evaporation means reassembly can happen quickly. A 400-500g aerosol typically services one vehicle's worth of brakes.

Pre-paint and pre-adhesive surface prep: Brake cleaner is widely used to wipe-clean surfaces before painting or adhesive application. Removes oil, fingerprint contamination and shop dust. Caution on automotive paint as covered above. For adhesive selection, see the Industrial Adhesive Types Guide.

Weld prep — non-chlorinated only: Use non-chlorinated brake cleaner to clean rust, oil and contamination from weld zones before striking the arc. Allow full evaporation (15+ minutes) before welding. Never use chlorinated for weld prep — see the phosgene warning above.

Bearing race prep before pack: Brake cleaner flushes contamination and old grease from bearing races before repacking. Allow full evaporation before applying new grease.

Chain cleaning: Motorcycle and bicycle chains, agricultural and industrial chains. The Inox MX11 Chain & Brake Cleaner and CRC Moto Brake & Chain Cleaner are formulated specifically for chain cleaning — slightly different chemistry from straight brake cleaner with additives that flush internal pin/bushing contamination.

Carburettor exterior cleaning: Brake cleaner is acceptable for exterior carburettor cleaning. For internal varnish dissolution, use a dedicated carburettor cleaner with residual film. Don't confuse the two.

Electrical components — use the right product: Brake cleaner is not the correct product for electrical contact cleaning. The CRC Contact Cleaner and the CRC Lectra Clean Electric Motor Cleaner are residue-free, non-conductive when wet, and designed specifically for energised or de-energised electrical work. Don't substitute brake cleaner — some formulas leave conductive residue or attack plastic enclosure materials.

MAF sensor — use a dedicated product: Mass air flow sensors use a heated platinum wire that is destroyed by brake cleaner solvent. Use the CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner specifically formulated for MAF sensors.

Why you shouldn't use brake cleaner as a general degreaser

Brake cleaner cuts oil and grease well enough that it's tempting to reach for the can when any oily contamination needs to come off. Don't.

Three reasons brake cleaner is the wrong tool for heavy degreasing:

1. Economics. A 500g brake cleaner aerosol costs $10-$15 and delivers maybe 300ml of usable solvent. A 5L industrial degreaser concentrate costs $30-$50 and delivers — diluted — 25-50 litres of working strength. For a workshop floor or engine bay, the cost ratio is 10-30x in favour of the degreaser.
2. Evaporation profile. Brake cleaner is designed to evaporate before doing heavy work. A degreaser stays wet, penetrates, and lifts. For baked-on grease, the degreaser does the work; brake cleaner evaporates and leaves you reaching for the second can.
3. The wrong residue profile. Brake cleaner's "no residue" is correct for brake friction surfaces and electrical assembly. For general workshop cleaning, you want a degreaser that emulsifies grease, rinses away with water, and leaves a clean dry surface. Brake cleaner doesn't do this — it dissolves, evaporates, and re-deposits whatever it was dissolving.

For workshop degreasing — engine bays, machinery, floors, parts — the Industrial Degreaser Guide covers the full solvent vs water-based vs citrus / bio-solvent decision matrix. Browse the degreasers collection for AIMS supply.

AU brand guide — CRC Brakleen, Inox, Loctite, Dy-Mark and the consumer tier

The AU brake cleaner market has a clear industrial tier and a clear consumer tier. AIMS plays in the industrial tier — workshop, fleet, fabrication, mining and engineering trade. The consumer tier — single-can DIY buying — lives at Bunnings, Repco, Supercheap and Autobarn.

CRC Brakleen dominates the AU industrial market — same way Macnaught dominates grease guns and Pferd dominates wire brushes. The Brakleen product family covers every formula variant: Non-Chlorinated, Force, Heavy Duty, Water-Based, and standard Brake & Parts Cleaner. Plus the dedicated Moto Brake & Chain Cleaner for motorcycle and chain work, and the Clean-R-Carb for carb-specific work.

Loctite, WD-40 Specialist and Dy-Mark Protech are the credible Tier 2 alternatives. The Loctite 230824 is positioned alongside the Loctite anaerobic chemistry range and is the typical specifier choice where the workshop is already using Loctite threadlockers and sealants. WD-40 Specialist sits in WD-40's industrial range — not the famous blue/yellow general-purpose WD-40 lubricant. Dy-Mark Protech is the AU-formula entry point with both chlorinated and non-chlorinated variants stocked.

Inox MX11 deserves a separate mention — AU-formulated, dual-purpose chain and brake cleaner, popular with motorcycle and agricultural workshops. The 20L bulk is well-priced for high-volume operations.

AIMS-stocked range deep dive

AIMS stocks 14+ active brake cleaner SKUs plus the refillable sprayer and the full CRC SmartWasher parts-washer commercial line.

The full parts washers and cleaners collection includes related contact cleaners, degreasers and parts washer chemistry beyond the brake cleaner range above. For workshop solvent recycling at scale, see the SmartWasher section below.

Bulk + sprayer setup for high-volume workshops

For any workshop using more than 1-2 aerosol cans per week, the bulk + refillable sprayer setup pays back in weeks and reduces aerosol can disposal volume significantly.

The setup:

1. One or more Alemlube 6603A Brake Cleaner Fluid Sprayer bottles — pressurised manual-pump bottle rated for brake cleaner chemistry.
2. A 20L drum of bulk product — CRC Brakleen Force 20L, CRC Brake & Parts Cleaner 20L, or Inox MX11 20L.
3. A proper drum pump or decanting jug for refilling without spillage.
4. Spill bunding under the bulk drum — NSW EPA and most state EPA regulations require bunding for hazardous chemical storage.
5. Clear labelling on the refillable bottle — formula type (non-chlorinated typically), batch/decant date, SDS reference. Generic spray bottles must never be used for chlorinated formula.

Economics: A 400g aerosol costs around $12 and delivers 300ml of usable product. A 20L drum costs around $165-$320 (varies by product). Per litre, the aerosol is roughly 8-12× the cost of bulk. A workshop using two aerosols per week ($1,200-$1,500 per year) switches to roughly $500-$900 per year on bulk + amortised sprayer cost — savings of 40-60%.

For the German-industry standard refillable steel bottle (Wurth pressurised steel bottle system), AIMS can source on request — not currently held in stock but readily available through the supplier network.

CRC SmartWasher parts washer — when bulk solvent washing makes sense

For workshops dealing with heavy parts cleaning at scale — fleet maintenance, transmission rebuilds, mining service workshops — the CRC SmartWasher solvent recycling parts washer is the upgrade above bulk brake cleaner.

The SmartWasher uses a heated aqueous bioremediation fluid (OzzyJuice) that continuously breaks down hydrocarbon contamination via the SmartWasher's onboard bio-active media. The result: a parts washer that doesn't accumulate dirty solvent, doesn't need solvent disposal, and continuously regenerates its cleaning capacity. The system is fundamentally different to traditional mineral-spirits parts washers.

The recurring cost is the SmartWasher OzzyJuice SW-4 Heavy Duty Degreasing Solution 20L — replenishment fluid for the bioremediation system. The bio-active media regenerate continuously; the fluid is topped up rather than disposed of.

For workshops that have looked at the disposal cost and frequency of solvent parts washer waste, the SmartWasher payback is typically 12-24 months. For complete coverage of all parts washer categories (solvent vs bioremediation vs aqueous vs ultrasonic), the full CRC SmartWasher and Purasolve range, sizing by workshop type, AS 1940 compliance and waste disposal economics, see the Parts Washer Guide. Contact the AIMS team for a workshop solvent recycling assessment.

Common brake cleaner mistakes

Selection checklist

Pick the right formula and format using this checklist:

1. Will welding follow on or near the cleaned surface? Non-chlorinated only. No exceptions.
2. Is there open flame, hot work or sparks nearby? Chlorinated (non-flammable) — but mind the phosgene rule above.
3. Plastic-rich brake system or indoor workshop? Water-based — lower VOC, plastic-safer.
4. Heavy oil contamination? Heavy-duty non-chlorinated formula (CRC Brakleen Heavy Duty or Force).
5. Specific to chain cleaning? Dedicated chain cleaner (Inox MX11 or CRC Moto Brake & Chain).
6. Carb cleaning? Carburettor cleaner — not brake cleaner.
7. Electrical contact cleaning? Contact cleaner — not brake cleaner.
8. Volume more than 2 cans/week? Bulk 20L + refillable sprayer.
9. Parts washer load every day? CRC SmartWasher bioremediation system.

For supply, technical SDS documentation or a workshop solvent recycling assessment, contact the AIMS team or call (02) 9773 0122.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaner?

Chlorinated brake cleaner uses tetrachloroethylene (perc) or methylene chloride as the primary solvent — it's non-flammable, cuts heavy grease faster, and produces denser vapour that displaces water. Non-chlorinated uses a hydrocarbon blend (toluene, acetone, methanol, heptane) — it's flammable, slightly slower-cutting, but lower-toxicity and far safer with welding. Non-chlorinated is the AU workshop default; chlorinated is reserved for specific applications where non-flammability matters and welding won't follow.

Why is brake cleaner dangerous to use before welding?

Chlorinated brake cleaner solvents (perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, methylene chloride) decompose under welding heat and UV arc radiation to produce phosgene gas — a World War One chemical weapon. The Safe Work Australia WES for phosgene is 0.02 ppm TWA and it is lethal at 4 ppm with delayed-onset symptoms 4-24 hours later. Multiple ICU admissions and deaths are documented from welding through chlorinated brake cleaner residue. Always use non-chlorinated brake cleaner for weld prep, and allow 15+ minutes for full evaporation before striking an arc.

Does brake cleaner damage paint?

Yes — both chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaner will strip clear coat with prolonged contact. Chlorinated is more aggressive. Brief overspray on dry painted surfaces, wiped off promptly, is usually OK. Don't pool brake cleaner on painted surfaces and mask paint where possible during brake servicing.

Does brake cleaner damage rubber or plastic?

It depends on the material. EPDM (the elastomer used in brake caliper seals) tolerates brief brake cleaner exposure — this is why brake cleaner works on brakes in the first place. NBR (Buna-N nitrile) and natural rubber swell and soften with prolonged exposure. ABS, polycarbonate and polystyrene plastics craze and embrittle. HDPE, polypropylene and PTFE are largely resistant. Mask plastics that aren't HDPE/PP/PTFE, or use water-based brake cleaner in plastic-rich systems.

Can I use brake cleaner instead of degreaser?

No — three reasons. First, economics: brake cleaner costs 10-30× as much per litre as a properly-diluted industrial degreaser. Second, brake cleaner is designed to evaporate before doing heavy work — for baked-on grease, the degreaser does the work while brake cleaner just evaporates. Third, the residue profile is wrong: workshop degreasing needs an emulsifier that rinses away with water, not a fast-evaporating solvent. Use brake cleaner for residue-free fast-dry applications; use a proper industrial degreaser for heavy oil and grease.

Is brake cleaner flammable?

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner is flammable — the hydrocarbon solvents (toluene, acetone, methanol, heptane) have very low flash points and the aerosol propellant adds flammability. Keep away from open flame, sparks, hot surfaces and welding. Chlorinated brake cleaner is non-flammable but produces phosgene gas under welding heat — see the phosgene warning. Water-based brake cleaner is non-flammable.

What is brake cleaner made of?

Chlorinated formulas are predominantly tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene, "perc") or methylene chloride (dichloromethane). Non-chlorinated formulas are typically a hydrocarbon blend of toluene, acetone, methanol, heptane, or proprietary mixtures. Water-based formulas use water plus surfactants and a small low-VOC solvent fraction. All are packaged in aerosol cans with a propellant — typically liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed CO₂ — or supplied in 5L/20L bulk drums without propellant.

What is the WHS workplace exposure standard for brake cleaner solvents in Australia?

Under Safe Work Australia exposure standards: tetrachloroethylene (perc) is 50 ppm TWA / 200 ppm STEL (Cat 1A carcinogen); trichloroethylene is 10 ppm TWA / 25 ppm STEL (Cat 1A carcinogen); methylene chloride is 25 ppm TWA / 50 ppm STEL (Cat 2 carcinogen); toluene is 50 ppm TWA / 150 ppm STEL; acetone is 500 ppm TWA / 1000 ppm STEL. The phosgene decomposition product carries the strictest standard at 0.02 ppm TWA. Use brake cleaner in ventilated areas and use organic-vapour respiratory protection for prolonged or enclosed-space use.

How do I dispose of used brake cleaner in NSW?

Chlorinated solvent waste — used product, contaminated rags, drums with residue — is classified as hazardous waste under NSW EPA and requires disposal via a licensed liquid waste contractor. It cannot go to general waste or down the drain. Non-chlorinated solvent waste is typically controlled waste — still regulated, still requires licensed disposal. Aerosol cans must be fully discharged before recycling; most councils accept fully-empty aerosols in metal recycling streams. Bulk drums are returned under supplier product stewardship programs. Check the specific waste classification with your local council and the NSW EPA waste classification guidelines.

Can I use brake cleaner on electrical contacts?

No — use a dedicated electrical contact cleaner. Brake cleaner formulas can attack plastic enclosure materials and some leave conductive residue. The CRC Contact Cleaner and CRC Lectra Clean Electric Motor Cleaner are designed specifically for electrical work — residue-free, non-conductive when wet, plastic-safe, and formulated for energised or de-energised cleaning. Don't substitute brake cleaner; the products look similar but are chemically different.

What's the difference between brake cleaner and carburettor cleaner?

Brake cleaner is designed to evaporate completely and leave nothing behind — zero residue, fast dry, ready for assembly. Carburettor cleaner is designed to leave a working film that dissolves varnish, gum and carbon deposits over a longer dwell time. The two solve opposite problems: brake cleaner cleans-and-disappears; carb cleaner cleans-and-keeps-working. Don't use brake cleaner on internal carburettor parts (no dwell time to dissolve varnish) and don't use carb cleaner on brakes (residual film compromises braking).

What's the difference between CRC Brakleen Red can and Green can?

CRC Brakleen Red can is chlorinated (tetrachloroethylene primary solvent) — non-flammable, strongest cut, generates phosgene under welding heat. Green can is non-chlorinated (hydrocarbon blend) — flammable, safer with welding, AU workshop default. The colour convention is consistent across US and AU CRC markets, but always confirm via the SDS rather than relying on can colour alone, especially for older or non-CRC products.

Can I use brake cleaner on bicycle disc brakes?

Yes — brake cleaner is the standard product for cleaning bicycle disc rotors and pad surfaces. Use non-chlorinated formula. Spray rotors and pads, wipe clean with a lint-free cloth, allow full evaporation. Avoid contaminating pads or rotors with oil-based products (chain lube overspray, degreaser residue) because oily contamination on disc brake friction surfaces severely reduces braking performance and may require pad replacement.

Why is non-chlorinated more common in Australia now?

Three drivers: regulatory pressure on chlorinated solvent classification (Cat 1A carcinogen status for perc and TCE drives consumer-tier reformulation), the well-known phosgene-with-welding risk, and the disposal cost differential (chlorinated waste classified hazardous, non-chlorinated typically controlled waste). Consumer retailers (Bunnings, Repco, Supercheap) now stock predominantly non-chlorinated. Industrial suppliers including AIMS still stock chlorinated for workshops that need the non-flammable property for specific applications.

What's the best refillable brake cleaner bottle system?

For AIMS-stocked options: the Alemlube 6603A Brake Cleaner Fluid Sprayer is the pressurised manual-pump bottle with brake-cleaner-rated seals. For the German industrial benchmark, the Wurth refillable pressurised steel bottle system is the premium standard — AIMS can source on request but doesn't currently hold stock. For any workshop using more than 1-2 aerosols per week, a refillable sprayer + 20L bulk drum (CRC Brake & Parts Cleaner 20L, Brakleen Force 20L, or Inox MX11 20L) cuts per-litre cost by 8-12× compared to aerosol.

Our Loctite Application Guide covers every common Australian Loctite product with material and torque guidance.