As a car or garage owner, you should always have a cleaner with you. They help maintain several car parts, keeping them in excellent condition. The brake cleaner is a good example of such a utility, also known as a parts cleaner. It is very versatile and can be used on several parts. This piece will take an in-depth look at this cleanser, introducing you to the chlorinated vs. non-chlorinated brake cleaner discussion.
The name brake cleaner comes from its prominent use in cleaning brake disks. You also use it to clean the engine compartment, which is essential for preventing engine problems. This cleaner leaves no residue, which is why it is widely used.
Let us return to the main subject and examine the differences between chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaners.
Chlorinated Brake Cleaner
Chlorinated brake cleaner, as its name hints, contains chlorine atoms. It has been around for a long time, and some of its components have been banned for safety reasons. Many people also refer to it as the non-flammable brake cleaner. The chlorine atoms present in the solvent boost its cleaning properties.
The components of the chlorinated brake cleaner are tetrachloroethylene and methylene chloride. Formerly, there was also 1,1,1-trichloroethane, which was phased out due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer.
Tetrachloroethylene gives the cleaner its degreasing and fast-drying properties, essential for cleaning car parts. Methylene chloride enhances the cleaning properties of tetrachloroethylene. Some of the perks you get from using this brake cleaner are fast results and no residue left on surfaces. You can use this product as a chlorinated carburetor cleaner to unclog your carburetor.
You notice the results immediately when you spray this cleaner on the surface you want to clean. While it effectively removes grime and other dirt, there are concerns about its health effects. You should be aware of the hazards of chlorinated brake cleaner before you opt for it. As mentioned earlier, a chlorinated cleaner compound was banned due to its harmful effects.
The remaining compounds are also dangerous, and direct exposure can lead to issues with the respiratory and nervous system and are carcinogenic. As such, it is advisable to exercise care when using this cleanser. While it is non-flammable, exposure to heat can release fumes that are dangerous to humans and the environment.
Still, on safety, do not overlook the warnings about chlorinated brake cleaner when welding. Never weld on surfaces coated with this product, as it may release harmful fumes.
Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner
Non-chlorinated brake cleaner emerged as a safer alternative to the chlorinated type. This cleaner is a hydrocarbon-based cleaner, unlike the other, which is an organic chlorine compound. They may either be high-boiling-point hydrocarbon mixtures or low-boiling-point aliphatic compounds.
The solvent is lipophilic; hence, it is suitable for handling fat-soluble materials such as grease and oil. Other non-chlorinated cleaners contain polar liquids such as acetone, methanol, and ethanol. Polar solvents will remove dirt that is not lipophilic.
Non-chlorinated brake cleaner is much safer to use than chlorinated types. However, it is flammable, and you should not use it near open flames or heated surfaces. Furthermore, you may use non-chlorinated brake cleaner for guns. It is a cheaper option than a gun cleaner. However, be careful when cleaning plastic, rubber, and wooden parts.
Can I use non-chlorinated brake cleaner on plastic? It depends on the manufacturer, as some are not recommended on surfaces like rubber and plastic. To be on the safe side, do not use any variation of the cleaner on materials other than metal.
Chlorinated Vs. Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner Differences
Comparing chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaners will give you a better understanding of each. It helps you know which one to pick. The most obvious difference between the two is the compounds used. Chlorinated brake cleaner has organochlorides, while the other has hydrocarbons.
Their respective compositions contribute to their various attributes. For instance, chlorinated cleaners are non-flammable, but the non-chlorinated variety is flammable. However, you should not use either of them near open flames or heated surfaces. The chlorinated cleaner can produce harmful fumes when heated.
The other point of contrast is in their functionality. Chlorinated brake cleaners are very effective, and a single spray removes most of the grime. You will need to repeatedly use non-chlorinated variants to clean the car parts. Also, chlorinated products do not leave a residue and dry quickly. Non-chlorinated utilities may leave a thin residue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Chlorinated Brake Cleaner Better?
Chlorinated brake cleaner has chlorine molecules, which boost its degreasing properties. It does a good job in removing the dirt; as such, it is the go-to item for most people. Despite its efficiency in dirt removal, its major downside is safety. The compounds are dangerous to both human and environmental health. You need to be very careful when using it.
Q: What Is The Advantage Of a Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner?
Non-chlorinated brake cleaner is a hydrocarbon-based cleaner that lacks chlorine compounds. This feature is a major advantage as it is relatively safe to use. You have to be keen when using it as it is flammable.
Q: Is Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner Bad For You?
All brake cleaners can be hazardous if not handled properly. The chlorinated ones are more dangerous, as the fumes they produce are carcinogenic and can affect the nervous and respiratory systems. Non-chlorinated cleaners are flammable and may cause a fire hazard if used near flames. Follow the right guidelines when using any brake cleaner for your health.
Q: Is Brake Cleaner The Same As A Degreaser?
A degreaser is a cleaning product that removes grease, oil, dirt buildup, and other contaminants from the vehicle assembly and its surroundings. The brake cleaner works similarly to the degreaser, removing dirt from areas such as the brake disks, engine compartment, and flooring. Despite having the same purpose, they are not the same product.
Q: Is It OK To Get Brake Cleaner On Pads?
The brake cleaner is a versatile cleaning utility that you can use on various components of the car. You can use the product on brake disks, pads, caliper units, drums, and other related parts. In addition, it is a great companion for your engine compartment and the vehicle’s flooring.
Final Words
You should always have at least a bottle of brake cleaner in your garage. It comes in handy for cleaning many parts of your vehicle. In this article, we look at chlorinated and non-chlorinated cleaners. Go through this piece and understand the differences and which one to pick for your car maintenance activities.
Learn more:
