What You Should Never Use Brake Cleaner On

Do not use brake cleaner on painted or powder-coated finishes, plastics and rubber (including caliper boots and seals), electrical/electronic components and connectors, hot surfaces or areas being welded, greased bearings, interior trim, or your skin and clothing. While brake cleaner is indispensable for degreasing bare metal brake parts, the solvents can strip coatings, embrittle polymers, ruin adhesives, create toxic fumes when heated, and pose serious fire and health risks.

Why this matters

Brake cleaner—whether chlorinated or non‑chlorinated—is a powerful solvent designed to evaporate quickly and leave no residue on metal brake components. That same strength makes it hazardous on many other materials and in certain conditions. Misuse can damage parts, degrade safety-critical components, or create life-threatening fumes.

Know your solvents: chlorinated vs. non-chlorinated

Chlorinated brake cleaners typically are nonflammable but can form highly toxic gases (including phosgene and hydrogen chloride) when exposed to heat, flames, or welding arcs. Non-chlorinated versions are flammable and can easily ignite on hot exhausts, rotors, or during grinding/cutting. Both types can attack plastics, rubber, adhesives, coatings, and insulation.

Surfaces and parts you should not spray with brake cleaner

The following list details materials and components commonly damaged or compromised by brake cleaner, along with brief reasons to avoid each.

• Painted, clear-coated, wrapped, or powder-coated finishes: Solvents can strip color, dull gloss, stain, or cause lifting of coatings.
• Plastics and composites (e.g., polycarbonate/Lexan, acrylic/Plexiglas, ABS, polystyrene, PVC, nylon): Many will craze, soften, or crack; clear lenses and windshields are especially vulnerable.
• Rubber and elastomers (EPDM caliper seals, slide-pin boots, O‑rings, bushings, belts, hoses, tires): Can swell, dry out, or crack, leading to leaks or failures.
• Electrical and electronic parts (connectors, wiring insulation, ECUs, sensors such as MAF/ABS/wheel speed, airbag components): Risk of insulation damage, residue issues, or sensor contamination; use proper electronics cleaner instead.
• Hot surfaces and any area being welded or heated: Heat can ignite non‑chlorinated cleaner and convert chlorinated cleaner into extremely toxic phosgene gas; never spray near welding or on hot rotors/exhaust.
• Greased or sealed bearings and rotating assemblies: Cleaner will wash out grease and compromise lubrication, causing premature failure.
• Friction materials when saturated (brake pads/shoes, clutch discs): Heavy soaking can dissolve binders and contaminate the material; light, targeted cleaning of metal hardware only.
• Anodized, plated, or decorative trim metals: Dyes and finishes can discolor or etch.
• Interior surfaces (dash trim, screens, buttons, upholstery) and exterior plastics (mirror housings, bumper covers): High risk of staining, whitening, or cracking.
• Adhesive-bonded assemblies and sealants (weatherstripping, emblems, windshield urethanes): Can weaken or dissolve adhesives.
• Skin, eyes, and clothing: Defatting and chemical burn risk; inhalation can cause dizziness and lung injury—never use as a hand cleaner.
• Food-prep areas and tools: Not food-safe; residue and fumes are hazardous.

If in doubt, assume brake cleaner is unsafe for non-metallic and finished surfaces; test in an inconspicuous spot or choose a product explicitly rated safe for the specific material.

What to use instead

Material-appropriate alternatives

When working near sensitive materials, select cleaners designed for the job and compatible with the surface or component.

• Painted/coated wheels and bodywork: pH-balanced wheel or automotive surface cleaners.
• Plastics and lenses: Plastic-safe cleaners or mild soap and water.
• Rubber parts and seals: Manufacturer-approved rubber-safe cleaners; isopropyl alcohol (70–90%) in small, controlled applications can be gentler.
• Electronics and sensors: Electronics contact cleaner or dedicated MAF/O2-safe cleaners.
• Bearings and precision parts: Appropriate solvents followed by correct re-lubrication; avoid brake cleaner unless specified.
• Friction surfaces: Use new parts if contaminated; for light surface prep on rotors/drums, use brake cleaner sparingly on bare metal only and keep away from pads/shoes.

Choosing the correct product preserves finishes, maintains component integrity, and reduces safety risks.

Safe-use checklist

These steps help minimize risk when you do use brake cleaner on appropriate metal brake components.

1. Work cold: Only spray on cool parts; keep away from flames, sparks, and welding.
2. Ventilate well: Use outdoors or with strong ventilation and a respirator rated for organic vapors if needed.
3. Shield nearby materials: Mask off paint, plastics, and rubber; remove pads before heavy cleaning of calipers/rotors.
4. Apply precisely: Short bursts onto bare metal; avoid runoff onto boots, hoses, and connectors.
5. Dispose properly: Catch runoff and dispose of rags/fluids per local hazardous-waste rules.
6. Read the label: Check whether the product is chlorinated or non‑chlorinated and follow the specific safety instructions.

Following these practices keeps the solvent where it belongs—on bare metal brake components—and away from materials it can damage.

Bottom line

Reserve brake cleaner for bare metal brake parts and keep it away from paint, plastics, rubber, electronics, hot surfaces, greased assemblies, interiors, and your skin. Selecting the right cleaner and using careful technique prevents damage, avoids toxic exposures, and preserves the reliability of critical components.

Summary

Brake cleaner is powerful—and unforgiving. Do not use it on finishes, plastics, rubber, electronics, hot or welded areas, bearings, friction materials (when soaking), interiors, or on yourself. Use material-specific cleaners instead and follow strict safety practices to protect parts and people.

Why is brake cleaner being banned?

Brake cleaner isn’t being fully banned, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized rules to restrict or ban the use of certain toxic chemicals found in some formulations, such as perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), due to their cancer-causing properties and other serious health risks. These bans are being phased in, with some consumer uses restricted within a year, though some industrial applications and dry cleaning uses will have longer phase-out periods. This action is a move to protect public health and the environment by eliminating exposure from these hazardous solvents. 
Why are these chemicals being banned?

• Health Risks: Opens in new tabPCE and TCE are known to cause cancer and can damage the liver, kidneys, brain, immune system, and nervous system. 
• Environmental Contamination: Opens in new tabThese chemicals can contaminate drinking water sources through spills or leaks. 
• Worker Exposure: Opens in new tabThe EPA’s rules also aim to reduce worker exposure in industries where these chemicals are used. 

What does this mean for brake cleaner?

• Shift to Non-Chlorinated Formulas: The EPA is taking action against chlorinated brake cleaners that contain PCE, TCE, or other toxic chlorinated solvents. 
• Safer Alternatives: Safer, non-chlorinated brake cleaner formulas are readily available and are being encouraged as alternatives. 
• Phased Implementation: The ban on certain uses of these chemicals is being implemented over time, so some products may still be available in the short term. 

What should you do?

• Check the Ingredients: Look for non-chlorinated formulations of brake cleaner to avoid the restricted chemicals. 
• Be Aware of Alternatives: Consider non-chlorinated brake cleaners, which are available and are a safer option for most brake cleaning needs. 

Do I have to rinse off brake cleaner?

Using a low-pressure hose, rinse away any leftover cleaner and debris. Repeat the spray and brush process if needed to ensure everything is thoroughly clean.

What not to spray brake cleaner on?

Do not spray brake cleaner on rubber or plastic components, painted surfaces, electronics, or hot metal surfaces. It can damage rubber and plastics, dull or strip paint, and when sprayed on hot metal or near welding, it can produce highly toxic phosgene gas. Always use brake cleaner in a well-ventilated area, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
 
This video demonstrates where not to spray brake cleaner: 1mMore AutomotiveYouTube · Oct 28, 2024
Materials and Surfaces to Avoid

• Rubber and Plastic: Brake cleaner can strip protective coatings, causing rubber to crack and plastic to degrade, discolor, or become brittle. 
• Painted Surfaces: The powerful solvents in brake cleaner can damage paint and clear coats. 
• Electronics: Avoid spraying on any electronic components or wiring, as the harsh chemicals can cause damage. 
• Hot Surfaces: Never spray brake cleaner on hot metal parts, such as a caliper. The chemical reactions, especially with chlorinated cleaners, can create fatal phosgene gas, reports NAPA Auto Parts. 

Situations to Avoid

• Welding: Do not use brake cleaner in areas where you plan to weld. The fumes are highly toxic when heated. 
• Poorly Ventilated Areas: Always use brake cleaner outdoors or in a well-ventilated space to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. 
• Cleaning Hands: Brake cleaner is not a hand cleaner; it is toxic and will remove the skin’s natural oils. 

Safety Precautions

• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and eye protection when using brake cleaner. 
• Read the Label: Always check the product’s label and safety data sheet for specific instructions and warnings from the manufacturer. 
• Allow for Evaporation: Ensure the cleaner has fully evaporated before using the vehicle, especially before any welding.