Gun Cleaning Solvents and Tools: Our Expert Guide for Cerus Gear Users

At Cerus Gear, we believe regular maintenance is the backbone of reliable shooting. It’s not just about keeping your firearm shiny, but it’s about making sure it functions smoothly, lasts longer, and never lets you down when it matters most.

That’s why our mission is simple but vital: help you know your gear and keep it in top condition. Whether you’re brand new to firearms or have years of range time under your belt, understanding which solvents and tools to use, and when to use them, is key to cleaning with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through it all:

From basic CLP (cleaner, lubricant, protectant) solutions to the essentials like cleaning rods, brushes, bore cables (we call ours Ripcords), precision jags, and our trusted ProMats and trays.

Our goal? To empower you with real-world advice, the kind that’s field-tested, user-friendly, and trusted by shooters across the country.

Why We Clean

Let’s be clear: cleaning isn’t optional: it’s essential. A well-maintained firearm is a safer firearm.

We’ve seen too many jams and malfunctions that could have been avoided with just a little time and the right tools. As Outdoor Life once noted, many hunters forget maintenance until there’s already a problem. That’s a risk we never want you to take.

Every time you fire, carbon, lead, and copper build up in your barrel and moving parts. That fouling degrades accuracy and puts your system under strain. We say it all the time because it’s true: a clean gun is an accurate one.

Cleaning also keeps corrosion at bay. Our Freedom Lube CLP doesn’t just break down gunk, it protects your firearm from the inside out, displacing moisture and neutralizing the acids left behind by propellants.

But here’s something deeper: we don’t just clean for function. We clean because it’s part of who we are.

Every ProMat we print, every bottle we fill, every tray we mold, it’s all proudly made in the USA. Not because it’s trendy, but because it matters. We clean to remember that freedom is earned, not given. Every wiped-down bolt, every patch pulled through a barrel, that’s respect. That’s tradition. And that’s Cerus Gear.

Understanding Cleaning Solvents

The foundation of any effective gun maintenance routine is choosing the right cleaning fluid. 

For most modern shooters, a high-quality CLP: Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant, serves as a one-bottle solution. CLPs dissolve fouling, reduce friction between moving parts, and deposit a protective film to guard against rust and moisture.

At Cerus Gear, we created Freedom Lube CLP with these priorities in mind: dependable cleaning power, balanced viscosity, and long-lasting corrosion resistance. 

As we like to say, “have confidence your firearm will run smoothly”, every spray, every time. Freedom Lube competes head-to-head with respected all-in-one formulas like Break Free CLP, Ballistol, and Otis Bio CLP. 

Freedom Lube by Cerus Gear delivers similar broad-spectrum protection with a formulation designed to penetrate carbon fouling while still clinging to metal surfaces. 

It’s ideal for full-cycle maintenance: apply it generously to the bore and action, let it dwell for a few minutes, scrub with a nylon or bronze brush, then wipe clean with a dry patch or cloth. 

According to shooters on AR15.com and r/guns, CLPs like Break Free remain go-to solutions for most users, and Freedom Lube was built to deliver that same proven performance in a product made here in the USA.

That said, some fouling, particularly baked-in carbon, copper, and lead, calls for more aggressive bore solvents. 

The gold standard remains Hoppe’s No. 9, a classic petroleum-based cleaner famous for its distinctive scent and deep cleaning power. Outdoor Life ranks it as “Best Overall Gun Cleaner” for its ability to dissolve metal fouling with minimal elbow grease. Another favorite is Shooter’s Choice Foaming Bore Cleaner (Wipe-Out), known for its expanding foam that fills the bore and lifts fouling without scrubbing, ideal for neglected or precision barrels.

These heavy-duty solvents are excellent for periodic deep cleans but should be used in well-ventilated spaces and rinsed thoroughly. For everyday maintenance, most shooters alternate between a mild solvent and CLP, or simply use CLP alone unless heavy fouling is present.

For those who prefer eco-conscious options, the market now offers several non-toxic and biodegradable solutions. FrogLube, a plant-based CLP, and Ballistol, a mineral-oil-based German classic, are both praised for their skin-safe, low-fume profiles. On forums and in independent tests, users often report that products like FrogLube or Clenzoil protect well under light to moderate use — though they can gum up in sub-zero weather or offer less lubrication than synthetics.

To meet this niche, we developed Cerus Core Dry Lube — a dry-film lubricant that applies like a mist and dries to a non-tacky finish. It’s especially useful for areas where oil would collect grit or dust, such as AR-15 dust covers, exterior charging handles, or buffer assemblies. Dry lubes don’t replace CLPs for deep lubrication but are ideal for clean, low-friction surfaces in dirty environments.

Advanced users sometimes add small amounts of firearm grease or anti-friction compounds to high-stress areas like bolt tails, rails, and locking lugs. Products like Slip 2000 EWL, TW25B, or Gunzilla offer superior shear resistance in extreme heat or high-round-count rifles. A pea-sized dab of moly grease on an AR bolt cam pin can extend part life noticeably. That said, for most users, especially beginners,  a solid CLP or dry lube like CerusCore will cover 90% of cleaning and lubrication needs without over-complication.

In short:

• Use FreedomLube CLP for general cleaning and lubrication.

• Turn to Hoppe’s or foaming bore cleaners for deep cleans.

• Consider CerusCore Dry Lube for dust-prone environments.

• Grease sparingly, and only where needed.

Understanding your solvent is the first step to understanding your gear. We’ve built ours to earn your trust — drop by drop.

Essential Cleaning Tools

Fluids matter, but without the right tools to apply them, cleaning falls short. At Cerus Gear, we make sure you’re equipped with purpose-built gear that makes the process effective, efficient, and even enjoyable. From Ripcords and rods to ProMats and trays, here’s what we trust at our own benches.

Ripcords: Fast, Field-Ready Bore Cleaning

We carry Otis-brand Ripcords because they’re one of the smartest pull-through tools out there. Built with a heat-resistant Nomex fiber exterior and a helix-wound rubber core, each Ripcord scrubs the bore in a single pull, from breech to muzzle, so you never drag fouling back through your barrel. The coated core pushes the cleaning surface firmly against rifling, while remaining flame-resistant up to 700°F. We stock Ripcords for all common calibers: .22/5.56, 9mm, .40, .45, and more, making them a must-have for range bags and field kits.

Cleaning Rods and Jags: For Deep, Controlled Scrubbing

When precision matters, especially in bolt guns or match rifles, we recommend solid rods. One-piece carbon fiber rods (like Tipton’s) reduce flex and minimize the risk of bore damage. Segmented aluminum or stainless rods work too, but make sure they’re smooth-jointed and always clean.

Here’s the method we teach:

• Start at the breech (if your firearm allows)

• Run a solvent-soaked bronze brush through several times

• Switch to a jag or slotted tip with cotton patches

• Push clean patches through until they exit clean

• Always push in one direction, never reverse through the bore

Our ProMats and T.R.A.P. trays help keep this whole process clean and organized, containing grime and holding parts securely.

Bore Snakes: Quick Fix, Not a Full Clean

We get asked about bore snakes a lot. While they’re great for quick field use, we don’t rely on them for full cleans. Brands like Hoppe’s and Real Avid offer solid options, but the reality is most snakes drag a dirty cloth back through the bore, not ideal. Even Pew Pew Tactical noted their author “doesn’t really use them” indoors. Use them for fast wipe-downs, not deep cleaning.

ProMats: Your Bench, Upgraded

Our ProMats are one of the most overlooked tools in the cleaning kit, and one of the most useful. Made from 1/8" vulcanized rubber with heat-bonded, dye-sublimated schematics, each mat gives you a rugged, chemical-resistant workspace that doesn’t slip or soak. The real advantage? Every mat features a detailed schematic or step-by-step diagram of the firearm you’re working on, so you’re learning layout and part names as you clean.

They roll up for transport, wipe clean easily, and showcase patriotic designs like American flags and service mottos, because your gear should reflect your values.

Brushes, Tips, and Patch Tools

Our cleaning kits include everything you need for bore work:

• Bronze brushes (caliber-matched for scrubbing fouling)

• Nylon brushes (for stocks, finishes, or polymer parts)

• Slotted tips and jags (to push or pull cotton patches)

• Star chamber brushes and mops (for AR-15 platforms)

Each tool is paired with 100% cotton patches, ideal for absorbing residue. We always recommend brushing with solvent first, wiping with a patch next, and finishing with a dry patch for a clean, residue-free bore.

T.R.A.P. Tray: Organized Cleaning, No Lost Parts

Our T.R.A.P. (Tool and Parts) tray is a game changer. Molded from oil- and solvent-resistant silicone, it slides directly onto any ProMat and features four compartments , including one magnetic, for organizing pins, screws, springs, bolts, or optics hardware. Instead of scattering parts across the bench, just drop them into the tray and rinse it clean afterward. It’s 12" × 4", compact, and purpose-built for modern gun care.

Complete Cleaning Kits and Specialized Tools

Our universal Cerus cleaning kits bundle everything in one zippered pouch: rods, tips, brushes, patches, chamber flags, and a bottle of CLP. We even include Otis’s Shooter’s Choice FP-10 CLP in our pistol kit, compact and range-ready.

We also offer add-ons like:

• B.O.N.E. Tool – a stainless scraper for baked-on carbon (especially for AR-15 bolts)

• Pro+ Gunsmith Pick Set – precision tools in a metal case for cleaning tight corners

• Carbon scrapers, screwdrivers, Allen keys, and lint-free cloths for wiping down actions and optics

Everything we make or carry is built around a single idea: get your firearm clean, organized, and ready without frustration.

A Typical Cleaning Routine

Once you’ve got the right tools, cleaning becomes second nature, a focused, repeatable habit. At Cerus Gear, we believe maintenance should feel more like a ritual than a chore. It starts with safety and ends with confidence. As we say: “Clean gear is sharp, safe, and ready.”

Here’s how we do it:

1. Safety First. Always.

Before anything else, make sure your firearm is completely unloaded. Visually and physically inspect the chamber, magazine, and action. Remove all ammo from the work area.

Set up in a well-ventilated space with a Cerus ProMat or an old towel underneath. The ProMat gives you a clean, solvent-resistant surface with a built-in schematic, perfect for layout and reassembly.

2. Field Strip and Layout

Disassemble your firearm according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lay out the parts on your mat or drop them into your T.R.A.P. tray for safekeeping.

We recommend this method:

• Brush off loose debris first

• Apply solvent to each part using a patch, brush, or pick

• Scrub gently, focusing on carbon-heavy areas like the chamber, bolt, extractor, or feed ramp

For AR-15s, remove the bolt carrier group, charging handle, buffer, and trigger pack. Tools like our B.O.N.E. tool are ideal for knocking out carbon rings in pistol chambers or AR star chambers. Tight spots? Grab a pick tool or nylon brush.

3. Clean the Bore

This is your barrel’s lifeline, don’t skip it.

• Attach a bronze brush to your rod or cable

• Dip it in solvent and run it 5–10 times through the bore

• Let it soak briefly for stubborn fouling

• Switch to a jag or slotted tip with a solvent-soaked patch

• Repeat with fresh patches until one comes out white

If you're short on time, an Otis Ripcord is a solid shortcut, one pull scrubs and wipes. It won’t replace a full brush + patch routine for deep fouling, but it's great for post-range wipe-downs.

4. Clean and Lube the Action

Soak a nylon brush in solvent and scrub:

• Bolts

• Slides

• Firing pin channels

• Locking lugs

• Extractor recesses

Follow up with patches or rags to wipe away loosened grime. When everything’s clean, apply lubrication sparingly:

• One drop on rails, pivots, cams, or contact points

• Use FreedomLube CLP for wet lubrication

• Use CerusCore Dry Lube where you want clean performance without sticky buildup (e.g., AR gas keys, Glock slide rails)

A little goes a long way. Excess oil traps dust, and dust creates wear. For high-heat guns or suppressed builds, consider a tiny dab of high-viscosity oil or grease where metal slides on metal.

5. Reassemble and Function-Check

Once clean and lightly oiled, reassemble using your ProMat diagram or parts tray for reference. Dry cycle the action a few times to ensure smooth movement, then use snap caps or dummy rounds to verify function.

Wipe down external surfaces with a lightly oiled patch to guard against corrosion, and store your firearm in a dry, secure place.

Routine Makes Reliable

We recommend a quick wipe-down after every range trip:

• A dry patch through the bore

• A touch of oil on external rails

• A cloth wipe for exposed metal

Then, every 500–1000 rounds (or sooner for suppressed or dirty ammo), do a full clean. Don’t wait for a jam to tell you it’s time. Keeping your firearm clean keeps you ready.

As Outdoor Life puts it, spending “less than $20 on the right cleaning gear” can be the difference between a clean shot and a fouled-up hunt. We agree. That’s why we build tools that simplify the process and stand up to real-world use.

Whether you’re cleaning in a garage, at the kitchen table, or on the tailgate after a long hunt, keep your tools close. Clean it right, and your firearm will repay you with reliability when it counts.

How Cerus Gear Compares to the Top Brands

We know we’re not the only name in the gun care game, and we’re good with that. Brands like Real Avid, Otis Technology, and Tipton each bring their own strengths to the bench. But here’s where we stand out: value, build quality, and an unapologetic focus on the shooter experience.

Let’s break it down.

Cerus Gear vs. Real Avid

Real Avid’s Gun Boss kits are smartly packaged, perfect for tucking into a range bag. We’ve used them. We’ve tested them. Their 9mm Multi-Kit has a clever folding layout and a rotating brass rod that gets points for portability. But it has gaps, no oil, no solvent, and some reviewers report inconsistent component quality.

On Reddit, one user nailed it: “A lot of entry-level kits are just rebranded imports with brushes that wear out fast.” That’s exactly why we partner with Otis, an American brand we trust, to build out our own kits. Our Universal Pistol Cleaning Kit, for example, includes four bronze brushes, two memory-flex cables, a bottle of Shooter’s Choice FP-10 CLP, and premium patches, all tucked inside a zippered pouch you’ll actually want to carry.

You get reliability, not repackaged shortcuts.

Cerus Gear vs. Otis Technology

Otis kits, especially the Elite and Defender, are legendary among AR owners. No question. They come loaded with essentials and even include their patented Ripcord. The build is solid. The CLP is included. What’s the catch? Price. Some Otis bundles run over $80.

With Cerus, you're getting Otis-quality internals — same Ripcords, same FP-10 oil — but at a far more practical price point, usually between $44–$55. You’re not paying for the logo. You’re paying for performance, and getting American-made components backed by our lifetime guarantee.

Cerus Gear vs. Tipton

Tipton is the go-to for one-piece carbon fiber rods and high-end vises, and we respect that. In fact, for bolt guns and long-range platforms, many shooters still “stick with the ol’ standard… Tipton” because the rigidity protects the rifling. We won’t argue.

But Tipton doesn’t offer CLP, kits, or mats. Their products are niche, excellent, but limited. At Cerus, we lean toward versatility: modular mats that double as teaching tools, segmented rods for field kits, and full cleaning solutions in a single pouch.

And while Tipton has the vise game on lock, our ProMats offer a different approach, turning any surface into a workbench, complete with step-by-step diagrams and chemical resistance. For the average shooter, that’s often more useful than a vise the size of your lunch cooler.

Cerus Gear vs. Real Avid (Mats)

Yes, Real Avid makes mats too. Their Gun Boss Visor Mat has fans, and one user even called it “one of the best cleaning mats out there.” But here’s the difference:

• Our ProMats are thicker and built from 1/8″ vulcanized rubber, they stay flat, stay put, and don’t wrinkle or curl.

• Our graphics are dye-sublimated, no flaking or peeling, even after heavy solvent use.

• And we add value where it matters, schematic diagrams, labeled parts, disassembly steps, and patriotic designs that look good on any bench.

Plus, ours are made in the USA and backed with a lifetime guarantee. Most mats can’t say the same.

The Cerus Gear Difference

We don’t try to cram every possible tool into one bundle. You won’t find torque drivers or serpentine wires in our kits. What you’ll find is everything you actually need to clean pistols, ARs, and rifles, without filler, without waste, and without compromise.

And what really makes us different? Education.

Every ProMat teaches. Every product page explains. We don’t just hand you the gear, we show you how to use it, why it matters, and what to expect. When you pick up a Cerus kit, you’re not just cleaning, you’re learning. You’re sharpening your skills.

As we put it on our own product pages:
“Each ProMat builds firearm know-how while our tested oils and cleaners keep your gear sharp, safe, and ready.”

At the end of the day, whether you’re running an AR-15, Glock, bolt gun, or scattergun, maintenance matters. Tools like our ProMats, Ripcords, and universal kits give you pro-grade function without the sticker shock, and they’re made to last, right here in the USA.

Want to see the difference yourself? Pick up a Cerus mat and put it under your rifle. You'll never go back to rags and guesswork.

The Cerus Gear Cleaning Ecosystem

At Cerus Gear, we don’t just sell standalone products, we build an ecosystem. Every mat, every brush, every bottle of oil is designed to work together. And not just to clean, but to teach, organize, and elevate how you care for your firearms.

Take our T.R.A.P. tray, for example. It’s not just a parts tray, it snaps directly onto our ProMats using a custom-fit tab, giving you a seamless workspace. Slide it back and forth as needed. No lost alignment. No rolling springs. No dropped pins. It’s simple, but intentional, and that’s our design philosophy in action.

When you pick up one of our Rifle Cleaning Bundles, say a mat + Ripcord + CLP, you’re not just getting random tools tossed in a box. You’re stepping into a system where each component reinforces good habits: keep your mat flat, your tools organized, your parts visible, and your process repeatable.

Built by Shooters, for Shooters

We’re not a corporation outsourcing parts from the lowest bidder. We’re shooters. Patriots. Proud Americans. With over 20 years in the firearms industry, we’ve cleaned our rifles in the field, in the truck bed, on the garage floor, and we’ve built Cerus Gear around those real-world needs.

That’s why you’ll see red, white, and blue in our designs. Why we print American flags and mottos on our mats. And why we say it loud on our site:

“We help you know your gear, take care of it, and pass that knowledge down.”

Because gun cleaning isn’t just maintenance, it’s heritage. Every wipe-down is a quiet ritual, a way to honor the tool and the freedom it represents. You’re not just cleaning metal. You’re continuing a tradition.

Durability You Can Feel

It’s not just philosophy, it’s function. Our ProMats and T.R.A.P. trays are built to last. Made from non-slip, oil-resistant vulcanized rubber and high-grade silicone, they shrug off chemicals, resist tearing, and can be washed with soap and water. The schematics are heat-bonded into the surface, not printed on top, so they won’t peel, fade, or crack.

We back it all with a lifetime warranty, because we don’t believe in gimmicks. Just gear that works, and keeps working.

And our customers notice. One review said it best:

“The mat is almost as good as the customer service team.”

We’ll take that.

A Clean Bench Is a Safe Bench

Clutter causes accidents. Lost springs, mixed-up pins, oily surfaces, they slow you down and mess you up. Our mats and trays create a safe, logical cleaning space. Tools stay where you put them. Diagrams show you what goes where. Solvents don’t soak through.

It’s one system. Built by people who clean the way you clean.

So whether you’re deep-cleaning your AR after a weekend match or teaching your kid how to field-strip their first 10/22, Cerus Gear gives you everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

Because when it’s all said and done, cleaning isn’t just about upkeep.
It’s about ownership, discipline, and pride.

Expert Tips & Takeaways from Cerus Gear

We’ve spent years around rifles, solvents, and range benches, and we’ve learned that good cleaning habits aren’t just about technique. They’re about mindset. 

Here are some of our most trusted insights to help you clean smarter, safer, and with confidence.

Start with the Right Setup

Create a space that’s clean, bright, and stable. Lay out your tools on a Cerus ProMat, not a towel that slips or soaks. Good light, a steady hand, and a logical layout are the difference between a smooth session and a frustrating one.

Always work from breech to muzzle when cleaning the bore. It’s the safest and most hygienic method, and the one we follow ourselves.

Match Solvents to the Job

• Use a CLP like our FreedomLube after every range trip, it’ll clean, lubricate, and protect in one step.
  

• For deeper cleans, keep a bottle of Hoppe’s No. 9, Ballistol, or another dedicated bore solvent on hand. They’re ideal for carbon- or copper-fouled barrels.
  
  

Routine cleaning doesn’t need to be complicated, just consistent.

Use the Right Tools, Not More Tools

Stick to the essentials:

• Bronze brushes to agitate carbon

• Cotton patches to wipe fouling

• Slotted tips or jags to push patches through clean

Avoid running dirty patches back into the barrel, it undoes your work and risks embedding grit. Use a Ripcord or one-piece rod when you can to protect your rifling.

Clean Smart, Not Sloppy

Even if you’re a casual shooter, never clean on a bare bench. Our ProMats protect your finish, prevent parts from rolling away, and show you exactly where everything goes with printed schematics, so you learn while you work.

And when it comes to disassembly, don’t just scatter parts across the table. Our T.R.A.P. tray is built to catch springs, pins, and screws,  with magnetic wells and solvent-proof silicone so you stay organized from start to finish.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

Skip the bloated budget kits filled with plastic and wear-prone brushes. One high-grade rod, a few caliber-matched brushes, and a quality CLP will outperform a dozen cheap parts every time.

We’ve heard it again and again: shooters who switched to premium tools never looked back.

Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast

Take your time. Scrub again. Wipe again. Let the solvent soak. Your firearm deserves patience. A few extra minutes now can save you from failures later.

That’s what we mean when we say “Gear That Earns Its Keep.” It’s not about rushing. It’s about doing it right.

Break It Down Right

Disassembling properly is crucial. Strip your firearm according to spec, especially on rifles, so you can access hidden fouling in the bolt, gas system, or chamber.

Tools like our star chamber brush and pick sets help you reach stubborn carbon without damage. Every firearm is a tool of duty, and every mat, every drop of oil, is our way of honoring that responsibility.

Confidence, Craft, and Community

Whether you’re just building your first cleaning kit or restoring a trusted rifle, we’ve got your back. Our gear is American-made. Our CLPs and dry lubes are tested to military-grade specs. Our schematics and diagrams teach you as you clean.

And more than that, we believe in what we do.

“Our gear helps you master every part of your firearm.”

With the right tools, the right habits, and the right mindset, cleaning becomes more than a task. It becomes a skill, a craft, and a point of pride.