Brake cleaner is the fastest way to strip brake dust, oil and road grime off your motorcycle calipers, rotors and pads. This range covers aerosol contact cleaners from Motul, Ipone and Putoline, formulated to evaporate clean and leave no residue on metal or rubber-adjacent surfaces.
How to choose the right brake cleaner
Brake cleaner dissolves oil, grease and brake dust, then flash-evaporates so it leaves zero residue on friction surfaces. Aerosol delivery drives solvent into caliper pistons and pad gaps a rag cannot reach. Match the can size to your service interval: a 400mL aerosol covers a single full caliper service, while a 750mL can suits a busy home workshop running 2 to 3 machines.
| Product | Brand | Volume | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Clean Contact Cleaner | Motul | 400mL | Calipers and electrical contacts |
| Brake Cleaner | Ipone | 750mL | Full caliper and rotor servicing |
| Bicycle Brake Clean | Motul | 300mL | Lighter discs and tight clearances |
| Brake Clean | Putoline | Aerosol | General workshop degreasing |
Application guidance
Spray rotors and calipers from 20cm to 30cm to keep overspray off painted bodywork. Hold the can upright for a consistent 360 degree valve spray, work the surface for 10 to 15 seconds, then let the solvent flash off for 60 seconds before reassembly. Degrease new discs before the first 100km bed-in to strip the protective oil film. Wear nitrile gloves around 0.1mm thick and ventilate the space, since these solvents carry a flash point below 0 degrees Celsius.
Certification note
Brake cleaner is a workshop chemical, so abrasion and impact standards do not apply to it. EN 17092 AAA, AA and A abrasion ratings and CE Level 1 and Level 2 armour ratings cover riding apparel, not cleaning products. Choose your cleaner on solvent strength, can volume and dry time, then judge your jackets and pants against those EN 17092 and CE benchmarks separately.
Frequently asked questions
What does motorcycle brake cleaner do?
Brake cleaner dissolves brake dust, oil, grease and road grime off calipers, rotors and pads, then flash-evaporates to leave no residue. A clean friction surface restores braking bite and stops contamination glazing your pads.
Can I use brake cleaner on electrical contacts?
Yes. Contact cleaners like the Motul 400mL strip oil from electrical contacts and connectors as well as brake hardware, since they evaporate fully and leave nothing conductive behind. Let the surface dry for 60 seconds before powering up.
How do I apply brake cleaner safely?
Spray from 20cm to 30cm in a ventilated area, work the surface for 10 to 15 seconds, then let it flash off for around 60 seconds. Wear nitrile gloves and keep overspray off painted bodywork, as these solvents have a low flash point.








