The next time you go to buy brake fluid, think about the pros and cons of chlorinated vs. non-chlorinated. While it may seem obvious that the main difference is that chlorine is present, the idea that non-chlorinated versions are always better for the environment may be false.
Chlorinated Brake Cleaner
Most people use chlorinated brake cleaner, even though many of the main ingredients are now banned for use in other applications. It has been around the longest, even though many of the main ingredients are now banned for other applications. The word “chlorinated” means that it has chlorinated atoms, or solvents, in its molecular structure. Adding these chemicals to the product makes it more solvent-like The problem is that some cities and states have banned the use and sale of the chlorinated version (i.e. California).
BK20 is made of perchloro-ethylene (also known as tetrachloroethylene) and methylene chloride, both of which are chlorinated solvents that can damage brake parts when used in the wrong way. These are non-flammable solvents that dry quickly and clean brake parts the best.
Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner
That’s what it means that the non-chlorinated version of brake cleaner is. It doesn’t have any chlorinated solvents in its molecular structure. However, this does not mean that it is safe or that it is “green.” When this type of product is made, many times the alternative chemicals used in it are just as bad, if not worse. These aren’t always as quick to dry as the chlorinated ones, and the solvents are flammable.
This is a factoid: Perchloroethylene is the same solvent that has been used as dry cleaning fluid for a very long time. In many chlorinated brake cleaners, this is the only thing that is in them. Sometimes, they are mixed with other solvents to make them heavier. Methylene chloride is one of the main ingredients in paint stripper, and it is lighter. The two together make a better mix that has more liquid in the container for the same weight as perchloroethylene alone. Methylene chloride also has more energy to break down grease, oil, and other things that build up on brake parts.
So, Which Do You Buy?
Before you buy a product, make sure you are getting the right one for your needs.
If you’re going to weld something made of metal, you don’t want to use brake cleaner because it could make toxic fumes (chlorinated versions in particular). It’s also safer to use non-chlorinated brake cleaner on plastic parts.
The fact that many brake cleaner products aren’t legal in all 50 states is also a thing to keep in mind So, before you buy any brake cleaner, make sure it fits your needs and is legal in the area where you will be using it.
Berryman has great products for both chlorinated and non-chlorinated products. It doesn’t take long for our products to get rid of brake fluid and other things that build up on metal brake parts, like dust, grease, motor oil, and power steering fluid. Use them on all brake parts, from rotors and drums to calipers and cylinders. They also work well with springs and other parts. When you use our professional-strength formula, it dries quickly and leaves no residue.
All kinds of engine parts can be cleaned with this great engine degreaser that we also sell. It’s made with a special blend of high-performance detergents and emulsifiers that quickly dissolve road grime, dirt, grease, and oil, making it easy to clean your car. Save time and water with its quick spray on/rinse off cycle: It’ll save you both time and water. This product is for cars, small engines, lawn mowers, hand tools, machinery, fleets, farms, and boats.
