Best Solvent for Removing Carbon

Best Solvent for Removing Carbon in 2024 |Extreme Effective

The best solvent for removing carbon is one that can be used safely, for the shortest time possible. The solvents considered in this article are solely meant for cleaning purposes and not to dissolve your paint job. Before buying a product, read some insights about them.

What Is A Carbon Solvent

A carbon solvent is a chemical compound capable of dissolving or suspending carbon. The most commonly known and used type of carbon solvent is acetone, Type 1 with a solubility of 15 g/100 ml at 20°C (68°F), and miscible in many organic liquids. Other types include ethyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, and others. Carbon solvents are used for extracting any impurities from carbon, such as graphite or activated carbon.

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Carbon-Off! Heavy Duty Carbon Remover (Liquid), 1 Quart, 1 Count Carbon-Off! Heavy Duty Carbon Remover (Liquid), 1 Quart, 1 Count
9.8
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Slip 2000 Carbon Killer 4oz. Slip 2000 Carbon Killer 4oz.
9.8
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Bore Tech Cu+2 Copper Remover, 4 oz Bore Tech Cu+2 Copper Remover, 4 oz
9.6
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Sea Foam SS14 Cleaner and Lube Sea Foam SS14 Cleaner and Lube
9.5
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Cleaner Degreaser, 1 Gal Cleaner Degreaser, 1 Gal
9.5
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Several common carbon solvents:

Type 1: Acetone (CH3COCH3) – miscible in many organic liquids; low toxicity; quickly evaporated; fumes may cause a flash fire if directly exposed to flame

Type 2: Ethyl Acetate (CH3COOCH2CH3) – flammable; low toxicity; widely used in consumer products such as nail polish remover and paint thinner

Type 3: Dimethyl Sulfoxide (CH3)2SO – high boiling solvents that are widely used in the lab to dissolve biological materials; high toxicity

Type 4: Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) – miscible in many organic liquids; low toxicity.

Type 5: Diethyl Ether (C2H5)2O – flammable; toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption

Type 6: Carbon Disulfide (CS2) – flammable; highly toxic

Type 7: Methylene Chloride (CH2Cl2) – highly flammable; moderate toxicity

Best Solvent For Removing Carbon Reviews

#1 Carbon-Off! Heavy Duty Carbon Remover (Liquid), 1 Quart, 1 Count

Carbon-Off! Heavy Duty Carbon Remover

Formula

Sodium carbonate decahydrate (water softener), sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, and detergent. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, so it’s easy on paint and metal.

Safety;

This product will not harm any materials if used as directed and can be disposed of safely with other household waste. It can also be weakened and used as a spray cleaner.

Application of use;

Use this product to clean areas with heavy carbon buildups, such as exhaust manifolds and engine parts. Apply it with a brush or spray and wipe dry for best results.

Time required:

Allow several hours for the solution to set in and loosen the carbon before wiping it away.

Key selling points;

  • Environmentally safe, easy to use, degrade naturally, and can be used as a spray cleaner.
  • This product is effective at removing heavy carbon buildup.
Pros
  • Removes tough carbon deposits
  • Safe for all surfaces
  • Non-toxic
  • Biodegradable
  • Non-flammable
Cons
  • It may require extended exposure to the solution before it breaks down carbon deposits.

#2 Slip2000 Carbon Killer 4oz.

Slip2000 Carbon Killer 4oz

Formula:

The Slip2000 Carbon Killer was designed by a U.S Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant and is precisely engineered to remove carbon, copper, and lead fouling from the bore of firearms.

It is environmentally safe for use with plastics, wood finishes, aluminum, and steel. It also eliminates the need to use solvents or aggressive chemicals that damage cartridge cases, finishes, and synthetic stocks.

Safety:

The Slip2000 Carbon Killer is safe for all firearms. It contains no ammonia, kerosene, or harsh chemicals.

Application of use:

The Slip2000 Carbon Killer quickly loosens carbon fouling in 5-10 minutes. Use with the Slip2000 Carbon Killer Brush or with standard patches to reduce and remove all fouling. Once carbon is loosened, it can easily be brushed away without any scrubbing necessary.

Time required:

The Slip2000 Carbon Killer can be used in one step if your firearm already has a solvent carrier in the formula. If it does not, you can first use any solvent on your gun and then apply the Carbon Killer as a follow-up.

Key selling points:

  • Non-toxic
  • Environmentally safe
  • 100% soluble cleaner loosens carbon fouling better than leading competitors scrubbing required.
  • High lubricity protects moving parts against wear
  • Contains no ammonia or harsh chemicals
Pros
  • Non-toxic, environmentally safe, 100% soluble cleaner loosens carbon fouling better than leading competitors.
  • High lubricity protects moving parts against wear.
  • The Slip2000 Carbon Killer allows for applications to be completed in one step, saving time and money.
  • It has good lubricity to minimize the risk of fouling buildup.
  • The carbon killer provides performance above its price range.
Cons
  • The Slip2000 Carbon Killer is not compatible with all firearm finishes and may remove them if left on too long.

#3 Bore Tech BTCC-35016 C4 Carbon Remover

Bore Tech Rimfire Blend

Formula;

It is designed to remove caked-on carbon buildup in barrels. It is an effective solvent that can be used anywhere where there is unwanted carbon buildup.

Safety;

It does not pose any safety concerns, but one should wear eye protection when working with it. It can remove grease and oil from your hands, so rubber gloves are highly recommended. The product is also flammable, so keep away from open flames.

Application of use;

To use this product, you simply apply it to your firearm’s barrel with a cleaning patch. Work the product into the gun by rotating or spinning it, and then sit for 10-15 minutes.

After this, you should remove all of the carbon buildup using another cleaning patch soaked in Bore Tech BTCC-35016 C4 Carbon Remover, 16.

Time required:

This carbon remover takes approximately 10 minutes to work its magic, although results vary depending on the firearm being treated.

As a rule of thumb, for each hour the carbon remover is left in the barrel, it should loosen and remove approximately one round.

Key selling points:

  • Instantly removes carbon buildup from firearms
  • Removes lead and plastic residue as well (use care around plastics)
  • Will not damage metals or wood
  • Thin liquid consistency makes it easy to use in tight spaces
Pros
  • Effectively dissolves carbon residue and other materials in the barrel of a firearm
  • Doesn’t damage metals or wood, making it safe to use on modern firearms
  • One application lasts up to 100 rounds before another application is required
  • Thin consistency makes it easy to apply in tight spaces and between closely packed parts
Cons
  • Carbon remover should never come into contact with plastics or painted metals because it will damage them. If you choose this product, treat the gun only with the specialized carbon-removing device.

#4 Cleaner/Degreaser

Degreaser

Formula:

This cleaner has a potent formula that effectively removes grease and other rigid types of dirt without the risk of discoloring or damaging surfaces. This variety of ingredients makes it a strong cleaner that can be applied to virtually any surface, especially those exposed to a lot of grease and dirt.

Safety:

It is essential to exercise caution when using this cleaner because some users have reported reactions from the chemical ingredients in the formula after application, such as dryness or irritation.

Application of use:

This cleaner is applied to surfaces with a cloth or spray bottle. It can be diluted for light to heavy-duty tasks, depending on the intended result. After this product dries, it leaves behind no residue and cleans thoroughly so you can move on to the next step of your cleansing process without having to wipe the surface again.

Time required:

This cleaner/degreaser is applied and left to soak for some time, after which it should be rinsed off with water thoroughly to remove any visible residue. Depending on the dirt and grease being cleaned, it can take a few minutes to an hour for the product to work its mystic.

Key selling points:

• It is effective for cleaning just about any surface, including those exposed to a lot of grease and oil.

Pros
  • It effectively removes grease and other rigid types of dirt without damaging surfaces.
  • This variety of ingredients makes it a strong cleaner that can be applied to virtually any surface, especially those exposed to a lot of grease and dirt.
  • It is effective for cleaning just about any surface, including those exposed to a lot of grease and dirt.
  • It does not leave behind any scum after it dries, so you can move on to the next step in your cleaning process without having to wipe the surface again.
Cons
  • Some users have reported reactions from the chemical ingredients in the formula after application, such as dryness or irritation.

#5 Sea Foam SS14 Cleaner and Lube

Sea Foam SS14 Cleaner and Lube

Formula;

The formula of Sea Foam SS14 is a petroleum-based liquid with unique chemistry engineered to loosen and dissolve engine deposits. It’s the only product you need to clean and leave a protective coating for more power, more minor wear, and longer engine life.

Application;

Apply undiluted directly into the throttle body or carburetor throat. If necessary, start the engine and let it run until part(s) are thoroughly clean. Turn off the engine.

Product may also be used in crankcase, fuel system/fuel injectors, or other parts that require cleaning. Drain oil pan or fuel tank to waste after use; if the product is applied, there

Time Required;

around 15 minutes to 20 minutes

Pros
  • cleans your whole engine
  • great for boats
  • It is effective for cleaning just about any surface, including those exposed to a lot of grease and dirt.
  • good investment
  • all-around best cleaner
  • you can use it in multiple places
Cons
  • No Significant cons


#6 Piston Kleen Carbon Remover 1 Gallon

Piston Kleen Carbon Remover

Formula;

It is a carbon remover that will dissolve carbon 50 times faster than a leading gun wash. It can be used as a saturate or by brushing on your parts with a brush.

Safety;

Even though it is non-flammable and contains no CFCs, you should always read the safety data sheet before use.

Application of use:

Soak for one hour and brush off with a soft bristle toothbrush. This carbon remover is safe on aluminum, brass, or plastic.

Time required;

Soaking time is one hour, and brushing time is about 10 minutes.

Key selling points;

  • Fast-acting 50 times faster than leading gun wash
  • Dissolves the most rigid carbon, grease & grime Contains no CFC’s or harmful solvents
  • One gallon makes 8 gallons of a safe concentrate for multiple cleaning uses
Pros
  • Fast-acting 50 times faster than leading gun wash
  • Dissolves the most rigid carbon, grease & grime Contains no CFC’s or harmful solvents
  • It is effective for cleaning just about any surface, including those exposed to a lot of grease and dirt.
  • One gallon makes 8 gallons of a safe concentrate for multiple cleaning uses
Cons
  • This product is only available on special market days.

#7 WYNNS Diesel Turbo Cleaner Carbon Remover 500ml

Formula

“It is imperative to take note of this formula first before buying WYNNS Diesel Turbo Cleaner Carbon Remover 500ml. It is specifically made to remove carbon deposits and add lubrication for your car’s fuel system.”

Safety

-“WYNNS Diesel Turbo Cleaner Carbon Remover 500ml comes with a warning label, which tells you that it could be harmful if ingested or inhaled. You should avoid contact with the eyes. This is a chemical formula, so it should not be used near a naked flame or in the environs of an air intake vent.”

Application of use

“The best way to apply this product is through the oil dipstick tube. It is trifling enough for you to get past clogs and big enough to let water through easily when rinsing it off.”

Time required;

“WYNNS Diesel Turbo Cleaner Carbon Remover 500ml is a safe way to get rid of carbon buildups on any car. All you need to do is sprig the solution onto your fuel filter and let it sit there for about 30 seconds before you flush the filter with water.

It is recommended that you refill your fuel tank after using this product to make sure there is no remaining residue before starting up your engine.”

Key selling points;

  • “WYNNS Diesel Turbo Cleaner Carbon Remover 500ml is one of the most popular and highest rated products on Amazon.
  • It has a 4.5 -star ranking, with more than 700 customer reviews.”
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Dissolves the most rigid carbon, grease & grime Contains no CFC’s or harmful solvents
  • Safe for your engine and environment
  • No need for hard labor or hours of wait time!
Cons
  • People who have used the product noticed that it does not work as effectively if you leave the water hose running while rinsing off the carbon buildup. They had to use a second hose and rinse their filters thoroughly.”

#8 Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner – 20 oz.

Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus

Formula;

It is a concentrated fuel system treatment that cleans and lubricates your engine to restore lost power.

Safety;

This product may be harmful if swallowed. In case of contact,:-

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air.-

Skin: Rinse with water.-

Eyes: Bath with water for at least 15 minutes and get medicinal attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion: If swallowed, get immediate medical attention. If the victim is fully sentient, give a cupful of water or milk and get medical attention immediately.

Application;

Add 20 oz to the fuel tank when filling the tank.

Time required;

A full tank of gas will take about 15 minutes to treat.

Key selling points;

• This is a concentrated fuel system treatment that cleans and lubricates your engine to restore lost power and includes state-of-the-art cleaners with superior wetting agents and detergents.

Pros
  • works great, easy to use
  • saves you a lot of money
  • safe for your engine
Cons
  • more expensive than most other brands

#9 GKG KG Industries – KG1 Carbon Remover – 16 oz Bottle

GKG KG Industries - KG-1 Carbon Remover

Formula;

This cleaner is made from biodegradable ingredients that do not harm the environment and dissolve carbon and engine grime to help remove it. This product can be used for various other purposes, such as cleaning, degreasing, and polishing all surfaces and objects.

Procedure;

Simply fill a vessel with water, add the GKG KG Industries – KG-1 Carbon Remover, and stir to mix up its ingredients. Next, dip your brush into the bucket and soak it with the cleaner solution, then scrub away any visible grime in your engine bay or on other objects in sight. Let sit for 10 minutes before soaking out with water.

Safety;

Keep out of reach of children and pets. KG Industries – KG-1 Carbon Remover should not be consumed due to its chemical properties. If on the skin, wash off with soap and water.

Application of use;

A simple 2 step procedure using GKG KG Industries – KG-1 Carbon Remover makes cleaning your engine bay pain-free and straightforward.

Time required;

The amount of time required to clean using GKG KG Industries – KG-1 Carbon Remover is about an hour, subject to how many areas you want to cover.

Key selling points;

Biodegradable, Eco friendly, Degreasing, Cleaning, Polishing

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Works excellent on engine bays and other surfaces
  • Biodegradable, non-toxic formula.
Cons
  • Some people may not be willing to wash their hands after using the product due to its chemical properties.

#10 LAVR Cleaner Carbon from The Cylinder-Piston Group ML202 Decarbonizer Motor 0,33

LAVR Cleaner Carbon

Formula;

LAVR Cleaner Carbon comes in powder form for easy application.

Safety;

The product is non-flammable and does not contain any dangerous chemicals.

Application of use;

LAVR Cleaner Carbon should be applied to the internal combustion engine’s cylinders during regular oil changes. The carbon cleaners are added to the oil directly, which will dissolve the carbon deposits inside the machine.

Time required;

Allow at least 30 minutes for proper distribution through an entire oil change.

Key selling points;

  • LAVR Cleaner Carbon is one of the few cleaners to use hydrogen peroxide, which helps dissolve the carbon deposits removed by regular service procedures.
  • This product also provides significant increases in horsepower and torque.
  • The product also works on all types of diesel engines, turbocharged or naturally aspirated, injection systems( direct or indirect ), gasoline or natural gas.
Pros
  • LAVR Cleaner Carbon comes with a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied after using the product.
  • The product has an impressive list of testimonials that include some very high horsepower vehicles.
  • LAVR Cleaner Carbon also offers a free sample for you to try before you purchase it
Cons
  • It’s a little pricey, $59.95, and comes in a 5-pound container to treat 100 gallons of oil in a gasoline engine.

Things To Consider Before Buying

The best way to dissolve carbons is by buying a solvent that meets these criteria:

  • It should be non-toxic and can clean hoses, pipes, and other parts without damage.
  • The cleaner should have high safety standards. It should not harm your skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.
  • It should be a one-step cleaner. No need to use a different solvent for degreasing and cleaning the carbon deposits.
  • This solvent must not evaporate quickly to remove engine components for cleaning, eliminating carbon build-up, and reassembling the cylinder head.
  • The solvent should not be flammable and can dissolve carbon quickly and make the job easier.
  • It should be economical in price.
  • One last criterion for the best carbon solvent is that it must not cause discoloring on metal surfaces after use of the product has been completed.

When it comes to effectively tackling stubborn carbon deposits in engines, it is crucial to find the best carbon remover. Engine carbon cleaner plays a vital role in maintaining optimal engine performance by eliminating carbon buildup. In the quest for what dissolves carbon best, many enthusiasts turn to homemade solutions. Among those, acetone has garnered attention for its potential to dissolve carbon. However, it is important to understand how well acetone truly performs as a carbon cleaner.

While some claim that acetone does dissolve carbon effectively, it is essential to approach this claim with caution. Acetone, a powerful solvent, is known for its ability to dissolve various substances. Yet, determining its effectiveness as a carbon remover requires careful examination. To determine the best carbon cleaner, one must consider factors such as safety, compatibility with engine components, and efficiency in removing carbon deposits.

While homemade carbon removers may offer an economical solution, they may not always deliver the desired results. For those seeking a reliable and trusted carbon off cleaner, it is advisable to explore specialized products designed specifically for this purpose. These commercially available carbon removers are formulated to dissolve carbon deposits efficiently and effectively, ensuring optimal engine performance.

To summarize, when choosing the best carbon remover for engines, it is crucial to consider the efficacy of the product. While homemade options, such as acetone, may seem promising, it is important to weigh their performance against dedicated carbon cleaning solutions. Opting for a specialized carbon cleaner designed to dissolve carbon deposits ensures a safe and effective approach to maintaining engine cleanliness.

FAQs

What is the best solvent for removing carbon?

How do you choose an excellent solvent to remove carbon from your car engine? There are so many different types of chemicals and methods of removal that it can be puzzling to know which one will work best for you.

But if you have regular direct deposits, then good quality, the non-toxic solvent is generally acceptable to use. You can also use a low abrasion method like steam and hot water with a suitable detergent to dissolve the carbon gunk and wash it away thoroughly.

However, some parts of the engine only allow certain chemicals or solvents to be used, so it is essential to ask your mechanic which solvent is best suited for the job. If you are unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution, so don’t be afraid to ask.

What will happen if carbon solvents are not removed?

If you do not remove the carbon deposits built up in your car engine, it might seize entirely, and all your effort into cleaning it will be wasted. Charged engines can cost a lot of money to repair, so it’s imperative not to ignore the problem.

Carbon solvent removal will prevent your engine from seizing up and going out of use, so if you want to keep using your car, make sure you get things fixed before it is too late.

Will caustic soda remove carbon?

Caustic Soda (Sodium hydroxide) can be very dangerous if mishandled, and it should only be used by a professional that understands its hazards and how to work with it safely.

As such, we do not sell it specifically for this purpose. However, there are other safer solvents out there. If you want to remove carbon deposits on your car or motorbike, then ester solvent is preferable.

How do you remove epoxy from carbon fiber?

Using the correct solvent will help dissolve epoxy resin and release the CF fabric. The main types of solvents are ketones (MEK, methyl ethyl ketone), esters (ethyl acetate), aromatic hydrocarbons (xylene), and other solvents.

How can you separate carbon and oxygen?

Carbon is an element that you cannot remove from oxygen because they are bonded together at the atomic level, but oxygen can be removed from carbon compounds by exposure to heat or electricity.

Is carbon cleaning good for your car?

Yes, it is highly recommended because it can lead to better fuel efficiency and more power. It also makes the engine last longer, so you won’t have to do expensive repairs as often. In case you are having trouble with your car, get your mechanic to do the job for you.

Conclusion

Carbon build-up can be a real problem for your car engine. If you want to keep it running smoothly, make sure you use the best chemical to remove carbon from surfaces. The most effective solvent is acetone and should only be used with extreme caution as it is highly flammable.

Other cleaners such as turpentine or white spirit are also good alternatives but may not work on all types of surface materials, so check carefully before application! With these tips in mind, we hope that no more engines will suffer from this troublesome issue and everyone can enjoy their drive without worrying about breakdowns along the way.

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