US automotive chemicals brand GUNK has launched an acetone-free brake parts cleaner aerosol, aimed at replacing chlorinated products that will be withdrawn from the consumer market under a forthcoming US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ban.
GUNK, owned by Cleveland-based B’laster Holdings, said the new product uses a proprietary solvent technology and a low-VOC formula that complies with regulations in 49 US states, excluding California.
The launch comes as the EPA prepares to ban the sale of perchloroethylene (PCE) in consumer products, including chlorinated brake cleaners, from early 2027. PCE is the solvent behind many established chlorinated brake cleaners. Several states already restrict high-VOC and chlorinated brake cleaners, driving demand for compliant alternatives.
The aerosol is designed to remove brake dust, grease, oil and brake fluid from pads, rotors, calipers and CV joint assemblies without disassembly. GUNK says the formula is safe on most plastics, rubber, seals, painted surfaces and ABS sensors found in modern brake systems. It evaporates quickly and leaves no residue. The can uses what GUNK calls a Turbo Spray actuator to deliver a stronger, more targeted stream.
In internal laboratory testing carried out in June 2026, GUNK said the formula outperformed the leading non-chlorinated competitor by 70%. The company said the results were based on controlled tests of selected products and that its data is available on request.
The acetone-free cleaner joins GUNK’s existing non-chlorinated brake cleaner range, which the company says gives it compliant options in all 50 states.
Tad Schimmelpfennig, CEO of GUNK, said the aim had been to develop a formula that met the strictest environmental regulations while still cleaning the way technicians expect. He said he believed it moved the category forward without compromising on results.
