Cleaning brass brushes

[HealthyGunz]

Obviously, my gun cleaning kit contains brass brushes. They are starting to get pretty dirty so I'm wondering how to clean them because I'm sure that a metal brush needs different care than a nylon brush. Is soap and water still OK or should I apply some type of electronic contact cleaner or what? What do you aggitate with? Thanks.

[Divernhunter]

Brake clean spray and an old towel works for me. Also do not forget to replace them when they get worn down. There are places where you can buy them(as well as stainless steel and plastic) ones fairly cheap by the dozen or such. That is what I do to save cash over paying much more when just buying one at a time.

[ThortheDog]

Brake clean spray is what I use also. After cleaning my guns, I clean the inside of the barrel with a shot, then give the brush a shot.

[dvsdev]

What's a good brand for brake cleaner?

[ThortheDog]

I've been using Outers Crud Cutter, but I expect others are probably as good.

It's really a degreaser that removes residue after cleaning. I have heard others say that automotive brake cleaner is the same thing. Don't know, haven't tried it, but I would not be surprised.

[odysseus]

A strong solvent soak and a wiping should do it. If it is gunked up so much this doesn't do it, I would replace with a fresh one.

[Tanner68]

Another vote for break cleaner.

Don't toss them when they get worn down. Wrap a patch around them and use them instead of a jag.

[chim-chim7]

I never clean them. When they get dirty enough to clean I toss them in the trash and open a new one. The bristles break down over repeated use and nothing cleans like a new brush.

[jeffsenpai]

Dishwasher. Dont tell the wife

[RandyD]

I don't clean my cleaning equipment lol

[smle-man]

Don't use Hoppes #9 on it or any other solvent that goes after copper - it will eat up bronze brushes!

[Turbinator]

Dishwasher. Dont tell the wife

All jokes aside, don't clean your gun stuff in the dishwasher. There is a chance the lead residue, whether it be from your projectiles or from the primers, will eventually transfer to your dishes if you use the dishwasher for dishes at all. From there, the lead gets into your system.

When I clean my bores, I use an old sock, and I roll the freshly dirtied brush around in the sock. This helps soak up a bit of the residue and helps keep the brushes clean enough.

Turby

[kazman]

My brass brushes usually get all bent and clean less effectively before they get too dirty. I try to straighten them back up.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

What's a good brand for brake cleaner?

Walmart stores are illegal in my town so I can't verify this, but there are tons of posts on various gun forums saying that Walmart sells a super cheap brand of non-chlorinated brake cleaner that works really well on the metal parts of guns and bronze brushes. I just use the green can of CRC Brakleen from the auto parts store. It's just like Gunscrubber but half the price. The Walmart stuff is even cheaper.

Keep it away from plastic gun parts. One of the grips on my Ruger MkII has gray splotches on it from coming into contact with Gunscrubber and brake cleaner.