Powerful AF: GUNK Launches Acetone-Free Brake Cleaner Ahead of EPA's PCE Phase-Out

CLEVELAND, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GUNK®, makers of the toughest cleaners and degreasers on the planet for over 60 years, today introduced GUNK Acetone-Free Brake Parts Cleaner, a proprietary solvent technology that out-cleans the leading competitor by 70 percent in internal laboratory testing*. The product delivers strong cleaning power in a formula that is 49-state compliant.

The EPA is banning the sale of perchloroethylene (PCE) in consumer products, including chlorinated brake cleaners, beginning in early 2027. This creates a major shift in the category. PCE is the solvent behind many of the best-known chlorinated brake cleaners, and as it is restricted, those products will leave the market. Many states already restrict high-VOC and chlorinated brake cleaners, creating growing demand for compliant solutions. GUNK Acetone-Free Brake Parts Cleaner is 49-state compliant and a proven alternative to soon-to-be-banned chlorinated options.

GUNK Acetone-Free Brake Parts Cleaner dissolves brake dust, grease, oil and fluid from brake pads, rotors, calipers and C.V. joint assemblies without disassembly. Key features include:

• Maximum cleaning power: Powerful AF. Proprietary Advanced Solvent Technology with Turbo Spray out-cleans leading non-chlorinated cleaners by 70 percent*, cutting brake fluid, grease and oil in a single pass with no disassembly, so jobs get done faster and parts come clean the first time.
• Acetone-free, safe on modern brakes: Safe on most plastics, rubber, seals, painted surfaces and ABS sensors in today's brake assemblies, preventing inadvertent damage and comebacks.
• Turbo Spray: A stronger, targeted stream for faster, more efficient cleaning.
• Fast drying, no residue: Evaporates fast and leaves no residue, so parts are ready for reassembly quickly and book rate billing is protected.
• Low-VOC, 49-state compliant: A low-VOC formula compliant in 49 states (California excepted), built for tightening regulations.

GUNK Brake Parts Cleaner offers a complete lineup designed to meet state regulations, now available in both acetone-free and non-chlorinated formulas, with compliant options in all 50 states.

"Our goal was to solve a problem for the industry by delivering a new product formula that meets the most demanding environmental regulations and still cleans the way technicians expect," said Tad Schimmelpfennig, Chief Executive Officer of GUNK. "We believe it moves the category forward without asking anyone to compromise on results."

GUNK Acetone-Free Brake Parts Cleaner (14 oz and 19 oz) is available now at major retailers, online and in-store. For product details, technical data and safety information, visit GUNK.com.

*Based on internal testing by the makers of GUNK® (6/2026). Controlled lab results; actual results may vary. Comparisons limited to tested products. Testing data available upon request.

About B'laster Holdings LLC

GUNK is part of the B'laster Holdings family of brands. Headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, B'laster Holdings is a chemical manufacturer with a legacy dating to 1957 and the invention of PB B'laster®, the #1-selling penetrant. Today the company develops professional-grade and do-it-yourself automotive and maintenance products across categories that include penetrants, lubricants, cleaners and degreasers, solvents and removers, grease and protectants, tire sealants and coatings, and refrigerants. Its portfolio of trusted brands includes B'laster®, GUNK®, Liquid Wrench®, Titeseal®, AC Avalanche®, Casite® and OxiClean™. For more information, visit blasterholdings.com.

The OXICLEAN trademark is owned by Church & Dwight Co., Inc., and is used by B'laster Holdings under license.

SOURCE B'laster Holdings