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Last Updated on May 18, 2022
Modern vehicles and trucks, thanks to computers, sensors, and other high-tech innovations, run better than ever before and require less maintenance than ever before, but that doesn’t mean they never require attention. Your engine has parts that need to be maintained and cleaned over time, and one of the most likely to require cleaning is your throttle body. Because it’s at the end of what happens when you push the gas pedal, it’s also one of the most crucial moving elements in your engine.
But you can’t just clean this sensitive electronically-controlled engine part with a degreaser and a brush. To accomplish the job properly, you’ll need a throttle body cleaning.
When looking for the best throttle body cleaner to buy, it’s important to understand what the cleaner’s purpose is in your vehicle. The throttle body serves an essential role in the longevity of your air intake system as well as the airflow within your vehicle. The throttle body in modern cars regulates the quantity of air going to the engine in order for it to perform correctly.
Best Throttle Body Cleaners
I have reviewed the best throttle body cleaner, so you can buy a strong, cost-effective cleaner and improve the engine performance of your automobile. The products listed here have been tried, tested, and reviewed to ensure you have no problem in the future.
Gunk M4814/6 Chlorinated Carburetor Parts Cleaner

Gunk is a fluid that cleans the dirt, debris, filth, and pollutants that have accumulated on the car’s metal and plastic. This product is easy to clean because it is chlorinated, leaving little residue and wiping cleanly.
User feedback
One consumer said they’ve been using Gunk’s carburetor cleaning on both cars and motorbikes for years. It’s especially useful for cleaning out the debris left in today’s carburetors and injectors by ethyl gasoline. Almost all reviewers agree that the cleanser works well, turning gunk and filth into liquid on contact and allowing the grime to simply drip off.
My verdict of the product
The product ratings reveal a lot about brand loyalty and quality performance, from cleaning efficacy to customer satisfaction components. It’s virtually a one-stop shop for automotive needs, so whether you need to clean anything from a carburetor to your grandson’s bike chain, this is the stuff to get.
Pros
- High quality
- Removes gum and varnish
- Cleans most surfaces
Cons
- Costly
Johnsen’s 4642NC-12PK Non-VOC Compliant Carburetor Cleaner

Johnsen’s was created specifically for current automobiles and luxury systems, which can be harmed and destroyed by older and more traditional products designed for carbureted engines rather than fuel injected engines. For ease of use and efficiency, this throttle body cleaner has a 360-degree spray valve. It effectively cleans the carburetor, linkage, PCV valves, automatic choke, and air intake of varnish, sludge, and other deposits.
User feedback
Many customers consider this product an ‘above average cleaner’ which ticks all the boxes of cleaning the throttle body and removes all sorts of varnish and stubborn deposits of grime. The users also praise the high quality product as well its timely delivery as well as the price.
My verdict of the product
This throttle cleaner comes highly recommended for maintaining the health of the throttle body for better and enhanced performance of automobiles. Be sure to use this product on the automobile with open doors or in an open area with full ventilation as the smell can be strong for some people.
Pros
- Removes chokes and sludge
- Improves engine and air intake
- Fast action
Cons
- Strong smell
Gumout 510021 Fuel Injector & Carburetor Cleaner

Even though most spray cleaners need you to remove a large portion of the car’s interior mechanics, which can add to labour time and expenses, these cleaners can be highly successful at removing built-up trash. Gumout eliminates this by being directly injected into your fuel tank, unlike most spray cleaners, which require you to manually apply the throttle body cleaning. This could be the best throttle body cleaner for vehicles with over 30k miles, despite not being as effective as a conventional throttle body cleaning.
User feedback
All the consumers mention that this throttle cleaner prevents deposits from accumulating on port/indirect fuel injectors, carburetors, intake valves, and ports, as well as potential carbon buildup. Furthermore, it improves performance and fuel efficiency while lowering pollutants. It is safe to use in turbocharged and supercharged automobiles with oxygen sensors.
My verdict of the product
This product is recommended since it improves sluggish performance and cleans the inside of the carburetor. Improves engine performance by removing any chokes that may exist inside the throttle body. It’s also cost-effective and prevents you from overspending in the future.
Pros
- Improves fuel efficiency
- Lowers pollutants
- Cost-efficient
Cons
- None
3M Throttle Plate and Carb Cleaner

3M is a wonderful all-around and versatile solution for various sorts of engines, as it can be used on both carbureted engines and throttle bodies. The bottle has a spray handle that can be used to spray the cleaner from any angle, making it an effective and safe option for catalytic converters. It could be considered one of the best throttle body cleaners because of its versatility.
User feedback
This product cleans and lubricates throttle bodies and carburetor components, according to users. Furthermore, it eliminates residue to improve engine performance. One customer likes the nozzle function, which allows cleaner to be dispensed while the container is held upside down. In addition, the ergonomic trigger gives you complete control.
My verdict of the product
Overall, it’s a great brand, and customers say the product delivers on its promises. It’s a high-quality product that will provide you tangible results. It’s also worth noting that this throttle body cleaning is designed for industrial use only. For better engine and air intake performance, I definitely recommend it.
Pros
- Best value
- Efficient performance and gunk removal
Cons
- Expensive
Genuine Chrysler Accessories 4897156AC Throttle Body Cleaner

This throttle body cleaner, designed specifically for Chrysler automobiles, successfully prevents varnish from clogging valves, dirt from forming in hoses, and debris from accumulating in the connecting seals. If you have a Chrysler vehicle, this sort of throttle body cleaner may be the greatest alternative for you, but it is still not the most cost-effective solution for budget-conscious car owners.
User feedback
The cleaner is precisely developed and meets CARB automobile product VOC regulations, according to the customers. It aids in the removal of combustion chamber deposits while also restoring performance. One customer claims that it successfully prevents fuel system varnish because it is a genuine OEM Chrysler fluid. The users also mentioned that they felt comfortable using this product due to it being safe on metal and plastic bodies alike.
My verdict of the product
If you have a Chrysler and wish to clean the throttle body, this is an absolute requirement. You could harm yourself if you do anything else. This is designed exclusively for Chryslers.
Pros
- Prevents fuel system varnish
- Fixes sluggish throttle response
Cons
- none
Buying Guide
Because carburetors require specific liquids and solutions to remove filth and dust from the bores, such as powerful solvents and other throttle body cleaners, you’ll need a fluid that dissolves quickly when the fuel is added to the engine. Furthermore, you must use a particular fluid to clear the debris and pollutants from the throttle body. Some of the best throttle body cleaners include carburetor and throttle body cleaners.
To do so, take the following factors into account when selecting the best throttle body cleaners:
Purpose
What type of dirt and impurities do you need to get rid of? This is the purpose of the carburetor. If an inspection of the throttle body reveals that a certain type of throttle body cleaner is required, you must first remove any varnish or carbon. These contaminants, such as gum and varnish, adhere to the throttle body and carburetors. This implies that you must examine the function and contents of the liquid before deciding on the best throttle body cleaning for you.
Engine friendly
When creating the best throttle body cleaner for your car, make sure to keep the following in mind. Make sure it doesn’t have any detrimental effects on the rest of the engine. If you buy a throttle body cleaner that has a detrimental impact on other sections of the engine, such as the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors, you might not be getting the ideal throttle body cleaner.
Effectiveness
The main goal and function of the throttle body cleaner in your car is to improve the quality and performance of your engine while also extending its life. Both the carburetor and the throttle body cleaner must work together to keep dangerous engine pollutants from harming other elements of the engine while also increasing its power and performance.
User-Friendliness
Carburetor and throttle body cleaners are often available in a variety of formats, including sprays and fuel additives. Using a spray may appear to be easier, but you must access the carburetor from a variety of angles, which may need the removal of other parts. Furthermore, this spray additive necessitates the removal of air filters, hoses, and other engine components, which may necessitate additional effort, time, and money.
This list is specially formulated to showcase the best throttle body cleaner for all your automobile, engine concerns and needs, so you make a better-informed buying decision.
FAQs
Is it possible to use this product to clean the throttle body of a car?
On a carb, it can clean anything, including the body.
Is this a solvent with a high flash point?
According to the material data sheet at Gunk, it has no flash point. Despite this, it is still combustible.
How often should I apply this to keep the engine running smoothly?
It can be utilised within a two-season range. Simply pour three or four caps of gumout into your mower’s tank and wait for it to tune itself up.