You don’t need a lot of specialized knowledge to clean a Glock. But you do need to know how to clean a dirty Glock 17 slide—and not just in general, but specifically for your Glock 17.

There are many different variations of the Glock pistol. The standard ones that most people think of have a rough textured finish on the slide, grip, and other components. These guns are so easy to handle and maintain that they are often used by police departments, security companies, and even hunters who want an easily concealable rifle that is easy to load, clear, and reload.

What is the best way to clean a dirty Glock 17 slide?

There are three main methods for cleaning any Glock:

  • With a cleaner/solvent like Hoppes.
  • With a degreaser like Break Clean.
  • With a vinegar/water solution.

The solvents and degreasers are much more aggressive than the vinegar solution, so they will generally do a better job of cleaning the gun. However, they are also much more likely to strip some of the coatings of your Glock. The vinegar solution is less likely to damage the coating, but it’s not as effective at cleaning the gun. So, to summarize: the solvents and degreasers are better at cleaning the gun, and the vinegar is better at protecting the gun.

Glock 17 (Image by Romano Perez from Pixabay)
Glock 17 (Image by Romano Perez from Pixabay)

How to Clean a Dirty Glock 17 Slide with Brake Cleaner

Brake cleaner is a chemical solvent designed to clean off the nasty buildup that can build up on the inside of a car’s engine. It’s pretty rough stuff, but it will clean off a dirty Glock 17 slide pretty well.

When cleaning the slide with brake cleaner, make sure that you cover your hands and any other exposed parts of your body. Remember, if any cleaner gets on your skin, it can cause chemical burns.

First, remove any magazine in the gun and make sure the chamber is clear. Next, pour a small amount of brake cleaner on an old rag. Rub the rag on the slide and other parts of the gun that might have buildup on them. Use a new section of the rag for the frame, the back of the slide, and any other parts that are particularly sensitive to chemicals. You might have to use a toothbrush to scrub the nooks and crannies of the slide.