Quick Answer: Best Catalytic Converter Cleaner
If you want to help the environment, as well as your vehicle’s catalytic converter, you should use a catalytic converter cleaner to clean it.
Even if there is no current issue with your vehicle’s catalytic converter, you should clean it several times a year. In addition, if you are in the process of taking an emission test, cleaning the catalytic converter prior to the test would be a good idea.
This is where catalytic converter cleaners come into play. Thus, we have compiled a list of the best catalytic converter cleaners available out there. In this post, we are going to review each of them and will share a detailed buying guide as well.
Best Catalytic Converter Cleaner
Best Catalytic Converter Cleaner – Reviews
Review of Motorkote Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment Emissions Control Catalytic Cleaner
This Motorkote catalytic and exhaust cleaner comes in a 16 fl oz. or 473 ml bottle. You also have the option to buy a 6-pack package, if you need more. It is very easy to use. You will need to use it when the warning light is activated. You may also use it before replacing your vehicle’s catalytic converter.
It doesn’t only clean the catalytic converter, it also cleans out the oxygen sensor, and the formula will lower tailpipe emissions. This product is made in the USA. Thanks to its advanced formula, it will also help to reduce the zinc and phosphorus retention levels at the catalyst inlet. Furthermore, this cleaner will protect the catalytic system from oil poisons.
You can add the full bottle to 16 gallons of fuel. Alternatively, you can add 1 oz. per gallon. It will last up to 7000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). You can use this on all gasoline engines without any problem. On top of that, you will be pleased to know that it will help you pass the emissions test.
What Previous Buyers Said?
Former buyers of this catalytic cleaner have praised its price to performance ratio. All users mentioned that it works, and some customers have used it for the ‘P0420 Catalytic Converter Code’. It worked successfully. Overall, they are saying this is one of the best catalytic converter cleaners for the price.
Pros:
- It can reduce zinc and phosphorus retention levels
- Available as multi-pack
- Affordable
- Tackles oil poisons and clean out the oxygen sensor
Cons:
- Only 16 fl. oz. in each bottle
Review of Red Line (60103) Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner
The Red Line fuel system cleaner comes with a unique blend of high and low temp detergents. As a result, you can use it to clean up even the most stubborn buildup within the catalytic system. This cleaner is perfect for preventing and cleaning corrosion in the fuel system.
It also enhances the gasoline stability, which helps in efficient fuel burn. It doesn’t only clean the catalytic converters, it also cleans the valve, carburetors, injectors, and combustion chamber deposits.
This cleaner is very easy to use. It comes in a 15-ounce bottle. You can use 1 bottle per tank. Also, it is suggested to use this every 3000 miles. It also contains synthetic upper cylinder lubricant and is suitable for oxygenated fuel. This cleaner is intended to be used for gasoline and petrol engines.
What Previous Buyers Said?
This is a fan-favorite catalytic fuel system cleaner. Most previous buyers have left positive feedback for the Red Line. They say it works perfectly, and some of them even passed the emissions test using this cleaner.
Pros:
- Available in multi-pack package
- Reduces the need for octane by up to 2 points
- Cleans all types of fuel injectors
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Review of Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer
The Royal Purple Max-Clean fuel system cleaner and stabilizer is a 3-in-1 fuel additive. It doesn’t only keep the catalytic converter system clean, but it also improves the performance of your vehicle. For instance, it can improve your vehicle’s fuel economy up to 3.2 percent, on average.
At the same time, this formula can also increase the horsepower by 2.6 percent, on average. You can use it in both gasoline and diesel engines. It is also recommended for all ethanol blends and both 4-cycle and 2-cycle engines. As per the manufacturer, you should use it every 10,000 miles.
Each bottle contains 20 oz. of cleaner, and it can treat up to 20 gallons. This particular fuel system cleaner and stabilizer has a lot of benefits. For example, it prevents premature spark plug fouling, stalling, roughly, engine knocking, etc.
On top of that, it stabilizes fuel during storage and off-season. Interestingly, this cleaner can reduce NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions on average from 12 to 18 percent. Overall, this could be a great choice if you want to keep the catalytic converters clean without spending too much.
What Previous Buyers Said?
According to previous buyers, Royal Purple is one of the best catalytic converter cleaners out there. They have stated that it also improved the fuel economy of their vehicle, while other customers mentioned that this fuel system cleaner was very easy to use and the cost was extremely affordable.
Pros:
- Big bottle
- Improves fuel economy
- Reduces hydrocarbon and CO emissions
Cons:
- Nothing major to mentionLimited compatibility
Review of LUCAS LUC10013 10013 Fuel Treatment
If you are looking for a top-notch fuel system treatment for cleaning your catalytic converter without breaking the bank, then you should keep this LUCAS on your list. Its formula is suitable for both diesel and gasoline fuel and it comes in a 1-gallon bottle.
Each of these bottles can treat up to 400 gallons of fuel. This can work as a fuel conditioner and injector cleaner as well. Another great feature is that it can neutralize poor-quality fuel. Normally, a dirty fuel system is responsible for a buggy catalytic converter system.
As you can see, this will treat issues with a dirty fuel system and it is designed to provide solutions to the issue of cleaning the catalytic converter from the source. All in all, the LUCAS could be a great deal if you are looking for a large amount of fuel treatment cleaner at a very reasonable price.
What Previous Buyers Said?
Former buyers are pleased with its performance. They have said that they were surprised by the low price and yet high quality. Moreover, as it comes in a bigger bottle, it can be used more than a few times when necessary. Some buyers even mentioned that this is one of the best catalytic converter cleaners because of its effectiveness and low price.
The YTX14-BS iGel Powersport battery from ‘Chrome Battery’ comes with an affordable price. However, it packs a lot of advanced features. For instance, it has a LED display built-in.
Pros:
- Can go with diesel or gasoline fuel
- Great price to performance ratio
- Fuel saver
Cons:
- Nothing major to mentionLimited compatibility
Review of Liqui Moly 2007 Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner
If you are looking for a gasoline-specific fuel injection converter catalytic cleaner, then this should be on your list. The Liqui Moly fuel system injection cleaner comes in a 300 ml can. It is made in Germany, so you can rely on its quality.
This fuel system cleaner comes with a lot of benefits. For example, it will help eliminate any types of stalling and starting issues, or even hesitation. It will also smoothen idling, and you will like that it improves the throttle response.
Like any other good quality catalytic converter cleaner, it will also clean the carbon deposits from the fuel pipes, inlet valves, fuel distributors, etc. Along with that, it will also lower the pollution and carbon emissions from your vehicle. Another great thing about this cleaner is that it can help improve fuel efficiency and the performance of the engine.
What Previous Buyers Said?
Most previous buyers admired the performance and effectiveness of this injection cleaner in cleaning catalytic converters. They have said that it was very easy to use, and that it made their vehicle’s engine smoother and more powerful.
Pros:
- Reduces the emission of CO2
- Keeps intake valves clean
- Improves fuel efficiency
- Reduces exhaust pollution
Cons:
- A very small amount in each can
- Only compatible with gasoline
Review of Rislone 4747 Super Concentrated Octane Booster
The Rislone super concentrated octane booster comes in a 177 ml or 6 fl oz. bottle. However, you can also buy a 12-pack package. One bottle can treat up to 20 gallons of fuel. Speaking of fuel, it can work with gasoline, E10 E15 E85 Ethanol, and even racing fuels without any issues.
Due to the Antiknock formulation, this octane booster can stop engine pings and knocks. It will not harm the oxygen sensor, and the super-concentrated octane booster will restore lost horsepower. So, if you want to give your vehicle a quick boost without hurting your wallet, this could be one of the best options out there.
What Previous Buyers Said?
Almost all past buyers of this octane booster have admired the quality and effectiveness. However, a few customers complained about the quantity. Other than that, everybody is recommending the Rislone if you want to improve the performance of your vehicle.
Pros:
- Bottle with nozzle makes it easy to be poured into all types of fuel tanks
- Improves fuel economy and engine performance
- Suitable with gasoline, E10 E15 E85 Ethanol
Cons:
- Very small can
Review of Cataclean 120007 Complete Engine
The Cataclean is one of the most popular catalytic converter cleaners on our list. This one comes in a bottle of 473 ml. According to several independent testing in labs, it is proven that this Cataclean exhaust system cleaner can lower hydrocarbon emissions by up to 50%.
In addition, it can remedy various types of issues like rough idle, power reduction, hard starts, hesitation, etc. Along with that, it also helps in improving fuel efficiency. This catalytic converter cleaner is suitable for use with diesel, gasoline, hybrid, and flex-fuel vehicles. Now, the best part is that it doesn’t alter fuel.
Another cool feature of this product is that it will prevent deposits from clogging the catalytic converter system in the future. Matter of fact, it also helps in passing the emissions test. If you want to keep the catalytic converters, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, and cylinder heads clean, this could be a top pick for you.
What Previous Buyers Said?
Many customers are recommending the Cataclean as one of the best catalytic converter cleaners out there. They are saying that if it is compatible with your vehicle, then you should not hesitate to get it. It offers a real performance boost to the engine and also helps in cleaning catalytic converter systems. As per the previous users, this is worth the money.
Pros:
- Reduces the risk of DPF clogging
- Improves fuel efficiency
- Reduces carbon emissions
- Improves the performance of your vehicle
- Suitable with various types of fuels
Cons:
- Not suitable for 2-stroke or oil/gas mix engines
Review of HYBRID OXICAT
We are finishing up the reviews with the Hybrid Oxicat. This catalytic converter cleaner is made in Germany. Each of the cans contains only 250 ml of cleaner. However, it is a very powerful formula and can clean up the catalytic converter, lambda sensor, oxygen sensor, turbocharger, and more, with ease.
Along with that, it can help you remedy the ‘Check Engine’ light warning on your vehicle. Plus, you will also appreciate that it offers protection against environmental pollution by reducing carbon emission. The existing carbon residue will be removed from the entire exhaust system by this product, as well.
The Hybrid Oxicat catalytic converter cleaner can solve serious issues like knocking, stalling, hard start, etc. It also increases fuel efficiency. To be noted, it is suitable to be used only in hybrid fuel vehicles. If that is not an issue for you, you can pick this catalytic converter cleaner without hesitation.
What Previous Buyers Said?
Many customers have liked this product. They have mentioned that it really cleans up the entire exhaust and emission system and that it is very easy to use. So, you can definitely get this one if you are looking for a top-rated catalytic converter cleaner.
Pros:
- Suitable for petrol and diesel engines
- Saves fuel
- Improves the performance of the engine
- Helps prevent exhaust and emission-related issues
Cons:
- Small can
Buying Guide – Best Catalytic Converter Cleaner
Do Catalytic Converter Cleaners Actually Work?
Yes. Typically, catalytic converter cleaners actually work. However, you have to remember that they will work only if the cat converter system is dirty or if the exhaust track has started to acquire carbon buildups. If your catalytic converter system is damaged, then it will not be able to revive the system. Rather, a catalytic converter cleaner can easily clean up a dirty catalytic converter system.
Can a Clogged Catalytic Converter Be Cleaned?
Definitely. In fact, it is very straightforward to clean a clogged-up catalytic converter. In this case, you will only need a high-end catalytic converter cleaner at your disposal. If you have used the product according to the instructions, the clogged catalytic converter of your traveling vehicle would be cleaned.
Does Premium Gas Clean Catalytic Converter?
Generally, premium gas can be a good option for the catalytic converter. However, it doesn’t clean the cat converter system on its own.
Is There a Fuel Additive That Will Help Clean The Catalytic Converter?
Yes, there are a whole lot of fuel additives or catalytic converter cleaners which can clean the catalytic converter. Above, we have already talked about 8 of the best catalytic converter cleaners. You can start using any that meet your requirements.
What Causes Catalytic Converter Problems?
Simply put, issues with the catalytic converter start to appear when your vehicle is running ‘rich’ (if the air-fuel mixture has more fuel than it requires). In that case, that unburnt fuel will start to emit carbon or other types of harmful chemicals.
The catalytic converter tries to capture and convert them into less harmful chemicals. But in the process, a lot of carbon deposits start to clog up the catalytic converter. That’s when the problems related to the catalytic converter begin to rise.
When to Use Catalytic Converter Cleaner?
You should use a catalytic converter cleaner if you find that the catalytic converter of your vehicle has become dirty. There are a few tricks to find that out. For example, if you notice any rotten egg smell appearing from your exhaust system, or if you have found that fuel efficiency has worsened.
You might also notice that the overall performance of your vehicle has decreased. Along with that, it can start to show various issues like hard start, stalling, power reduction, engine knocking, etc. These are the indications that you will need to use a catalytic converter cleaner.
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Benefits of Using Catalytic Converter Cleaner
There are a lot of benefits of using catalytic converter cleaners. Here are a few of them…
Fighting Smells
All of us are familiar with the famous rotten egg smell from the engine of our vehicle. Typically, the source of this rotten egg smell is a chemical compound known as Hydrogen Sulfide. Every vehicle would have this foul smell. However, you can get rid of it by using a catalytic converter cleaner.
Improving Performance of the Vehicle
If you don’t clean the catalytic converter, various residuals will start to build up inside the entire exhaust system. This is not good for the performance of your vehicle and you will gradually find that the vehicle starts to show different kinds of exhaust related issues, like stalling, hard start, knocking, rough idle, hesitation, etc.
The simplest solution to all these issues is to use a high-quality catalytic converter cleaner. You can use some of the best catalytic converter cleaners if you want to improve the overall performance of your vehicle.
Money Saver
Of course, you will need to spend a few bucks to get a new bottle of catalytic converter cleaner. However, if you think it through, then you will see that in return you are saving a lot of cash. How? It is really simple. For instance, if you keep your vehicle’s engine, catalytic converter, the entire exhaust system, and etc. in their best form, you will save a lot of fuel.
This will translate into saving a lot more cash in the long run, which could ultimately be needed for those additional fuels. In addition, there are a few other ways a high-quality catalytic converter cleaner can save you money.
Lower Carbon Emission Levels
Day by day, your vehicle emits dangerous chemicals like carbon, hydrocarbons, carbon-di-oxide, etc. in the environment. However, catalytic converter cleaners can reduce these types of harmful gas emissions to a great extent.
Catalytic converter cleaners can easily clean up any type of deposits that are clogging up the cat converter system. In addition, some special catalytic converter cleaners can also prevent these deposits from building up again.
Pass Emission Tests
If your catalytic converter system is clogged up or if there are any deposits built up in the exhaust track, you will not pass the emissions test. If you are noticing the ‘Service Engine’ warning light flashing on your vehicle, then it will be impossible to pass the emissions test.
Now, the best solution for passing the emission test as quickly as possible is to clean the cat converter system. That means using a premium catalytic converter cleaner.
Wrap Up – Best Catalytic Converter Cleaner
There is an abundance of catalytic converter cleaners in the market. As a result, it becomes a bit difficult to find the perfect match for your vehicle. But we know that you should use a good quality catalytic converter cleaner for the best performance. Due to that fact, we have already reviewed some of the best catalytic converter cleaners you can buy right now. All of these are of top-quality.
However, in our opinion, the best option would be the LUCAS LUC10013 10013 Fuel Treatment, because it is a very effective catalytic converter cleaner. You are getting a large amount for a very low price. Or, you can go with the Cataclean 120007 Complete Cleaner, as it is yet another high-performance cleaner. It is compatible with several types of fuels, so going with this product is a strong option as well. In the end, it is up to you to choose the one that suits you the most.
