What Is VOC in Brake Cleaner? Understanding Compliance and Performance

Cleaning most exterior parts of a vehicle is a fairly straightforward affair. Modern car wash chemicals are formulated to prevent environmental damage while providing the cleaning power and sensory experience that customers expect from your business. However, products used for cleaning brakes contain chemicals that can harm your employees, customers waiting for their vehicles, and the environment around you. 

Choosing the right brake cleaner based on VOC content will keep everyone safe, while also helping you avoid costly fines for violating EPA and OSHA regulations. Use our guide to selecting compliant cleaning solutions to stay on the right side of the rules, no matter what type of car wash you operate.

Understanding VOCs in Brake Cleaners

If you’re asking, “What is VOC in brake cleaner?” you’re not alone. The term VOC stands for volatile organic compound, and it’s hardly limited to brake cleaners. Almost every product, manufactured or natural, with a strong smell has a good chance of releasing VOCs. The brake cleaner VOC problem involves potential damage to human and environmental health from unregulated release. In the past, break cleaners relied on strong solvents that were effective at stripping hardened and sticky deposits—but that were also quite hazardous when inhaled. Not addressing these deposits not only gives the wheels a dark and discolored look, but it also reduces the effectiveness of the brakes when stopping. Chlorinated brake cleaners are still comprised of perchloroethylene (perc), methylene chloride (MeCl), and trichloroethylene (TCE), which are all considered hazardous VOCs.

Regulatory Standards for VOCs

Environmental regulations involving brake cleaners tend to start at the state level, with the majority of regulations occurring at the local and county level. Federal regulations regarding exposure to VOCs from brake cleaner are more common, with a number of rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to limit employee exposure. Even if there aren’t any specific regulations in your state regarding customer exposure to VOCs, you open yourself up to lawsuits if there’s any risk. Knowing all of the regulations that apply to you (and whether low- or no-VOC products are required) is your responsibility as the business owner, and every car wash business is under different regulations depending on the type of services you offer.

Effects of VOCs on Health and Environment

Some VOCs have little to no negative effect on health, but most of them are known for causing everything from lung irritation to increased cancer risk. Even short-term exposure to some of the VOCs in brake cleaners is known to lead to:

• Irritation and damage to the eyes and upper respiratory system
• Dizziness, headaches, and falls due to loss of coordination
• Nausea

Damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, and brain can occur with long-term exposure. There is also a risk of cancer associated with the VOC benzene in particular. [https://www.benzenelawyers.com/benzene-in-brake-cleaner] 

When brake cleaner is released into the environment through a spill, it lingers in the soil for years and is harmful to all forms of aquatic life. It’s essential to choose low-VOC or non-chlorinated brake cleaners whenever possible to improve the safety of your car wash.

Chlorinated vs Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Shopping around for high-VOC vs low-VOC brake cleaner can leave you feeling a little confused. Most products on the market today are low in VOCs, but few are entirely non-chlorinated. Even if high-VOC products aren't restricted by local regulations, it's not always easy to find them because of falling demand across the industry. Explore both options and how they differ to decide which is right for your business.

Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Chlorinated brake cleaners are available in both high-VOC and low-VOC formulations. Both contain at least some amount of powerful chlorinated solvents like methylene chloride to help lift heat-hardened brake fluid. For the most stubborn deposits, only a high-VOC brake cleaner will do. If car washes aren’t allowed to use this kind of product in your area, leave it up to the mechanic’s shop and stick to low- and no-VOC cleaners. You can still provide your customers with cleaner wheels and brakes without risking the fines and fees that come with violations.

Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Low-VOC or no-VOC brake cleaners are more widely available, although truly non-chlorinated brake cleaners can be hard to source in some areas. These cleaners can’t tackle the stubborn stains that advanced solvents will penetrate and lift, but they offer most of the same cleaning power with less risk. It’s a better choice for most car washes offering wheel and undercarriage services due to the lower chance of violating regulations regarding hazardous VOCs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does VOC mean on brake cleaner?

The acronym stands for volatile organic compound, one of many potentially hazardous compounds used for its solvent cleaning power.

What is 45% VOC brake cleaner?

45% VOC brake cleaner is generally the maximum limit you’ll find sold in most areas. While there are higher VOC formulations, they’re generally limited for sale to registered customers with state approval. Low-VOC formulations tend to contain 10% or less.

Which is better, chlorinated or non-chlorinated brake cleaner?

Chlorinated brake cleaner may offer better stain and varnish lifting power, but it's far riskier to both human and environmental health. Non-chlorinated brake cleaners are recommended, especially for car washes where repairs are rarely performed.

How To Choose VOC-Compliant Products

Most regulations requiring low-VOC brake cleaner call for products rated as 10% VOC or less. Check the can or container to determine the exact VOC level rather than relying on terms like "no-VOC" or "low-VOC" alone. If your local regulations or state requirements call for truly 0% VOC, you’ll need a product that guarantees that formulation through testing.

Find VOC-Compliant Products at AP Formulators

AP Formulators is ready to help you find the brake cleaning products that will please your car wash customers. Our low-VOC and no-VOC products provide the stain-lifting power you need—while keeping you on the right side of environmental and health regulations. Contact us today for help.