Do I Have to Have a Low VOC Brake Cleaner? What the State Rules Say

Whether you need a low VOC brake cleaner depends on where you buy and use it. California, Canada, and the stricter OTC Phase IV states, including Ohio and Michigan, cap brake cleaner at 10% VOC by weight. Illinois and Indiana allow up to 45%, and states without their own consumer products rule follow only the federal standard, which doesn’t set a brake cleaner limit.

For shops, fleets, and purchasing teams, that patchwork matters. A brake cleaner that's legal on a shelf in Chicago may not be legal to sell in Columbus. Here's what VOC means in brake cleaner, which states regulate it, how the rules break down across the Midwest, and how to pick a compliant product that still cleans the way you need it to.

Key Takeaways:

• Brake cleaner VOC limits are set by states, not the federal government.
• California, Canada, New Jersey, and OTC Phase IV states cap brake cleaner at 10% VOC by weight.
• In Keller-Hartt's Midwest market, Ohio and Michigan require 10%, while Illinois and Indiana allow 45%.
• Check the label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for VOC content before you buy.

What Is VOC in Brake Cleaner?

VOC in brake cleaner is the solvent content that evaporates quickly, carrying grease, brake fluid, and dust off the part. That fast evaporation is why brake cleaner works, and it's also why states regulate it.

Low VOC brake cleaners contain 10% or less regulated VOC, while conventional formulas can run 45% or higher. The key word is "regulated." The EPA's VOC definition exempts compounds with negligible smog-forming reactivity, and acetone has been on that list since 1995. That's how many low VOC products stay under 10% and still clean effectively.

Which States Regulate Brake Cleaner VOC Levels?

States regulate brake cleaner VOC levels through consumer products rules, and most of them follow either California's standard or one of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) model rules. The federal consumer products rule, in effect since 1998, doesn't include a brake cleaner category, so states without their own rule have no brake cleaner VOC limit.

California has tightened its brake cleaner limit steadily, from 50% in 1997 to 45% in 2002, 20% in 2008, and 10% at the end of 2010, according to California's consumer products standards. Other states have followed on a lag, and more states have moved from Phase II to Phase IV limits in recent years.

What Are the Brake Cleaner VOC Rules in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio?

The Midwest is split. Ohio and Michigan now require brake cleaner to contain 10% VOC or less. Illinois and Indiana allow up to 45%, and Wisconsin has no state brake cleaner VOC limit.

These rules apply where the product is sold or supplied, not just where it's sprayed.

That catches a lot of multi-state operations off guard. A fleet based in northern Indiana with terminals in Toledo and Detroit can legally stock a 45% product at home, but its Ohio and Michigan locations need a 10% product.

Does Low VOC Brake Cleaner Work as Well as High VOC?

Yes, for most brake jobs, a quality low VOC brake cleaner removes brake fluid, grease, and dust as well as a high VOC formula. The difference is in how it behaves, not whether it cleans.

Here's how high VOC vs. low VOC brake cleaner typically compares:

Low VOC formulas that rely on acetone can flash off faster and may be tougher on some plastics and painted surfaces, so test on an inconspicuous spot when you're cleaning near those materials. Both types are flammable, so ventilation and keeping ignition sources away still apply.

Chlorinated or non-chlorinated? That's a separate choice, and we break it down in our guide to the difference between chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaner.

How Can You Tell if a Brake Cleaner Is VOC Compliant?

You can tell if a brake cleaner is VOC compliant by checking the label and the Safety Data Sheet for its VOC content, then comparing it to your state's limit. Don't rely on a generic "VOC compliant" claim alone, since a product compliant in Illinois at 45% isn't compliant in Ohio.

Use this quick check:

1. Read the label. Look for a specific VOC percentage or a statement like "50-state compliant" or "10% VOC."
2. Check the SDS. VOC content is often listed in Section 9 (physical and chemical properties).
3. Match it to your state. Use the tables above to find your limit.
4. Ask your supplier. A good distributor can confirm compliance for every state you operate in.

Could your current stock be out of compliance? If you're in Ohio or Michigan and haven't reviewed your brake cleaner since those rules changed, it's worth a look.

Not sure which brake cleaner meets your state's limit? Talk with our team →

Which Keller-Heartt Brake Cleaner Should You Choose?

For high-volume shops and fleets, the TRUEGARD Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner 55-gallon drum is the most cost-effective option. It's a professional-strength, non-chlorinated cleaner and degreaser that dries quickly without leaving residue, and it's safer around rubber seals and plastic parts than chlorinated formulas.

Need aerosols for the bay? Browse the full Brake Cleaner collection. Wondering how TRUEGARD stacks up against the big names? See our comparison of TRUEGARD brake cleaner and CRC. And if techs in your shop grab whatever can is closest, our post on whether brake cleaner is the same as carb cleaner explains why that's a bad habit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low VOC Brake Cleaner