Solvents, Strippers & Open Paint
Spot it
Old stripper cans (check for methylene chloride/dichloromethane on the label), open or rusting solvent-based paint, thinner in coffee cans, and that 'garage smell' — which is VOCs migrating toward the house.
Fix it
Dispose of any methylene chloride stripper at HHW — the EPA banned consumer sale effective Nov 22, 2019, with broader phase-outs through May 2025. Seal or dispose of solvent paints (dried latex is low-concern); keep what stays in a closed cabinet. If the garage is attached, weatherstrip the house door — it's an air-quality boundary.
Safer swaps
What actually fixes this — the category to look for, not a brand we were paid to name.
Safer paint stripper (benzyl alcohol / non-MC formulations)
Post-ban replacement class
Sealed flammables cabinet
Shared fix with fuel storage
No shopping list for this hazard — the fix is a habit, not a purchase.
Related product category: Air quality
Sources cited
Sources
- Methylene chloride paint strippers were banned from consumer sale in 2019 — but garages nationwide still hold pre-ban cans — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2019 (how we check this source)
Every source we cite is checked against our criteria first — see how we check our sources.
Related checks
- Gasoline & Fuel Storage — Same locked cabinet: fuel and solvents belong behind one door.
- Nursery Air: VOCs, Fragrance & Fresh Paint — An attached garage vents into the house — the nursery is where it lands.
- Attached Garage Air Getting Into the House — How to seal the shared door and wall against what is stored.
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