Though this doesn’t fall specifically into the automotive realm, everyone with a car has gone to the venerable WD-40 to rectify a squeak, gummy component, or even as a cleaner of sorts. It is convenient, cheap, and versatile. But now, there are plenty of rumors floating around that the chemical is being banned by the Canadian government. Say it isn’t so!

Could you go without WD-40? You could by using 3-in-One oil or some other such lubricant. But there is nothing like spraying those squeaks or sticky parts away with some WD-40, right? But Twitter, X, or whatever slang term you have for it is abuzz with those bleating about this WD-40 ban. It is going to vanish in 2024, according to the tweets, or X posts, or whatever. 

What does WD-40 have to say about WD-40?

Alberta’s Western Standard has even run articles about its demise in January. But much like the rantings of those screaming about “taking our guns away,” as we’ve heard over the past 50 years, Canada is not banning WD-40 to save the planet. 

Don’t believe us? Here’s what the makers of WD-40 have to say. “It has recently come to our attention that false information is circulating online that WD-40® Brand products are being banned in Canada. This is not a true statement. Although there are currently regulatory changes taking place in Canada, we have been aware of these regulatory changes and have been preparing for them for some time.

Is Canada picking on WD-40 use?

“All WD-40 Company products including WD-40® Multi-Use Product, WD-40 Specialist®, and 3-IN-ONE® brands will be compliant with the new regulations as of January 1, 2024. Our products will remain on Canadian store shelves and continue to solve problems in workshops, factories, and homes.”

What’s going on is that the Canadian government is trying to knock back volatile organic compounds or VOCs. This includes WD-40 but also adhesives, sealants, caulks, adhesive removers, and certain other cleaning products. Canada is seeking less than 25% VOCs. 

Is Canada the first place to have these VOC regulations?

And WD-40 already notes that this VOC reduction happened in California a few years ago. I live in the OC. I can tell you I have not seen any difference in the product other than slight graphics changes on the can. Not in the can. And I use it for everything, even for deodorant. Just kidding, don’t even consider that as it would be a terrible thing to do. 

Lowering VOCs is the new normal to clean up the environment. Producers of lubricants like WD-40 want to keep their products popular, so they will reformulate without compromising it. Heck, there used to be traces of Cocaine in Coca-Cola. Lots of DIY and other products change to keep up with the times and demands. 

Consider New Coke. Ah, maybe that isn’t the best example.