The Danger of Oily Rags

Don't Throw Them in the Garbage!

You could burn down your shop or your yacht! Though I doubt anyone with a yacht has a need to read about rags. The key take away, that oil and chemical-soaked rags are surprisingly dangerous. The yacht in that story was burned down from simple linseed oil. Yes, the same kind you use on your weekend woodworking projects.

The problem with oils and other flammable materials appears once soaked in cloth. If left out flat to dry individually in a well-ventilated area, it's basically harmless. When put into a pile, the story changes. As they dry out, heat is released. If the rags are in a pile, this can quickly build up heat and spontaneously combust. 

According to the NFPA, an average of 900 homes a year burn down from the seemingly innocent rags. Don't add to this statistic for something easily preventable. 

But my shop is too small to have individual rags all over the place drying off! I agree, it's not practical for all settings. But worry not, there are alternatives. There are specific containers for storing these that are pretty cheap and readily available. I'm sure you can find space for a 6-gallon can, even in the smallest of shops. 

And if you can't find space, most fire departments recommend storing them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, until they can be properly disposed of. Every jurisdiction defines what that may be, you'll have to look up the local codes yourself. Alternatively, commercial laundromats will be able to wash out the oil and return clean rags to your shop.

You should now be a bit more aware of the hidden dangers of the common rag. Use your head, don't lose your head.