Any cloths or rags left in a pile, bin, or bag have the propensity to self-heat and pose a fire risk. The fire investigator should consider it plausible that rags left wetted with drying oil- anywhere from 1 hour to even 2 or 3 days– could be a potential ignition source.
The short answer is that hydrocarbons(oil) react with oxygen and oxidize(burn). When the oil oxidizes, the chemical reaction produces heat. When the oil based stain is saturated in a rag and placed in a situation where the heat can build up, fire can result.
You should put rags in a fire-proof container (a metal bucket, ceramic pot, etc.) somewhere outside. After the initial drying period (again, this is actually chemically curing, not drying) they're safe. Keeping the drying rags ventilated and not in a big pile is generally enough to prevent ignition.
To dispose of rags used for water-based stain, allow them to fully dry on a non-combustible surface in a well-ventilated area. They may take up to several days to fully dry, depending on humidity and airflow.
The solvent in wood stain is what causes the liquid form to be highly flammable, but the stain drying process involves the solvents dissolving, which leaves behind a non-flammable product on your wood project.
It's best to use oil-based wood stain outdoors. If you are not able to work outdoors, however, be sure that air can circulate in the room you are working by opening the windows and turning on fans. This is even more important when the stain is drying because VOCs can be released into the air as the stain evaporates.
Don't burn wood that has been treated, stained painted, or manufactured. Cardboard, plywood, and treated and painted lumber are examples. The problem with burning these materials is that they release toxic fumes when burned.
Any cloths or rags left in a pile, bin, or bag have the propensity to self-heat and pose a fire risk. The fire investigator should consider it plausible that rags left wetted with drying oil- anywhere from 1 hour to even 2 or 3 days– could be a potential ignition source.
Since mineral spirits are highly flammable, be sure to put all of your dirty paper towels in a fire safe can and dispose of them properly.
Remove the last of any unabsorbed stain with a dry cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain. Swirl marks left by a stain-saturated cloth will become even more obvious under a coat of clear finish. When staining vertical surfaces, such as unfinished paneling or doors, try Minwax® Gel Stain.
Lay your rags outside to dry, then once dried toss in garbage.
Stain-soaked rags, paper towels spark
Oil-based-stain-saturated paper towels and rags disposed of in a large recycling bin accidentally caused a fire that spread onto the siding and roof of a garage.
To do this safely, hang the rags to dry in a well ventilated area away from any sparks or flame. Outside hanging on the side of a trash can is usually a good area to do this. Once the rags are dry, dispose of material in compliance with your local city or county waste management agency.
Solvent-based paints and stains are flammable and present additional hazards to the environment. Therefore, it's best to save your oil-based paints and stains for a household hazardous waste collection program or to contact your local/state government environmental protection agency for guidance.
Rags that have been soaked in paint thinner or used for cleanup end up being combustible. This means that they can easily catch fire. To properly dispose of them, place them in an air-tight metal or glass container and cover them with water. This container should then be disposed of properly.
Neither mineral spirits nor paint thinner leave stains. As soon as they dry, they evaporate and are gone. They're like alcohol.
- In summary, clothes can catch fire at temperatures above 190 degrees Fahrenheit, with cotton starting to decompose at around 205 degrees Fahrenheit. It is essential to keep dryer settings below this limit to avoid fire hazards.
When using a water based stain, due to the fact that the primary base is made of water and not chemicals, it also isn't flammable in addition to being breathable.
A standard part of a wood floor job is the actual staining of the wood for aesthetic purposes. Oil-based stains are the most traditional stains and are known to be extremely flammable, smelly, and dangerous if not properly stored or used.
Types of Wood That Don't Burn Well in Your Fireplace
Willow: Willow doesn't burn hot and tends to produce exorbitant amounts of smoke. Alder: This wood is just a lot of work for no results. Alder burns quickly and doesn't produce much heat. Chestnut: Produces a lot of smoke and a weak flame.
Burn only firewood
Never burn household garbage, painted or stained wood, plastics, or chemically treated paper in your backyard fire. Not only is this practice illegal, it is also hazardous and dangerous to you, your family and to your neighbors.