Professionals and Amateurs Together

Rag Disposal

Question

How do you dispose of highly combustible, oily furniture-finishing rags? I’m thinking spontaneous combustion. An infrequent user like me doesn’t have much use for an elaborate, airtight metal can. And anyway, where do you empty it? I’m looking for a solution that’s simple, safe, and environmentally decent. — Dave Corbett

Answer

Garrett Hack replies: A safe and simple solution is to hang your rags out to dry. Allow a day for poly finishes, maybe several days to a week for linseed or tung oil, or until the rags are stiff and the finish smell dissipated. They can then go into your household trash.

Jon Siegel replies: I can answer your question in two words — Wood Stove.

Tags: Finishing