You might not think that a few cloths stored in a plastic container could cause $500,000 in damages, but that is exactly what happened in a new house under construction.
This article reports that the cloths had been used to stain a new house. The clothes were improperly stored in a plastic container and began to heat up causing soot and smoke damage.
Cloths that have been soaked with oils or chemicals can present a fire hazard if not stored correctly.
Click the video below to view an actual demonstration of an oil soaked rag igniting:
How do oily rags ignite? When these rags are piled up together, the oil dries and releases heat, and the air gets trapped. The combination of heat and oxygen creates a fire hazard.1
The best prevention is to know how to store and dispose of these cloths. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you embark on a project at home or at the office:
1. Place the soiled rags in a container with a tight fitting lid. Metal is best, but if you only have a plastic can or even a zip lock bag, that will work as well. Next, fill the container with water and then close. This will prevent the oxidation of the oils. Contact your local trash pick-up company for instructions on how to dispose of the container.
2. Alternatively, you can hang the cloths outside to dry, or you can spread them out flat. They should not be in a pile. Weight them down with something so they do not bunch up or fly away in the wind. Once they have dried, contact your local trash pick-up company for instructions on how to dispose of the cloths.
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1 http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/dispose-of-oily-rags-household-hazardous-waste-pro/nfpSc/