Spontaneous Combustion is Real

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Once you wipe off the excess oil, dispose of the oily rag properly!

All fires start somewhere.  It is generally accepted that fires start once something sparks.  No spark, no flame.

Not always.

Let's talk about spontaneous combustion.  It's actually not a myth!  Fires that start without a spark are more common than most people realize.  Oxidation is a chemical reaction where certain materials mix with the surrounding air and slowly release heat.  Should the temperature get high enough, it ignites.   This can happen in a variety of materials, but the major culprit of spontaneous home fires is often oily rags. 

Rags can get oily for a variety of reasons.  Cleaning the garage floor after accidentally knocking over the gasoline can?  Spill cooking oil in the kitchen?  Wiping off the excess after sealing your new deck?  Once you finish your cleanup or project, it is extremely important to properly store the rags for cleaning or disposal.

Never, ever leave the rags in a pile.

When this happens, the heat fails to dissipate from the lack of air circulation.  The rags may begin to smoke and eventually burst into flames.  Left unattended, it's a disaster in the making.

So, what's the solution? 

There are a couple methods of storing or disposing of oily rags that greatly reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion.  Throwing them in the washing machine, then tossing them in the dryer is not one of them.  One option allows the rags to air dry.  Make sure the area is out of the sunlight, otherwise the rays could accelerate the process!  Lay the rags flat and in one layer on concrete or bare soil.  Leave them there for two days until they feel dry and the oil smell lessens.  Check with your garbage service for hazardous waste disposal.  Another disposal option is to place the rags in an old paint can, then adding enough water to completely submerge them.  Use a stone to hold the rags in the water.  Finally, seal the lid back onto the can and arrange for a pickup from your garbage service.

Spontaneous combustion fires are more common than you think.  Keep yourself and your family safe by properly disposing of oily rags.

Should you need fire and water mitigation as the result of a chemical reaction fire, SERVPRO of Saline County and SERVPRO of Hot Springs are always here to help make it "Like it never even happened."