Floor Finish Rag Fire Safety for Madison Homeowners
Most people never think about the rags, and fire investigators do; here is what the trade sources say to do.
Licensed and insured, and many years in business serving the greater Madison area.
Why rags can catch fire
Some finishes and stains give off heat as they dry, and a pile of rags traps that heat. Wood Floor Business says covering rags with water in a closed metal container is highly effective, and that linseed oil and 100 percent cotton rags raise the risk, and that urethane scrapings, fine urethane dust and big-machine sawdust have also ignited (Wood Floor Business).
Another safety source says manufacturers recommend a sealed, water-filled metal container (Risk Insights).
What we do
- Spread or submerge. Used rags go into a metal container with water, and the lid is closed.
- Keep it outside. The can sits away from the house during the job.
- Handle dust. Fine sanding dust and scrapings go into the same safe system.
- Dispose properly. We take the container with us, following local rules.
If you refinish yourself
- Read the finish label for disposal rules.
- Use a metal can with a tight lid and cover rags with water.
- Do not leave rags in a bag or bucket.
- Ask your local waste office how to dispose of the water and rags.
Stain rags matter on staining jobs especially, and stairs add extra rags, and learn about the rest of the process on the home page and in the preparation guide.
Rag Fire Safety: questions answered
Can stain rags really catch fire?
Yes, in the right conditions, and sources report real house fires (Wood Floor Business).
What is the safest way to store them?
A sealed metal container covered with water (Risk Insights).
Is a trash can okay?
Not if the rags are piled in it, and use a metal can with water.
Does water-based finish have the same risk?
Check the product label, and do not assume.
Who handles disposal on a professional job?
We do, per our process, and see preparing your home.
Does this apply to sanding dust?
Sources say fine urethane dust has ignited (Wood Floor Business).
Questions about safety on your job?
Ask us how we handle rags and dust, and send the form or call; or visit the home page.