Can Solvent Soaked Rags Spontaneously Combust?

Solvent-soaked rags are not a spontaneous combustion hazard but may be a fire hazard, since many solvents are flammable. In addition, the solvents can evaporate creating a health hazard.

How long does it take for oil soaked rags to spontaneously combust?

Any cloths or rags left in a pile or in a bin or bag have the propensity to self-heat and pose a risk of fire. The fire investigator should consider it plausible that rags left wetted with drying oil- from anywhere from 1 hour up to even 2 or 3 days could be a potential source of ignition.

How do oil soaked rags spontaneously combust?

Spontaneous combustion of oily rags occurs when rag or cloth is slowly heated to its ignition point through oxidation. A substance will begin to release heat as it oxidizes. If this heat has no way to escape, like in a pile, the temperature will rise to a level high enough to ignite the oil and ignite the rag or cloth.