[Shop-talk] What to do with oily rags?

[Randall]

> I guess I could go to a Laundromat but that
> seems kind of unfair to anyone who might use that particular washer after
> me...

After you've cleaned the washer thoroughly by hand (I find that neat Simple
Green on a rag works well), do a load of your own work clothes with a half
cup or so of SG added to your usual detergent.  That should clean the
machine well enough to avoid soiling anyone else's clothes.

It's also what I do with my home washer, works for me.

Haven't found just the right formula for washing oily rags yet, but small
quantities of rags in lots of hot water seems to be essential.  Best recipe
I've found so far is to let the machine fill and start agitating, then add
Palmolive dish soap until you get an inch or so of bubbles.

If I ever find the time, I'll try my grandmother's recipe: homemade lye soap
<G>

Or just look for a community hazardous waste round-up.  They usually aren't
so picky about what they will accept.

Randall