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

[Ben Zwissler]

I have a large "wash tub" and just fill it with hot water and degreaser 
(Simple Green or whatever Sam's Club is selling).  Let them soak, stir 
them up once in a while and then drain.  Rinse.  Repeat.  That's makes 
them clean enough.  If the suds go away and oil starts to show on the 
top of the water, add more degreaser.

I dare not use my wife's new Whirlpool front loader washer.  I'd be 
blamed for every grease spot on something for the next two years. ;-)

Ben.....



On 2/4/2009 12:20 PM, Kent Sullivan wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I keep used oily rags in a metal container designed for that sort of thing
> and it's getting full. I'd prefer to not send them to a landfill. I called
> some commercial laundering companies local to me that provide towels,
> uniforms, etc. and they don't have a way to accept a random assortment of
> rags from a residential user. I also talked to a couple of car-related
> businesses that I frequent and they rent their rags, so mine can't easily be
> added. I also spoke with my local hazardous waste collection site and they
> take oil and filters but not rags.
>
> Any suggestions? I don't really have a washing machine that I can use to
> wash and reuse them myself. I guess I could go to a Laundromat but that
> seems kind of unfair to anyone who might use that particular washer after
> me...
>
> Thanks.
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