I'm looking for guidance on how to properly dispose of paper towels that have been soaked in mineral oil. I've read conflicting information that confuses me. Some sources say to lay the towels flat on a non-flammable surface for several hours to dry, but I heard that mineral oil never actually dries. Then there's the suggestion of storing them in an airtight metal container with water until disposal, but I'm left wondering what to do with the oily water afterward. While I've read that mineral oil is less prone to spontaneous combustion than other oils, I'm still a bit anxious. By the way, burning the towels isn't an option for me.
3 Answers
So, here's the deal: Mineral oil is a non-drying oil, so it doesn't cure like some other oils do, which means it won't produce heat and become a fire hazard. You can safely toss those paper towels in the trash without worrying about them catching fire. It's pretty straightforward! Just like if you were dealing with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil. No biggie!
If you're still unsure, just think of it this way: disposing of those towels is much like cleaning up an olive oil spill. Just toss them in the trash! No special treatment needed for mineral oil towels.
I totally get the concern! But remember, mineral oil isn’t like drying oils that you have to be careful about. Just lay the towels out flat for a bit to let them air out, and then you can simply throw them away. They don’t pose a risk like some other oils. Easy peasy!