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Unfinished Wood Furniture
A closed plain metal container with a tight lid on a concrete floor in daylight

Safety and disposal

Oily rags, leftover finish, anchoring, and the federal dresser rule.

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Oily rags can catch fire

Massachusetts' Department of Fire Services says: "The oils in some paints, stains, and varnishes release heat as they dry. If oily rags and applicators are left in a pile, a box, or the trash, the heat can remain trapped and cause a fire that quickly spreads to nearby combustibles." Follow the label and your local fire officials.

Guides

A closed plain metal container with a tight lid on a dark concrete surface

Oily rags can catch fire on their own

Never leave them in a pile.

Three closed unlabeled metal tins in a plain open cardboard box on a dark workbench

Disposing of leftover stain and finish

Check local collection first.

A plain metal bracket and strap joining the back of a dresser to a wall

Anchoring furniture to the wall: what CPSC says

Drawers, doors, shelves: anchor.

A bare wood chest of five closed drawers standing flat against a warm brown wall

The STURDY rule for dressers, explained

16 CFR 1261, in CPSC words.

Start with oily rags

Never leave them in a pile.

Read about oily rags
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