Keeping a clean work area is very important to your safety when working on your car. Tripping through your garage is a quick trip to injury. You are well aware of this, so you're sure to clean up after every job. All of your tools are in the box, your spills are cleaned up, and your rags are in the trash can.
Stop! What seems like a responsible clean up could lead to a dangerous fire. Oily rags placed in an enclosed or unventilated container can spontaneously combust. This means they can catch fire with no outside ignition source. No spark, no flame. As the oil in the rags evaporates rapidly, heat begins to build up inside the container. The heat can grow to a point that it actually catches fire, and you're looking at a pile of burning rags in your garage.
Remember, if you have oil soaked rags or paper towels left over after a job, spread them out someplace to dry before you toss them in the trash can. Avoid burning down your workplace.
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