Mineral Spirits in Hot Car - Bad Idea?

[crokett]

I need to take some stuff to the household chemical disposal tomorrow after work. Should I be worried about the partial jug of mineral spirits exploding in my car, or is it just the vapors that are explosive? Google only turned up a lot of links on car cleaning.

[cabinetman]

If you will be leaving it in the car for an extended time, have it in a metal can, with a metal cap. Put it in the trunk if the car will sit for any length of time. Trunks get some ventilation. It's unlikely it will explode. If you're really paranoid, take it to work and leave it in a safe place 'til you leave.
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[LinuxRandal]

What about filling the can with water, to eliminate the spot for the gas?

[ironhat]

Gosh, I didn't even know that the vapors were explosive! I've been pretty cavalier about handling and storing the stuff for decades. I even keep a partial gallon in the basement machine shop/ small wood project, finishing shop. I better do some research too!

As far as mixing the stuff with water, they may not want it in that condition. They get a bit picky, sometimes. You had better call them with your concerns and your water-based solution.

[pelligrini]

Just set it out beside the car while you're at work. If someone takes it, that would save you a trip too.

[crokett]

Just set it out beside the car while you're at work. If someone takes it, that would save you a trip too.

That's the solution I came up with. I also put the box of old fertilizers and insecticides out there too cause they were stinking up the car. Looks kinda interesting out in the parking lot right now.

[shoottx]

Just being paranoid, if you have security at your place of work, tell them what you are doing and why.

Solvents, fertilizer have been used for creating bombs. The last thing you want is to have someone call the authorities and complain when you are actually doing the right thing.

[MikeMcCoy]

Sitting it outside in the open would definitely draw the attention of the bomb squad where I work.

[pacwind3]

I'm not sure about mineral spirits. However, I do have some experience leaving a can of auto air conditioning refrigerent in your car. DON'T! It will explode. So violently, it can rip the headrest off your seat, cut your headliner, dent your roof and spew refrigerent all over your car. And that stuff doesn't like to come off.

[Daryl]

Sitting it outside in the open would definitely draw the attention of the bomb squad where I work.

Yea, you should set it besides the boss's car.

Why do you feel a need to get rid of it. I always keep a can around and have plenty of uses for it.

[crokett]

Why do you feel a need to get rid of it. I always keep a can around and have plenty of uses for it.

I've already used it a couple times. So now I have dirty mineral spirits to get rid of.

As for security, the stuff has been out there all day and nobody has come to talk to me about it so I guess they haven't noticed.

[pelligrini]

Just keep an eye out for the tail on the way home tonight.