How to Use Mineral Spirits

Mineral spirits, sometimes known as stoddard spirits or white spirits, is often used as a solvent and paint thinner. It can be used industrially for stripping paint and grease off of machine tools, or it could also be used to take any dirt or oils from metals, particularly useful when assembling car parts. Mineral spirits is also used in combination with other liquids as a kind of lubricant for thread cutting. However, mineral spirits are not always a very pleasant substance to use. It is volatile and highly flammable. If you are planning to use mineral spirits, you should at least know how they should be handled. Always use the protective gear as listed in tools and materials and keep your work area well ventilated.

Step 1 - Clean the Item

First make sure that all surface dirt is removed from the item. For example, if you are cleaning a kitchen cabinet, or wiping down a shelf, then you should first use a duster and take off any dust or debris which might be lining the top of the item. A kitchen cabinet can be wiped down with a damp cloth and allowed to dry before mineral spirits are used, or you may choose to simply brush it off with a duster.

Step 2 - Apply Mineral Spirits

You should then put on your protective gloves and glasses, and use a respirator to protect you from the fumes. Take your bottle of mineral spirits, and tip a little out onto a rag. If you don't want to pour the mineral spirits directly onto a cloth, then you can also tip out a little into a plastic saucer or lid, and then dip a cloth into the liquid.

TIP: Doityourself’s painting consultant Edward Kimble, author of Interior House Painting Blog, suggests, “Be careful not to damage your property. Mineral spirits take the shine off of “no wax” floors. Other surfaces can also be harmed by mineral spirits. Always check a surface by testing a very small, out of the way area of what you are wiping down. If it damages the small area, don’t use it.

Step 3 - Clean the Item

Once you have placed the mineral spirits onto your cloth, start cleaning the item. Rub the cloth gently across the surface of the item, making smooth, even strokes to cover the item from one side to the other. You may find that the varnish from the item also starts to peel off, and if this happens a lot then you may need to repair the item by applying another layer of varnish over the top. The cloth will get dirty as you pass the mineral spirits over the item. Turn the cloth over so you are always using a clean side. TIP: Edward cautions, “Do not store or dispose of rags with mineral spirits on them by just throwing them out. Take further precautions or spontaneous combustion can occur. Dispose of mineral spirit soaked rags by putting them in a sealed container like a coffee can with a lid, then fill the can with water. This is the sure thing for no fire.”

Step 4 - Wipe the Item

When you have finished cleaning the item with mineral spirits, use a clean dry cloth to wipe over the item. This will remove any lingering mineral spirits which could cause harm if you leave it. You should then let the item dry before using it again.