Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Reusing White Spirit
• Method 2 of 2: Recycling White Spirit
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Mineral spirit or white spirit is a petroleum-based cleaning solvent. It is most often used with products containing paint, in cosmetic repairs and in decoration. After using white spirit to thin the paint or clean the brushes, you can store them for later use or find a device for recycling harmful substances that reliably removes them without contaminating groundwater.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Reusing White Spirit

1. 1 Store white spirit in its original packaging after you stop using it. Close the lid as tightly as possible. Keep away from open flames.
   • White spirit ignites at temperatures between 40 and 63 degrees Celsius.
2. 2 White spirit, closed with a lid, can be stored for several months. It does not "deteriorate", so you do not need to dispose of it after using it as a solvent. Let the spirit brew and allow the paint to collect at the bottom.
   • It is best to buy a small amount of spirit and reuse it for decades. It evaporates very slowly.
3. 3 Open the lid, pour the mineral spirit into another sturdy, unnecessary container. Label it immediately for reuse.Pour any remaining paint into cat litter.
   • • Use the following guidelines for the correct use of cat litter paint and litter.
   • You can purchase containers for safely storing solvent at your art store, hardware store, or online. Not all plastic containers are suitable for storage, as after a while the solvent wears out and damages the plastic packaging.
4. 4 Use white spirit to thin the oil paint. This solvent can be stored for use with oil-based home paint or art paint. Add thinner until you get the correct consistency of paint.
   • If you've added too much solvent, add a little more to the paint. Too thinned paint may not stain the canvas. However, using a lot of the product will have the opposite effect.
5. 5 Contact your local support firm, art school, or current training center for details on obtaining surplus white spirit.

Method 2 of 2: Recycling White Spirit

1. 1 Contact your local authority for information on hazards arising from careless use of a substance. Many cities have a day-to-day recycling program to reduce pollution. In most cases, this service is free or sponsored by local businesses.
2. 2 Throw out the litter box with any paint residues in the trash can.
3. 3 Contact your local waste control department for information on the possibility of transferring a hazardous substance. To dispose of it properly, you can leave it in its original packaging and pay a small amount to a local agency.
4. 4 Pour excess solvent into a container or cat litter and take to your local waste disposal office. Report the contents and pay the required fee to prevent contamination of groundwater.
5. 5 Do not throw greasy rags or paint-stained brushes into the trash can. They can be flammable. It is necessary to purchase a special container for waste substances and thoroughly clean them with a solvent, then lather and rinse with water.
   • You can also turn your waste container into a hazardous substance.
6. 6 Let empty containers dry. You can dispose of the container at a recycling center. The remainder of the substance will not affect the processing process.

Tips

• Purchase a dedicated flammable storage cabinet. Flammable paints, rags, brushes and solvents can be stored there.

Warnings

• Never pour white spirit down the drain or drain. It pollutes groundwater.
• Beware of spilling white spirit on the ground or trash can. It can only be properly disposed of by the waste management department.

What do you need

• Flammable storage cabinet
• Cat litter
• Waste bucket
• Insoluble plastic container
• Labels