How to Dispose of Wood Stain Properly

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Photo: SimonSkafar / E+ / Getty Images
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Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Angi Tip

It’s not advised to place hazardous waste materials in your dumpster without first consulting your dumpster rental company. If these items make their way to the landfill, they (in most circumstances) will be returned to you, and you will face a fine of up to $500.

Heather Ayer
Staff Writer, Angi

Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Man applying waterproofing treatment
Photo: duckycards / E+ / Getty Images

Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Paint brush and paint can
Photo: Aslan Alphan /iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Tips for Properly Storing Wood Stain

Storing leftover stain rather than tossing it isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also handy and can save you money if you need to do any touch-up jobs in the future. Oil-based stains can have a shelf life of five years or more when properly stored, and latex ones last for around three years. Check out these tips for stashing your stain safely:

  • For cans that are less than half full, transferring the stain to a smaller, air-tight jar helps prevent a skin from developing on the top. Don’t forget to label clearly.

  • Wipe away paint dribbling down the can sides and around the rim.

  • Seal the lid tightly using a rubber mallet—air is your stain's enemy.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location away from kids and pets. For latex-based stains, they often need to be in an area where temperatures remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Store all stains away from sources of fire and excessive heat.

  • Note the date you opened the stain so you know when it is likely past its best.

It also pays to do careful calculations when determining how much wood stain you’ll need for your project. That way, you’re less likely to have lots of excess product to purge.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of Wood Stain

Disposing of wood stain is relatively easy, as the cans are small and lightweight, and most homeowners will have access to a nearby recycling facility that accepts paints and stains. In many areas, you can even bring your wood stain and other hazardous materials to a local hazardous waste disposal program for free to ensure safe disposal.

On average, you’ll save between $100 and $300 by disposing of your wood stain yourself. Provided you have the time and either a safe way to transport the cans or can rent a truck to haul them away, it’s a good way to save some money.

If you just have a can or two of wood stain lying around, getting rid of it yourself is likely the best option and will only cost you a bit of your time. If you have many cans that will make loading and transporting them difficult, or if you have a lot of other hazardous waste to get rid of, it’s probably best to hire a junk removal professional who removes hazardous waste to pick it up for you. This is especially true if you have dangerous materials to get rid of, like asbestos or mercury-containing light bulbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood stain is not flammable after it dries. The solvent in wood stain is what causes the liquid form to be highly flammable, but the stain drying process involves the solvents dissolving, which leaves behind a non-flammable product on your wood project. Wood stain is, however, flammable before you apply it, so you should always store partially full cans and used wood stain rags away from sources of heat and open flames.

Wood stain is not considered toxic after it dries. The solvents in wood stain are what give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are toxic, but these dissolve as the product dries, leaving behind a non-toxic product. When working with wood stain, you should always wear a respirator and rubber gloves to protect yourself, but once it dries fully, it’s not toxic, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years.

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