Orange oil is a great natural oil that has so many uses. It is an excellent cleaner for wooden furniture and surfaces as it does not dry out the wood and it has a nice aroma. It is also used as an essential oil around the home and can be applied to the skin. But did you know that orange oil could be a serious fire hazard? If you are using orange oil in your home, it’s important that you take the necessary precautions.
This article will give you more detail about whether orange oil is flammable and how you can use it safely.
Is Pure Orange Oil Flammable?
Yes, pure orange oil is incredibly flammable and should be handled very carefully. For a substance to be considered flammable, it must have a flash point below 93 degrees Celsius (199.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower. The flash point is the temperature at which the substance will ignite when exposed to an ignition source like a spark or flame. The flash point of orange oil is 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit), so it is considered extremely flammable and will ignite easily in normal conditions.
Orange oil contains a substance called D-Limonene, as well as some alcohols, which are incredibly flammable. The fruit itself will burn very easily and you can actually use dried citrus peels as firestarters. Once you extract the concentrated oil it is even more dangerous.
Is Howards Orange Oil Wood Cleaner or Polish Flammable?
Yes, this product is orange oil-based and is classified as flammable. The orange oil is blended with mineral oil to make it easier to apply and dilute the orange oil slightly. Mineral oil does not ignite as easily as orange oil so this product is slightly less flammable than pure orange oil. However, it will still burn easily and should be used with caution.
Is Murphy Oil Soap with Orange Oil Flammable?
Murphy Oil Soap with Orange Oil does not come with a warning label about fire hazards as it is not a pure orange oil. A large percentage of the cleaner is made up of natural oils like coconut oils and other plant-based products. The orange oil is added primarily for the scent and there are other polishing ingredients in there to clean and treat the wood. So, this product is a lot less flammable than other orange oil cleaners. That said, it does still contain flammable ingredients so you need to use it with care and store it properly.
Is Majestic Pure Brazilian Orange Essential Oil Flammable?
Majestic Pure Brazilian Orange Essential Oil is cold-pressed from orange peels with no other additives or chemicals involved. That means that it’s 100% orange oil and nothing else, making it incredibly flammable.
Will Orange Oil Catch on Fire when Exposed to a Flame?
Absolutely, orange oil will catch fire easily when exposed to a flame. It only needs to reach 46 degrees before it will ignite, and that happens very quickly when it comes into direct contact with a flame.
Can Orange Oil Catch on Fire from a Spark?
Orange oil can technically catch on fire from a spark if it has reached its flash point. At room temperature, a spark is unlikely to ignite it. However, it doesn’t have to be much hotter than room temperature to light from a spark, so if it has been left near a heat source for too long, it suddenly becomes very volatile.
Can Orange Oil Catch Fire from High Temperatures?
Yes, as the flash point of orange oil is so low, it can combust on its own without an ignition source if it gets too hot. If it is not stored properly and it heats up a lot, it becomes very unstable and it will light easily. In some cases, it will ignite on its own if the temperature gets too high, which is why correct storage is so important.
If I Leave Orange Oil in the Sun Can it Catch on Fire?
When orange oil is left in direct sunlight in a sealed container, it will quickly heat up and vapors will form. When these vapors collect in the container, the risk of fire is drastically increased and if the temperature gets too high, it could burst into flames quite easily.
What is the Flash Point of Orange Oil?
The flash point of orange oil is 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an extremely flammable substance.
Is Orange Oil Flammable When Dry?
No, although orange oil is very flammable when wet, it does not pose a fire risk once it has dried properly. So, you can safely use it to clean furniture and wooden surfaces as long as you keep them in a cool, well-ventilated area while it dries and then you don’t need to worry about it.
Is there a Specific Way to Dispose of Orange Oil?
Orange oil is very volatile, so you should not simply throw it in the trash. The vapors can easily build up if it is in a hot environment and it may ignite in the bin. Local authorities will have specific guidelines about how to deal with hazardous materials and these should be followed at all times.
Are Rags with Orange Oil on them Flammable?
Yes, when you leave rags soaked with orange oil in a pile, they can easily start a fire. The oil will oxidize, which generates heat, leading to spontaneous combustion. That’s why you need to make sure that you dispose of the rags safely. Submerge them in water in a sealed metal container until you are ready to dispose of them through the proper channels. You can also dry them outside on a non-flammable surface like concrete so they are safe, then they can be thrown away.
How Should You Store Orange Oil?
Orange oil should always be stored in steel or fluorinated plastic containers, and it must be kept in a well-ventilated area to stop vapors from building up. Temperature control is crucial too because the oil must not exceed the flash point temperature for extended periods. Avoid storing it near other volatile flammable products too, and if possible, keep it in an area with a sprinkler system in case it does burst into flames.
How Do You Safely Put Out an Orange Oil Fire?
A solid jet of water is the worst way to tackle an orange oil fire because it will only spread the fire and make it worse. Water mist is more effective but you should use a fire extinguisher, if possible. Carbon dioxide or foam extinguishers are the most effective for orange oil fires.
Final Thoughts
Orange oil is an extremely dangerous substance but most people don’t realize how easily it can catch fire. When using it, always take precautions, especially with storage. As long as you are aware of the dangers and you let it dry properly, you can avoid any disasters.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.