The right rag for finishing
To apply stain or oil and wipe off the excess, you need soft cotton that won't bleed. White T-shirt rags ($42 per 25 lb bag) are made for it. For shop and tool cleanup, colored rags at $32 are enough.
Warning: linseed oil and spontaneous combustion
Rags soaked with linseed oil, tung oil or oil-based stain can catch fire on their own when they dry in a pile. Lay them flat to dry outdoors, or put them in a closed metal container filled with water. The full explanation is in the guide oily rags and fire risk.
Which shops
Cabinetmakers, furniture and kitchen cabinet makers, carpenters, furniture restorers and hardwood floor contractors.
Wiping off excess finish
After applying oil or stain, wipe the excess with a clean white rag, following the product's directions. Change rags often: a saturated rag spreads finish instead of removing it. Then lay used rags flat to dry outdoors or store them in water in a closed metal container.