It sounds like you’re trying to use either part #0996 or part #0996C, both of which ship in a round, 1-gallon paint can.  If that is the product in question, then it is safe to temporarily transfer it to just about any type of container, including steel, plastic, and glass.  Both of those part numbers are water-based, so warm water is also the best way to rinse them off.  Once the carb cleaner has been rinsed off, you can let the base plate air dry or you can perform a follow-up rinse with carb spray or use compressed air to blow it dry.   Per the directions, if either the base plate or the carburetor itself are aluminum, a zinc alloy, or “pot metal,” do not soak the part(s) for more than 4 hours.  Instead, soak for 30-60 minutes and use a soft-bristle brush or even a toothbrush on all accessible surfaces and repeat the process, as necessary, ensuring a cumulative soak time of no more than 4 hours.