How to Make Camp Fire Starters Using Parafin Wax

Paraffin wax fire starters can help damp kindling ignite faster and remain burning long enough to dry larger-diameter twigs and branches. Adding dryer lint or shredded paper ensures that there is enough flammable material to ignite even if no other kindling is available.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

One block paraffin wax Wastebasket full of dryer lint or shredded junk mail Empty paper milk cartons, cardboard egg cartons or cupcake papers Heat source Double boiler Cookie sheet or muffin tin Foil
One block paraffin wax
Wastebasket full of dryer lint or shredded junk mail
Empty paper milk cartons, cardboard egg cartons or cupcake papers
Heat source
Double boiler
Cookie sheet or muffin tin
Foil

Step 1

Place paraffin in double boiler. Add water to bottom pan and heat until paraffin liquefies.

Step 2

Place cartons on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil. If using cupcake papers, place them in a muffin tin.

Step 3

Fill cartons or cupcake papers with dryer lint or shredded junk mail.

Step 4

Pour liquid paraffin into cartons or cupcake papers up to level of filler material. Allow paraffin to harden.

Tips & Warnings

According to General Wax and Candle Company, "Most paraffin waxes have a flash point around 395 degrees F. When it reaches its flash point it may not smoke or bubble, it will usually just explode, splattering flaming wax in all directions. To avoid this catastrophe, always use the double boiling method to melt your wax." If desired, you can also place charcoal briquettes in each milk or egg carton section or each cupcake paper and cover them with wax, instead of the dryer lint or shredded paper.

Article Written By Jane Smith

Jane Smith has provided educational support for more than 11 years, served people with multiple challenges for 26 years, rescued animals for five years, designed and repaired household items for 31 years and completed a three-year metalworking apprenticeship. Smith's book, "Giving Him the Blues," was published in 2008. Smith received a Bachelor of Science in education from Kent State University in 1995.

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