Instructions to Make Fire Starters

fire image by Fotocie from Fotolia.com

When it comes to fire starters, wax is your friend. Paraffin, beeswax and other kinds can be poured on top of virtually anything flammable and nontoxic to make an excellent fire starter. In most homes, you will find everything you need just lying around.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pots
Wax
Votive candles
Water
Dryer lint
Newspaper
Dry pine needles
Cardboard egg carton
Hot glove

Step 1

Place the ends of old candles in a small pot along with broken crayons and other wax items you don't need anymore into a small pot. If you don't have wax lying around the house, buy votive candles and dig the wax out with a long spoon. Votives usually cost less than $2 and have plenty of wax.

Step 2

Place the small pot in a wide saucepan and add 3 to 4 inches of water to the pan. Place the saucepan on a burner.

Step 3

Heat the pan on low until the wax melts. The water may start boiling.

Step 4

Stuff lint into the bottom of each egg holder in the carton. The bottom third or so should be filled with lint. If you do not have lint, you can use strips of newspapers, dry pine needles or anything else flammable and safe to burn.

Step 5

Put a hot glove on and grasp the handle of the wax pot. Carefully lift it and pour wax into the carton. Each section should be between 1/2 and 2/3 full of wax.

Step 6

Place the pot back in the saucepan and turn off the burner. Leave the cups for about 20 minutes to ensure that they cool completely. Touch the top of one. It should be room temperature.

Step 7

Cut the fire starters apart with a serrated knife. Store them in food storage bags in a cool area until they are ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

To use a fire starter, light the edge of the cardboard. The carton and the lint inside will stay on fire for several minutes, acting as a wick to burn the wax.

Do not allow the handle of the inner pot tosit directly over the burner.

Wait for the pans to cool down before cleaning up.

Article Written By Isaiah David

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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