As the saying goes, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”. But sometimes, starting a fire can be easier said than done, especially if you’re out camping or in an emergency situation.
That’s where homemade firestarters come in.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 homemade firestarters for 2023 that are not only effective but also eco-friendly.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the article!
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The Top 5 Homemade Firestarters for 2023.
1.) Cotton Balls and Petroleum Jelly Firestarter
One of the easiest and most effective homemade firestarters is made with cotton balls and petroleum jelly. Simply take a few cotton balls and coat them in petroleum jelly. Then, store them in a small container or a resealable plastic bag. When you’re ready to start a fire, simply pull out a cotton ball and use it as kindling.
This firestarter is effective because the petroleum jelly acts as a fuel source, and the cotton ball acts as a wick. When you light the cotton ball, the petroleum jelly will melt and ignite, creating a slow-burning flame that can help ignite larger pieces of kindling.
2.) Egg Carton firestarter
Another easy-to-make firestarter is an egg carton firestarter. Take an empty cardboard egg carton and fill each cup with sawdust, dryer lint, or shredded paper. Then, melt paraffin wax in a double boiler and pour it over the sawdust, lint, or paper. Allow the wax to cool and harden, and then cut the egg carton into individual cups.
To use this firestarter, simply tear off a cup and light the edge. The wax will melt and the sawdust, lint, or paper will ignite, creating a slow-burning flame that can help ignite larger pieces of kindling.
3.) Pine Cone Firestarter
If you’re looking for a more natural firestarter, try using pine cones. Collect dry pine cones and coat them in wax, petroleum jelly, or even bacon fat. Then, store them in a resealable plastic bag or a small container.
To use this firestarter, simply place a pine cone in your fire pit or fireplace and light the edge. The wax, petroleum jelly, or bacon fat will melt and the pine cone will ignite, creating a slow-burning flame that can help ignite larger pieces of kindling.
Char Cloth Fire Starters
Char cloth is another natural firestarter that has been used for centuries. To make char cloth, take a small piece of 100% cotton cloth, like a cotton t-shirt, and cut it into small squares. Then, place the squares in a metal container with a small hole in the lid.
Next, heat the container over a fire or stove until smoke starts to come out of the hole. Once the smoke stops, remove the container from the heat and allow it to cool. The cloth will now be charred and can be used as a firestarter.
To use char cloth, simply place a piece in your fire pit or fireplace and light it. The cloth will ignite and create a slow-burning flame that can help ignite larger pieces of kindling.
5.) Vegetable Oil and Paper Firestarter
Finally, another easy-to-make firestarter is made with vegetable oil and paper. Take a few strips of paper and soak them in vegetable oil. Then, allow the paper to dry and store it in a resealable plastic bag.
To use this firestarter, simply place a strip of paper in your fire pit or fireplace and light it. The oil in the paper will ignite, creating a slow-burning flame that can help ignite larger pieces of kindling.
Thoughts & Takeaways
In conclusion, these homemade firestarters are not only effective and eco-friendly, but they’re also easy to make with materials you may already have at home. Whether you’re out camping or facing an emergency situation, these firestarters can be a lifesaver.
In addition, using homemade firestarters can also help reduce waste by using materials that would otherwise be discarded, such as dryer lint or egg cartons. Plus, they’re often cheaper than store-bought firestarters and can be customized to fit your needs.
To recap, the top 5 homemade firestarters for 2023 are:
- Cotton Balls and Petroleum Jelly Firestarter
- Egg Carton Firestarter
- Pine Cone Firestarter
- Char Cloth Firestarter
- Vegetable Oil and Paper Firestarter
So next time you’re in need of starting a fire, consider trying out one of these homemade firestarters. Not only will they save you time and money, but they’re also a fun and practical DIY project.
-CT