Easy Homemade DIY Fire Starters

ByEmily Rider Updated
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These DIY fire starters come together in minutes using simple household materials and a bit of melted wax. Each one lights easily and burns steadily, giving you a clean, reliable flame without chemicals or fuss.

The natural materials and light scent of wax and spice make them a satisfying, hands-on craft you’ll reach for all winter long.

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diy fire starters sitting on a wooden countertop

When the weather turns crisp and the evenings draw in, I start gathering supplies for these DIY fire starters. There’s something comforting about melting wax on the stove while the scent of cinnamon and bay leaf drifts through the kitchen. We use them for our first fires of the season — whether in the fireplace or under the stars — always paired with mugs of hot cocoa and a tray of Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows Recipe (How to Make)  ready for roasting.

I first made these as a way to use up leftover dryer lint and candle wax, but they quickly became one of our favorite cozy winter DIYs. They burn clean, light easily, and look lovely tucked into a small basket by the hearth. I sometimes make an extra batch alongside a few Cozy DIY Beeswax Candles in Thrifted Vintage Glass Jars or a pan of Spritz Cookies Recipe | Classic & Nostalgic cooling on the counter.

They fit right into our rhythm of cottage crafts for winter — the same quiet afternoons we spend baking Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Use Discard or Starter, pouring Easy Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe into warm mugs, or stringing up a Dried Orange Garland for the festive season ahead. Simple, practical, and naturally beautiful, these little fire starters have become one of our favorite cold-weather staples.

Why You’ll Love These DIY Fire Starters

  • Simple materials: Made with everyday items you already have at home, no special tools needed.
  • Budget-friendly: Creates a full batch of reliable fire starters for just a few dollars.
  • Clean burning: Burns evenly without harsh smoke or chemical residue.
  • Multi-purpose: Perfect for wood stoves, campfires, or gifting during the holidays.
Easy Homemade Fire Starters in a muffin tin in a cottage kitchen

Supplies

  • Candle Wax: Provides the base that fuels and holds each fire starter together as it melts slowly.
  • Dryer Lint: Acts as a lightweight, natural filler that catches flame quickly and burns evenly.
  • Unbleached Muffin Liners: Keep each portion neat and easy to handle while shaping the fire starters.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: Add a light, natural fragrance when lit and give a rustic, decorative touch.
  • Bay Leaves: Offer a gentle herbal scent and make each fire starter feel handmade and seasonal.
  • A full Supply list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
easy homemade fire starters in a muffin tin on a wooden counter top in a cottage kitchen

DIY Tips

Melt carefully: Always use a double boiler or candle pot to melt wax slowly and safely. Overheating can cause the wax to smoke or discolor.

Prepare tins first: Set up your muffin liners and wicks before melting the wax so you can pour immediately once it’s ready.

Use even layers: Pour the melted wax slowly to fill each cup evenly, helping them harden with a smooth surface.

Add natural elements wisely: Cinnamon sticks and bay leaves add charm but shouldn’t overcrowd the wax—keep them centered and light.

Cool completely: Allow the fire starters to harden fully before removing them from the tin to prevent cracks or loose wicks.

Store dry: Keep your finished fire starters in a sealed container or basket away from moisture so they light easily every time.

How To Make DIY Fire Starters

a candle melting pot on a hot plate in a cottage kitchen

Step 1: Melt your candle or paraffin wax slowly in a double boiler or candle melting pot over low heat. Stir occasionally until the wax is fully liquefied and smooth.

a women in a cottage kitchen placing muffin liners into a muffin tin

Step 2: While the wax melts, prepare your muffin tin by placing unbleached muffin liners in each cup. Secure a candle wick in the center of each liner using a wick sticker.

a women placing dryer lint into lined muffin tin

Step 3: Fill each muffin liner about halfway with dryer lint, keeping it loose so the wax can fully saturate it. Make sure the wick stays centered as you work.

a women in a sage green apron pouring melted wax into a lined muffin tin

Step 4: Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into each prepared liner, covering the lint completely. Leave a little room at the top to prevent overflow.

a women placing bay leaves into melted fire starters in a muffin tin in a cottage kitchen

Step 5: For an optional touch, place one cinnamon stick and one bay leaf on top of each filled cup. These add fragrance and a warm, rustic appearance when lit.

Easy Homemade Fire Starters in a muffin tin in a cottage kitchen

Step 6: Allow the fire starters to cool undisturbed for at least 30 minutes. The wax should harden fully before you move or trim the wicks.

diy fire starters sitting on a wooden countertop

Step 7: Once cooled, remove each fire starter from the muffin tin and trim the wicks to about one inch. They should hold their shape firmly in your hands.

Step 8: Store the finished fire starters in a dry basket or airtight container. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture until you’re ready to light one.

Finishing & Care

  • Room temperature: Store finished fire starters in an airtight container or tin at room temperature to keep them dry and ready to use.
  • Freezing not needed: These fire starters don’t require freezing; just keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight.
  • Long-term storage: When stored properly, they’ll last up to three months without losing their easy-to-light quality.
easy homemade fire starters in a muffin tin on a wooden counter top in a cottage kitchen

How To Gift or Share These Fire Starters

  • Mason jars: Arrange a few fire starters in a wide-mouth jar, add a bit of twine, and tuck in a cinnamon stick for a rustic touch.
  • Brown paper wrap: Wrap each one in kraft paper and tie with cotton string or jute for a simple, old-fashioned look.
  • Tin gift box: Line a small tin with parchment, fill it with several starters, and add a sprig of pine or dried orange slice.
  • Basket bundle: Combine fire starters with a mug, cocoa mix, and matches for a cozy winter fireside set anyone would love.

FAQ

Homemade fire starters are a great alternative to store-bought options because they’re affordable, eco-friendly, and effective in different weather conditions. They’re perfect for lighting campfires, using in coal stoves, or starting a wood fire.

Yes. Paraffin, soy, or beeswax all work well. Just choose what you have on hand or prefer for scent and burn quality.

Keep them in an airtight container or tin at room temperature. Make sure they stay dry and away from direct sunlight.

Absolutely. Once cooled and hardened, they’ll store safely for several months until you’re ready to use or gift them.

Yes, when used properly in a fireplace or wood stove. Always follow standard fire safety precautions and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

It may have absorbed moisture or too much wax. Let them dry completely and store in a sealed container before trying again.

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Another favorite from my kitchen to yours, where the seasons guide the table and every meal is an act of love — may this recipe become a favorite in your kitchen too.
With gratitude & love,
Emily

Find more DIYs cottage projects:

diy fire starters sitting on a wooden countertop
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DIY Fire Starters

Author: Emily Rider
Light up chilly evenings with the simple comfort of these homemade fire starters. Crafted with natural materials and a touch of cottage charm, they make starting a cozy fire easy and enjoyable.
Print Pin
Prep Time:5 minutes
Resting Time:10 minutes
Additional Time:30 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes
Yield: 12
Cost: $5

Supplies

  • Candle Melting Pot
  • Muffin Tin
  • Double Broiler optional

Elements

  • 1–2 lbs Candle Wax or Paraffin Wax 454–907g
  • 12 Unbleached Muffin Liners
  • 12 Candle Wicks
  • 12 Candle Wick Stickers
  • 12 Cinnamon Sticks optional
  • 12 Bay Leaves optional
  • 1 Quart-size Bag of Dryer Lint optional 200g

Instructions

  1. Melt: Place candle wax or paraffin wax in a candle pot or double boiler and melt until fully liquid.
  2. Prepare: Line each muffin tin compartment with an unbleached muffin liner.
  3. Set Wicks: Attach candle wicks in the center using wick stickers to hold them in place.
  4. Fill: Add dryer lint to each muffin liner, keeping the wick centered.
  5. Pour: Carefully pour the melted wax over the dryer lint until just covered.
  6. Add Aroma: Place a cinnamon stick and bay leaf on top if desired for fragrance.
  7. Cool: Let the fire starters cool and harden completely at room temperature.
  8. Trim: Remove the hardened fire starters from the tin and trim each wick to about 1 inch.
  9. Store: Keep the finished fire starters in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

Video

Notes

Melting Wax: If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a plug-in cooktop with a metal pouring pot set directly on it—just like shown above.
Aromatic Touch: Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, or even dried orange peels to the wax for a cozy scent when the fire burns.
Materials Tip: Dryer lint works beautifully, but you can also use sawdust, wood shavings, or small pinecones.
Storage: Keep your finished fire starters in a sealed container or tin to stay dry until use.
Safety: Never leave melting wax unattended and keep children and pets away from the workspace.

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Close-up of a woman in a peach blouse smiling and leaning against a kitchen counter, with fresh flour and wheat berries visible beside her.

Emily Rider

Cottage lifestyle blogger and home miller with 25+ years of sourdough and fresh-milled flour experience.
Sharing cozy homemade recipes that help you bake with confidence, celebrate each season, and savor the beauty of everyday cottage living.

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2 Comments

    1. Absolutely! You can definitely add citronella essential oil to make them outdoor-friendly as fire starters. It’ll help keep the bugs at bay too — just make sure to store them in a cool spot until you’re ready to use them, since essential oils can be flammable. Great idea for summer evenings around the fire!

      Reply