Creating your own fire starters is a simple way to ensure you have a reliable way to light wood stoves, campfires, or an indoor fireplace.
Whether you’re preparing for your first time lighting a charcoal grill or stocking up for wood fires in your outdoor fire pits, these natural starters are a great way to get a high-quality, clean-burning fire without the need for lighter fluid.
Ruby Ann and I made these homemade fire starters using simple, natural materials like sawdust, old candles, and paraffin wax.
We even added bee wax scraps for a chemical-free choice. Check out the video below in the FAQ section to see how we did it!
Why You’ll Love This Tutorial
Affordable and Effective: Making your own fire starters at home with items like empty toilet paper tubes, old candles, and sawdust is a cost-effective way to create the best fire starters. These natural ingredients also make them a carbon-neutral option.
Step-by-Step Guide: This tutorial provides a simple way to follow along, even if it’s your first time. You’ll be making your own fire starters in no time!
Fun and Creative Activity: Creating your own fire starters can be a fun project for the whole family, making it perfect for a bridal shower or any get-together.
Perfect for Outdoor Activities: Whether you’re lighting campfires or using a coal stove, these homemade fire starters will make the process easy and enjoyable.
Environmentally Friendly: These fire starters are made with natural materials, like sawdust and dryer lint, making them an eco-friendly and chemical-free choice.
Impressive Gift Idea: Homemade fire starters make great gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, especially with a supply list that includes natural and water-resistant fire starters.
Versatile Use: These fire starters work well for wood stoves, outdoor fire pits, or an indoor fireplace, ensuring you’re ready for any situation.
No More Expensive Fire Starters: Save money by making your own, which burn slowly and produce little smoke—a perfect clean-burning choice.
Great Winter Solution: With winter approaching, having a stash of homemade fire starters will keep you cozy and warm.
Tips On How To Make Your Easy Homemade Fire Starters
- Egg Cartons: Fill the cups of an empty egg carton with dryer lint. Melt paraffin wax or old candles and pour it over the lint. Once the wax hardens, cut the cups apart and use them as fire starters.
- Sawdust and Wax: Mix sawdust with melted paraffin wax and pour the mixture into a muffin tin or unbleached cupcake liners. Once the wax hardens, remove the fire starters, which are perfect for wood stoves and charcoal grills.
- Cardboard and Wax: Cut a cardboard tube into small pieces and dip them in melted wax. These water-resistant fire starters are ideal for outdoor use.
- Dryer Lint and Toilet Paper Rolls: Stuff empty toilet paper rolls with dryer lint and wrap them in wax paper. Light the wax paper, and you’ll have a quick, reliable fire starter.
- Remember always to use caution when starting a fire and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
FAQ
What are homemade fire starters?
Homemade fire starters are simple DIY solutions that help you easily start a fire. They’re made from natural materials like sawdust, dryer lint, and wax, making them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice.
How do I make homemade fire starters?
You can make your own fire starters using various methods, such as filling egg cartons with dryer lint, mixing sawdust with wax, or wrapping lint in empty toilet paper tubes.
Why should I use homemade fire starters?
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.
Are homemade fire starters safe to use?
Yes, homemade fire starters are safe when used correctly. Always follow safety guidelines, such as storing them in a dry place and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby.
Where can I find more information about homemade fire starters?
For more tips and tricks, check out DIY blogs, or ask experienced campers and hikers for advice. You can also find helpful tutorials online.
Tools you may need
- Muffin Tin
- Candle Melting Pot
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Disclaimer: Please use caution and follow all safety guidelines when making and using homemade fire starters. Always store your fire starters in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and open flames. Use at your own risk.
Supplies you will need
Candle Wax or Paraffin Wax: This provides a slow burn and is perfect for creating high-quality fire starters.
Candle Wicks: Use 4” or longer to ensure an even burn.
Candle Wick Stickers: These help keep the wick in place while the wax hardens.
Unbleached Cupcake Liners: A natural choice for holding the wax and sawdust mixture.
Dryer Lint (optional): Adds extra flammability to your fire starters.
Cinnamon Sticks and Bay Leaves (optional): Add a pleasant aroma when the fire starts.
How To Make Easy Homemade Fire Starters
- Melt the Wax: Melt candle wax or paraffin wax in a double boiler or candle pot.
- Prepare the Liners: Place unbleached muffin liners in each compartment of a muffin tin. Secure a candle wick in each one using candle wick stickers.
- Fill with Lint: Add dryer lint to each muffin liner.
- Add Aromatics: Optionally, add a cinnamon stick and bay leaf for a fragrant fire burn.
- Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into each liner.
- Cool and Trim: Allow the fire starters to cool and harden, then trim the wicks to about 1-2 inches.
- Store Properly: Store your fire starters in a dry place, like mason jars or plastic bags, to keep them water-resistant and ready to use.
Remember always to follow safety guidelines when using and storing fire starters.
Storage Ideas
Mason Jars: Seal tightly to keep the fire starters dry and organized.
Plastic Bags: Easy to transport and keeps them dry.
Cardboard Boxes: Label the boxes for easy identification.
Tupperware Containers: Airtight and perfect for long-term storage.
Decorative Baskets: Display near your indoor fireplace or wood stove.
**Remember to store your fire starters in a dry place away from heat sources and open flames.**
For even more delightful DIY projects, check out our favorite cozy tutorials below:
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- DIY Homemade Dried Orange Garland (how to + video)
- DIY Cozy Cottage Fall Garland Decor (how to make)
Easy Homemade Fire Starters
Equipment
- Candle Melting Pot
- Muffin Tin
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs. of Candle Wax or Paraffin Wax
- 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
Instructions
- First, melt your candle wax or paraffin wax in a double boiler or a candle pot.
- While the wax is melting, prepare your muffin tin by placing unbleached muffin liners in each compartment and placing a candle wick with wick stickers to hold the wick in place.
- Fill each muffin liner with dryer lint.
- Once the wax is completely melted, pour it into the muffin liners.
- Optionally, you can add a cinnamon stick and a dry bay leaf to the wax for aromatic qualities when the fire starter is lit.Â
- Allow the fire starters to cool and harden, then remove them from the muffin tin and trim the wicks to 1 inch in length or longer if desired.Â
- Store the fire starters in a dry place until you are ready to use them.Â
- Remember always to follow safety guidelines when using and storing fire starters.
Could you put citronella essential oil in them to use them outside as fire starters?
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!