DIY Fire Starters: An Easy Guide Using Dryer Lint, Old Candle Wax, and Paper Egg Carton

Creating your own fire starters is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure you have a reliable source of ignition for your fireplace, campfire, or outdoor grill. This past week I realized I had a lot of candles that the wicks were too short to burn. I’m not sure why I was hanging on to all of them, but I probably just didn’t want to throw them away quite yet. Let me walk you through the steps to make fire starters using common household items like dryer lint, old candle wax, and a paper egg carton. Additionally, I’ll share a tip on using a candle warmer to melt the wax without making a mess of your cooking pots.

Materials Needed:

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1. Dryer lint
2. Old candle wax
3. Paper egg carton
4. Candle warmer
5. Double boiler (optional)
6. Old newspaper or wax paper
7. Scissors

Steps:

Collect Dryer Lint: Start by gathering dryer lint from your laundry. Save it in a container until you have enough to fill the cavities of the egg carton.

Save the lint after each load of laundry

Prepare the Egg Carton: There are two methods. The first is to cut the paper egg carton into individual cups. I like to leave the carton whole until the very end. The choice is up to you. Ensure each cup is filled with dryer lint, compressing it slightly to create a dense base for the fire starter.

Melt Old Candle Wax: If you have old candles lying around, collect the wax. To avoid using your cooking pots, use a candle warmer. Place the old candle wax in a heat-resistant container and set it on the candle warmer. If your candles were like mine they are already in glass jars and I just put them on the candle warmer to start the melting process. Allow the wax to melt slowly.

Tip: If you don’t have a candle warmer, you can use a double boiler to melt the wax on the stove. Remember to use an old pot as the wax may be challenging to clean.

Pour Wax into Egg Carton Cups: Carefully pour the melted wax over the dryer lint in each egg carton cup. Ensure the wax saturates the lint thoroughly, creating a solid base. The wax will act as a fuel source for your fire starter.

Let it Set: Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. This may take a couple of hours. You can speed up the process by placing the egg carton on a cool surface or in the refrigerator.

Separate and Store: Once the wax has solidified, cut the egg carton cups along the perforations to create individual fire starters. Store them in a cool, dry place until needed. I store mine in an empty candy tin.

Usage Tips:

• To ignite, simply place the fire starter under your kindling or charcoal and light the edge of the egg carton cup.
• These homemade fire starters are perfect for camping trips, backyard bonfires, or emergency preparedness.

By following these easy steps, you can create your own DIY fire starters that are not only effective but also a great way to repurpose common household waste items. Enjoy the warmth of your fire with confidence, knowing you’ve created a reliable and sustainable ignition source.

If you are not in the mood to make your own fire starters then I’d recommend checking out Black Beard Fire Starters!

Fire Starter Sticks | Single Stick Black Beard Fire Starters

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