How to Use a Kerosene Lamp

Kerosene lamps, also sometimes called hurricane lamps, are nonelectric lamps that came into common use beginning in the 1800s. While most buildings use electric lighting these days, kerosene lamps remain a viable alternative to meet emergency lighting needs in areas where natural disasters or foul-weather power outages are common.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy a kerosene lamp. If you already own one or more kerosene lamps, inspect it to be sure that all parts are in good operating order.

2. Fill the kerosene lamp with #2 water-clear kerosene using a siphon or funnel that is reserved exclusively for use with kerosene. Using the same siphon or funnel with different fuels puts you at risk for personal injury when you light the lamp.

3. Leave some headroom in the fuel reservoir to allow for proper wicking. There should be space between the wick's bottom and the kerosene. Be sure to pre-soak new wicks in kerosene before inserting it into the lamp. If you don't, you'll just end up burning the wick rather than the fuel, wasting wicks.

4. Trim your wick into a rounded shape the first time you use it and again at regular intervals to ensure the best burn. Straight-tipped wicks give off excess smoke, and wicks that are too pointed give off poor light.

5. Turn the wick up about a 1/4 inch, light it with a match and replace the chimney on the lamp. If the wick begins to smoke, turn it down until the smoking stops. You can adjust the wick height as you need to prevent smoking while still getting good light.

6. Put out the kerosene lamp by cupping your hand close to but not touching the chimney and blowing directly down the chimney. If you angle your hand properly, a short, forceful burst should do it.

7. Maintain your kerosene lamp. Clean the chimney with soapy water and paper towels. Replace wicks as needed. And, if you use your kerosene lamp routinely, you should keep replacement parts on hand. Chimneys are fragile and prone to breakage so keep a few extras on hand. You may also need to replace the wick adjuster and the burner over time. You can find these parts at your local hardware store.

Tips & Warnings

• One gallon of kerosene will allow you to burn five kerosene lanterns up to five hours a night for a month.
• You can burn lower grades of kerosene in your lamps, but they tend to give off lots of smoke and gum up the wick, requiring more frequent wick replacement and chimney cleaning.
• Aladdin Lamps are high-maintenance compared to traditional kerosene lamps. While they do give off more light, they use twice as much kerosene as regular lamps, the mantles require frequent replacement and the parts from one Aladdin lamp to another are not as interchangeable as the parts for traditional kerosene lamps.
• Never remove your kerosene lamp chimney without first letting it cool. If you must remove the lamp chimney while it is still hot, be sure to use potholders or gloves so you don't burn yourself.
• Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of fuel combustion. If you plan to burn kerosene lamps in an enclosed space such as your home, be sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors.

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