How to Make Wax Fire Starters
Homemade fire starters are made from leftover materials that you find in your home. The flame that they produce can last for up to 15 minutes, leaving enough time for the wood to catch. They are generally used when backpacking or camping to kindle a fire. Small in size and of relatively light weight, these items are easy to carry in a backpack.
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Things You'll Need
- Newspapers
- Wax leftovers, candles
- Cardboard egg carton (not Styrofoam)
- Dryer lint (or sawdust, wood shavings)
- 2 pots
- Heat resistant gloves
Instructions
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1
Prepare a kitchen counter or a table to be your work area. Clean it and cover it with newspapers or with plastic bags.
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2
Gather scraps of leftover wax, candle stubs and break them down into small chunks. This will make them easier to melt. Remove the remaining wicks from the candles by breaking the wax around them.
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3
Place an egg carton on the counter. Tear off its lid and lip. Put the lid of the carton under the egg compartments. Throw away the lip of the carton.
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4
Fill each egg compartment with dryer lint, sawdust or wood shavings. Fill them up almost to the top.
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5
Fill a large pot halfway with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Put the wax chunks into a smaller pot with a long handle. Grab the smaller pot by the handle and put it into the pot with boiling water.
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6
Wait for the wax to turn clear and fully liquefy. Put on heat resistant gloves and grab the handle of the smaller pot. Take it out of the larger boiling pot.
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7
Pour the melted wax into each egg compartment. Do not allow the wax to run over the edges of the compartments. Wait for the wax to cool and harden.
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8
Tear off each egg compartment. Leave a small amount of carton around the edges of the compartments. This carton edge will be the area to light.
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Tips & Warnings
Use paper baking cups instead of the egg carton.
Keep the wax fire starters in a watertight container.
Be careful when handling hot wax since it can cause serious burns.
Do not use them as candles; they burn in an uncontrolled manner.
