Frugal Fire Starters: DIY Guide

Starting a fire can be a simple task, but sometimes it can be a frustrating one. Especially when the kindling you've gathered is damp or you're dealing with a stubborn fire pit or fireplace. Fire starters are a great way to get your fire going quickly and efficiently, but they can be expensive to buy. Fortunately, making your own fire starters is a cheap and easy way to save money and reduce waste.

Materials You'll Need

• Cardboard egg cartons
• Newspaper
• Wax (paraffin or beeswax)
• Old cooking oil or petroleum jelly (optional)
• A double boiler or heat-safe pot and bowl
• A spoon
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Prepare the egg cartons. Cut the egg cartons into individual cups. You can use the entire carton, or cut it into smaller sections for easier storage.
2. Shred the newspaper. Shred newspaper into small pieces. This will help the wax absorb quickly and evenly.
3. Melt the wax. Place the wax in the double boiler or heat-safe pot and bowl. Heat over low heat until the wax is completely melted. If using paraffin wax, you can add a small amount of old cooking oil or petroleum jelly to make the fire starters burn more slowly. This is not necessary for beeswax.
4. Fill the egg cartons. Pour the melted wax into the egg carton cups, filling them about halfway. Use a spoon to distribute the wax evenly. Be careful not to fill the cups too full, as the wax will expand as it cools.
5. Add the newspaper. Press the shredded newspaper into the wax, making sure it is completely submerged. You can add more wax if necessary. If you are using old cooking oil or petroleum jelly, add a small amount to the top of the newspaper before adding the wax.
6. Let the fire starters cool. Allow the fire starters to cool completely before removing them from the egg cartons. This may take several hours. Once cooled, you can store them in a dry place.

Tips

• You can experiment with different types of wax to find the best results. For example, beeswax burns longer and cleaner than paraffin wax.
• You can also add other materials to your fire starters, such as pine cones, wood chips, or dryer lint.
• To make the fire starters even more effective, try dipping a cotton ball in wax and placing it on top of the newspaper before adding the wax.
• Store your fire starters in a dry place. If they get wet, they may not burn as well.

Conclusion

Making your own fire starters is a fun and easy way to save money and reduce waste. They make starting a fire a breeze, and they're great for camping, grilling, or even just warming up your fireplace on a cold winter night.