Making simple firestarters does not require a bunch of scouting badges or an expensive trip to the store. In fact, there are several simple ways to make reliable DIY firestarters using nothing more than readily available household products. These three DIY firestarters are not only simple to make, they enable you to get fires going faster in the outdoors.
1. Egg Carton Firestarters
All that is needed to make these reliable, long-burning firestarters is a paper egg carton, some dryer lint, and some wax. Simply take a paper egg carton, stuff some dryer lint (or shredded newspaper, if no lint is on hand) in the carton holes, and pour melted wax over the lint. The wax takes 45 minutes to an hour to harden and cool; after cooling, cut out each individual cup with scissors and use as needed.
2. Cotton Firestarters
These DIY firestarters are even easier to make than the first: simply dip a cotton facial pad or a cotton ball in melted wax and let it dry on a sheet of waxed paper or a cooling rack. That is it. These are so easy to make that a camper could light a candle, drip the wax on some cotton rounds, and make enough firestarters to start several fires on the camping trip. Leaving a small area undipped in wax makes them easier to light; cutting or tearing them before lighting can get similar results.
3. Toilet Roll Firestarters
Those who do not want to throw away old toilet paper rolls and wax paper pieces may want to make these DIY firestarters. Take one toilet paper roll and cut it in half; stuff some dryer lint in each half. Roll up each stuffed roll half in wax paper and close the ends by twisting the paper around. The twisted wax paper functions as two wicks, making this an ideal firestarter for larger fires.
Always use caution when starting fires, and parents should always supervise children who are working with melted wax or starting fires themselves. These DIY firestarters are all so simple that children can easily make and light them, but adults should still supervise children throughout the process to avoid injuries.
Related articles: Make Your Own Firestarters with Egg Cartons and Candle Wax, How to Make Your Own Firestarters
Featured Image from anastasiiachepinska/Unsplash
