Make your own Campfire or BBQ Fire Starters! These simple, do it yourself fire starters are perfect for getting the charcoal going without lighter fluid, or getting logs to ignite without searching and scouring for kindling.
You’ll Need:
1 pound paraffin wax, melted
Sawdust or wood shavings
Mix melted wax w/ sawdust or wood shavings and then fill each hole of empty egg carton (cardboard).
Allow to harden & cut into 12 units, cardboard and all.
To Use:
Place 1 cube in the grill, cover with briquettes and light. Cook when coals are gray & red. Alternatively, place 2 cubes in a fire pit and place logs in a triangular position above them (to allow oxygen to reach and feed the flames. Light the campfire starters and enjoy the fire!
Paraffin wax can be purchased at the grocery store, or on Amazon. It’s frequently found in the canning aisle or with the spices.
You don’t have to use paraffin though, you can reuse wax tarts that have lost their scent, old candle wax, etc.
Alternatively, you can fill paper dixie cups with the mixture and add a wick (completely optional) before pouring in the melted wax/sawdust filling.
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / AZALIA
i have been making these fire starters for years. for the wax, you can also use old candles or sometimes pick up old candles in the free box at yard sales.
wonderful and a whole lot cheaper. just be mindful not to use them for an indoor fireplace or stove. the wax buildup can start a chimney fire if they are used consistently.
i used to make fire starters with my girl scout troops. the first year was a little disappointing. i picked up saw dust from a local mill.
we had problems getting them started. turns out they gave me dust from plywood. the glue in them contains fire retardent so they were hard to light.
make sure you use whole wood dust. we used left over candles i got from rummage sales and old egg cartons. the cardboard cartons could be lit from the corners and worked great. then is was a time to keep the mosquito spray away from the flames…..
save your dryer lint try using it next time.
i did this with my campfire girls and ended up using it all the time – camping backyard bbqs, at the park. worked great.
thanks, this is most helpful.as i have no access to wood chips the suggestion of dryer lint is perfect.
this sounds perfect for our family. we do a lot of camping, and store bought fire starters are expensive!! it works out perfectly-i have loads of candle wax and my husband has a wood work shop.
will definitely give this a try, thanks.
I have found that the dryer lint works so much better than the wood shavings or chips.
:note: