Discover how to create your own DIY fire starters.

Whether you’re planning a camping trip, cozying up by the the fireplace, or just want to be prepared in case of an emergency, having a reliable fire starter is a must. Making your own fire starters is not only cost-effective and eco-friendly but also a fun and simple project. Plus, you probably already have most of the materials at home.

This guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet will walk you through how to create your own DIY fire starters, so you can take the hassle out of starting a fire.

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Save this for those future bonfire nights 🔥 #firestarter #diy #diyfirestarter #summerdiy

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What You’ll Need

• Cardboard egg carton (or toilet paper roll)
• Dryer lint
• Candle wax

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fire Starters

This is a tried-and-true method that combines old egg cartons with wax for long-lasting, individual fire starters.

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Carton

Take an empty cardboard egg carton, and use scissors to cut off the lid. You’ll only need the section that holds individual eggs. These cups will be your fire starters. Lay it on a flat, covered surface like a tray or wax paper (something you don’t mind getting messy).

Step 2: Stuff with Dryer Lint

Fill each egg cup with dryer lint, pushing it down lightly but not packing it too tightly. A loose fill allows for better airflow when lit.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Heat old candles, tea lights, or wax until melted. We recommend using a double boiler for this.

Place a heat-safe container filled with your wax inside a pot of water. Heat the water on low to medium heat, allowing the wax to melt slowly. Never heat wax directly on the stove, and always keep an eye on it as it melts.

Step 4: Pour the Wax

Carefully pour the melted wax over the dryer lint in each egg cup. It should seep into the open spaces and hold the lint together. This helps the lint catch fire and burn longer.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. This will take about an hour. Then, cut the egg cups apart into individual fire starter cubes. They’re now ready to use!

Simplified Fire Starters

If you’re short on time or materials, this simplified method is a perfect solution. All you have to do is take an empty toilet paper roll and loosely stuff it with dryer lint. That’s it!

If you want to keep things tidy, you can pinch and fold the ends of the roll. You can also wrap it in parchment paper, and twist the ends for easy storage.

Tips for Using Your Fire Starters

• Position Properly: Place your fire starter underneath small twigs, wood chips, or kindling to give the fire enough fuel to grow.
• Use Safely: Only use fire starters in designated areas like fire pits or fireplaces. Never use them in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
• Store Properly: Keep your fire starters in a cool, dry place. Plastic baggies work great during camping trips.
• Multiple Uses: These fire starters don’t just have to be for camping. You can also use them in your backyard fire pit or even indoors in a fireplace.

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of lighting a fire with something you made yourself. These homemade fire starters only require a little bit of time and a few household materials, and they’ll make your next camping experience smoother and more enjoyable.

For more how-to guides like this one, check out our other Camping articles.