Welcome to the article on How To Make Firelighters! These little things can come handy during camping, for barbecues, and even during colder winter nights when you are in the mood for a fire in your own fireplace.
Supplies Needed:
- Cotton Pads or Cotton Balls
- Beeswax
- Newspaper Cut in Strips
- Muffin Tray or Silicone Moulds
- Double Boiler or a Glass Bowl in a Pot of Boiling Water
- Heatproof Gloves
- Wax Paper
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Preparing the Moulds
Begin by placing muffin liners or silicone moulds on a flat surface. Cover the area with wax paper for easy clean-up once you are done.
Step 2: Preparing the Beeswax
The next step is to prepare the beeswax. Use a double boiler or a heatproof glass bowl in a pot of boiling water to melt the beeswax. Beeswax is flammable, so be sure to keep the heat low and to use heatproof gloves to handle the bowl. You can add scented oils, like lavender or lemon, to make your firelighters have a pleasant fragrance.
Step 3: Dipping the Cotton
Dip the cotton pad or cotton ball into the melted beeswax, making sure it is fully coated. Use tongs to ensure that your hands stay safe as you hold the cotton in the melted beeswax. Hold the cotton in the wax for a few seconds to fully coat the cotton. Then, using tongs again, remove the cotton from the wax and let it drip-dry for a few seconds.
Step 4: Rolling the Cotton in Newspaper Strips
Take a strip of newspaper and wrap the beeswax-coated cotton ball or pad in it. Roll it tightly so that the wax of the cotton is absorbed by the newspaper. This step makes it easier to light the firelighter.
Step 5: Placing in Moulds
Place the rolled-up newspaper and beeswax-coated cotton ball or pad inside the muffin liners or silicone moulds. Fill each mould almost to the top, making sure to pack the paper and cotton down tightly. Let them cool until they get hardened.
Conclusion
There you have it – your very own firelighters! These are perfect for camping, barbecues, or for lighting your fire on colder winter nights. They are easy to make at home with just a few supplies that you may already have lying around. Homemade firelighters help you save money as compared to the store-bought ones, while also being a more environmentally friendly solution.
