DIY Fire Starters: 7 Cheap, Easy Recipes Using Household Items

1. The Classic Dryer Lint & Toilet Paper Tube Starter

Materials: Dryer lint, empty toilet paper tubes, newspaper.

Steps:

1. Stuff a handful of dry lint into a toilet paper tube.

2. Wrap the tube tightly in newspaper, twisting the ends to seal.

3. Light the newspaper end—it burns slowly, igniting the lint and tube.

Pro Tip: Use colored newspaper for a festive campfire touch!

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2. Egg Carton Wax Fire Starters

Materials: Cardboard egg cartons, candle wax (old candles or crayons), dryer lint or sawdust.

Steps:

1. Fill each egg cup with lint or sawdust.

2. Melt wax in a double boiler and pour over the filler.

3. Let cool, then tear apart individual cups.

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.

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3. Petroleum Jelly Cotton Balls

Materials: Cotton balls, petroleum jelly.

Steps:

1. Coat cotton balls in petroleum jelly until fully saturated.

2. Store in a ziplock bag.

3. To use, fluff a ball slightly and light with a match.

Why It Works: The jelly acts as a fuel, burning for 3–5 minutes.

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4. Pine Cone Fire Starters

Materials: Pine cones, wax, string (optional).

Steps:

1. Dip pine cones in melted wax, coating evenly.

2. Let dry on parchment paper.

3. Tie a string around one for easy lighting.

Bonus: Roll wax-dipped cones in cinnamon for a holiday aroma.

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5. Cardboard & Sawdust Cubes

Materials: Cardboard boxes, sawdust, wax.

Steps:

1. Shred cardboard into small pieces and
mix with sawdust.

2. Press the mix into an ice cube tray.

3. Drizzle melted wax over each cube.

Best For: Wood stoves—they burn hot
and long.

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6. Wine Cork Soaked in Rubbing Alcohol

Materials: Wine corks, rubbing alcohol (70%+), jar.

Steps:

1. Soak corks in alcohol for 24 hours.

2. Let dry slightly (to avoid flare-ups).

3. Place 1-2 corks under kindling and light.

Note: Use only natural cork—plastic corks won’t work!

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7. Paper Towel Tube & Lint Logs

Materials: Paper towel tubes, dryer lint, wax paper.

Steps:

1. Pack lint tightly into the tube.

2. Wrap the tube in wax paper, twisting the ends.

3. Light the wax paper—it burns slowly to ignite the lint.

Ideal For: Rainy days—the wax paper repels moisture.

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Tips for Success

- Store Safely: Keep fire starters in a sealed container away from humidity.

- Layer Kindling: Place starters under small sticks, not directly under logs.

- Go Green: Use soy wax or beeswax for cleaner burns.

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Safety First!

- Avoid using glossy paper (e.g., magazines) or treated wood—they release toxins.

- Supervise fires at all times, especially with alcohol-based starters.

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Conclusion

Why spend money on store-bought starters (if you do you can follow some of the links) when you can turn trash into fire treasure? These DIY recipes are not only cheap and easy but also reduce waste. Pair them with well-seasoned firewood (check out our [seasoning guide](link)) for the perfect blaze.

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