DIY Firestarters

Some may call it cheating, but when you live in a brand new subdivision, in the middle of corn fields, you just can't gather the proper tinder, and kindling to start a one match fire! We have spend 30+ minutes trying to get our backyard bonfires started. Our go-to fire starter has been newspaper, but it burns up too quick. So after some research I came up with two solutions, one quick and easy one, and one that requires a little more planning, and works even better!

Option #1:

Stuff your dryer lint in a toilet paper roll

So simple, so easy! I stick the toilet paper rolls on top of the dryer as we empty them, then every time I empty the dryer vent I stuff it in one of the tubes. Double bonus that the rolls fit in an old dryer sheet box! 

These work great when your wood is really dry and it's not breezy at all. I use two to start a fire. Set up your wood, then light each tube and set it under the wood in your fire pit. These burn for about five minutes, and will easily start a fire in favorable conditions.

Option #2:

Egg Carton, dryer lint and wax:

These are even more amazing at starting fires because they burn for longer, the wax keeps the dryer lint from burning up so quickly. To make them use use an egg carton (not Styrofoam!) fill it with dryer lint, pack as much in there as you can. Then melt your wax, I use old Scentsy wax. 

I pour old Scentsy wax into this glass container after it's lost its scent. Once it's full, I put it on a candle/cup warmer until it's all melted. Then I just fill the egg carton with wax and let it cool. Once it's cool each section will easily break off, leaving you with 12 fire starters!  

So how about a side by side comparison? 

One toilet paper tube, one wax egg carton piece:

Both light easily:

Toilet paper tube falls over and the the egg carton helps keep it ablaze, notice how much more flame the wax piece has!

5 minutes in: the toilet paper roll is done, wax piece is still going!

10 minutes in, still going... I'm getting bored now.... 

15 minutes, all done!

So for quick and easy, stuff the toilet paper tubes, for a super-duper, never fail, fire starter, make them with egg cartons. I use both because the toilet paper tubes are so easy, and I save the egg carton fire starters for when we're camping or trying to start a fire shortly after a rain, etc. Both are great options and have yet to fail me!