MATERIALS:
- Cardboard egg carton - NO Styrofoam or plastic
- Dryer lint, cotton balls, or sawdust
- Old candles or crayons (paraffin wax or beeswax is also an option)
- A double boiler or saucepan and coffee can, soup can, or mason jar
STEP 1: Fill Carton
Place some dryer lint in each of the cup sections of your cardboard egg carton. Using my palms, I roll the lint into a ball and plop it right on in. You can do the same or simply pack the lint in until the cup section is filled. If using sawdust, fill the compartment about 3/4 of the way full. There is also the option to use both sawdust and lint. Fill each cup of the egg carton about halfway with sawdust, then fill the cup the rest of the way with dryer lint, pressing the contents into the cup.
STEP 2: Melt Wax
If you don't own a double boiler, simply boil some water in a saucepan and melt your wax inside of an old coffee can, soup can or even mason jar. Old candles work great for the wax but you can also use crayons with the wrapper removed, paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax. I recycle wax from old candles by placing the candle in the freezer for several hours or until it's frozen. The wax pops right out and I can add it to my melting pot for reuse! If you'd like, you can remove the wicks from the wax with a wooden skewer but its not necessary.
* Be careful removing the can of wax from the pot of boiling water; the can will be HOT!
* Use an oven mit or towel as to not burn yourself.
STEP 3: Pour Wax
Wax can occasionally soak through the cardboard egg carton, so you'll want to put something underneath the egg carton before beginning to pour. When the wax is completely melted, pour it over each cup of the egg carton covering the lint (or sawdust) completely. Work slowly to allow the sawdust, dryer lint, and cardboard to become saturated with the melted wax.
STEP 4: Let Cool
After all of the cups are filled, allow the carton to set for at least two hours until the wax cools and solidifies. Avoid handling the trays while they are still soft and warm.
STEP 5: Break Apart
After the wax is cool and solid, break the individual cups apart. Don’t worry about being neat; the ragged edges at the top of the cup are perfect to use as a wick when lighting the fire starter.
STEP 6: Enjoy!
These egg carton fire starters will light instantly with a match or lighter. One fire starter placed in a fire pit or under a fireplace grate will provide a steady flame for about 10 minutes, long enough to ignite dry firewood placed above or around it. No need for newspaper or kindling!