How to Make Waterproof Fire Starters

These waterproof fire starters are cheap and easy to make, using only household items. They will burn for about 15 minutes. The only thing you may need to buy is candles/wax, which may cost $2. The process overall takes about an hour and a half, with several hours for drying time.

Things You Will Need:

• Dryer lint (a large handful)
• Egg Carton (recycled paper, not styrofoam)
• Wax (Any kind will do. Old candles, new candles, paro wax, hair wax, etc.)
• Aluminum can or glass jar (it's easier to throw this away when you are done, rather than try to clean it, so use something you don't mind getting rid of.)
• Pot to boil water in
• Dental floss or string
• Scissors
• Piece of cardboard or several paper towels (Where you will put your fire starters while they are drying)
• Plastic knife (not pictured) (something to push the fire starters into the wax and hold them under)

Stuff the egg carton with as much lint as you can. The more lint you have, the longer the fire starter will burn.

Break apart your egg carton. You can try cutting them, but you may just want to use your hands. As you break them apart, make sure that you leave 4 taller sections on each corner of the separate pieces, as you will need those for the next step.

Fold the corners of your egg carton into the middle.

First, break your wax into small pieces and put them inside of your aluminum can or glass jar. Then, place the aluminum can inside of the pot. Next, fill the pot with only enough water to slightly lift up the can. Too much water and the can will tip over. Finally, place the pot on the stove, medium heat, for about 5-10 minutes.

Tie your fire starters closed with dental floss or string. Cut 12 pieces of string (about as long as your forearm and hand) and place the fire starters in the middle of the string. Then double knot your string around the fire starter, effectively sealing it closed. You will want to make sure your string is long enough to dip the fire starter into the hot wax while keeping your hand away from the steam.

Next to the pot of boiling water, make sure you have your cardboard or paper towels ready, the plastic knife, and your fire starters.

Holding the end of the string, dip the fire starters into the wax. Use the plastic knife to hold the fire starter completely under until it stops bubbling. This allows the dryer lint to soak up as much wax as possible, effectively increasing your burning time and making them waterproof. Once they stop bubbling, remove them and put them on the cardboard. Allow to dry for about 2 hours.

Keep the string tied around the fire starter because the string makes it easier to light. Your fire starters are now ready to go! Completely waterproof, they are ready for wherever your adventure takes you.