Cheap fire starter

[Jim Harper]

Tried something new, and it works. Saved some dryer lint, yea dryer lint, worked in some Dollar Store petroleum jelly. A small piece, the size of a thumbnail, lights easily and burned for a good while. Windproof also.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Ive made similar fire starters. An empty toilet paper tube stuffed with that same mix of lint and petroleum jelly, then wrapped in several layers of newspaper, fold in the ends to keep it from unravelling and shove a few in to a freezer ziplock bag.
If they sit long enough the petroleum jelly will soak thru the cardboard tube and newspaper (or they can be treated by hand) making them completely water proof. Long burning and pretty wind proof, too.

 

[anonymouscowherd]

Vaseline, Crisco, or Coconut oil will work for it. So will dipping it in melted wax.

 

[BuffaloSoldier]

Dryer lint has some nasty stuff in it, or so I have been told and read. Recommended using cotton balls instead of lint.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Dryer lint has some nasty stuff in it, or so I have been told and read. Recommended using cotton balls instead of lint.

It could have, if you wash and dry nasty work clothes. Since it’s not a large amount of lint and it’s being burned it shouldn’t be big hazard. Maybe if youre cooking food over the burning lint tho? But it also has petroleum jelly burning. So definitely do not cook food over it.

 

[RobRed]

Dryer lint has some nasty stuff in it, or so I have been told and read. Recommended using cotton balls instead of lint.

I think people say this because our clothes are mostly made out of plastic. Also fabric softener and most detergent is all petrochemical based.

 

[John0313]

I think people say this because our clothes are mostly made out of plastic. Also fabric softener and most detergent is all petrochemical based.

Old (used) wool works great as well

 

[BP Addict]

I've been involved in Hunter Education for a while. One of the fellows does a segment on Wilderness Survival. Firestarting is #1. He uses cotton balls and says they work better when mixed with Petroleum Jelly. He mentioned Dryer lint also. A Road Flare burns at 2000 degrees and will kindle wet wood. He recommends having several igniters, a Butane Lighter, Waterproof Matches, and of course, a small Flint and Steel-type starter. The Flares have their own built-in.

Walt

 

[ElDiablo]

+1 on cotton balls and petroleum jelly. Then take a short section of plastic straw and fill then melt the ends closed. No mess until you need it.