How To Make Egg Carton Fire Starters

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Egg carton fire starters are an amazing tool to keep in your home for camping, staring up a fireplace or for emergency preparedness. 

Why make Egg Carton Fire Starters?

These fire starters are a great way to make a convenience item out of what many people see as waste items. By reusing materials that would normally go into the garbage or recycling, you can reduce your direct waste. The beeswax that is used to retain the fire is also a natural material that has been known for being naturally biodegradable.

Why use beeswax instead of paraffin wax? 

Beeswax & Paraffin: Natural vs Processed

Unlike paraffin wax, beeswax is a natural, renewable product that is made by honey bees. Beeswax goes through little, if any, processing and there’s no added ingredients or toxins. Utilizing natural beeswax in this project is important so you and your loved ones don’t have to breath in the toxic fumes of wax that is derived from petroleum.

The Temperature of Beeswax

Another perfect reason to utilize beeswax in a fire starter is the temperature at which beeswax burns. Due to beeswax having a harder, more dense texture, beeswax will burn at a higher temperature than paraffin wax. This is especially helpful if you are trying to ignite a larger piece of kindling or wood.  

Where to Find Beeswax

In my opinion, it is best to try to obtain beeswax from a local source. Naturally, beekeepers are going to be the best starting point for this. If you do not know where to being looking for a local beekeeper, best place to start is at a farmers market in your town. Look for any vendor that is selling honey. The vendor is usually the beekeeper or they are very close with a beekeeper.

While it’s great to use locally sourced beeswax, it may not be widely available near you. If you can’t find a beekeeper with extra beeswax, Etsy is a great place to find a beekeeper that does!

How to store Egg Carton Fire Starters? 

It’s best to keep these egg carton fire starters stored in a cool dry place until they are needed. It’s best to keep these egg carton fire starters stored in a cool dry place until they are needed. If you’re at home, a glass jar with an airtight lid works well to keep out any moisture. If you’re taking these to a campsite or anywhere away from home, a zip top bag works well.

How well do egg carton fire starters work? 

The efficiency of these egg cartons highly depend on your intended use. These fire starters are great for situations where you have a lighter or match to hold up to the egg carton until it ignites. 

After the carton has caught fire, the starter should stay lit for 10+ minutes even through decent wind. Many users of the samples I’ve made have found it extremely easy to get a fire going with a lighter or match.

Looking for other homestead inspiration? You might also enjoy Homemade Tallow Lip Balm or DIY Beeswax Candles.

Using a Ferro Rod with Egg Carton Fire Starters

If your intention is to use ONLY a ferro rod to ignite the starter, you may not find these starters to be the best option. If you are stuck on using these starters with a ferro rod, there may be an option to improve your results. 

In addition to the lint and beeswax would suggest placing some steel wool on the top of the beeswax while it is still warm and pliable. The addition of steel wool will allow for a spark from a ferro rod to ignite the starter. 

Ingredients and Tools 

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1 Paper Egg Carton

~ ½ cup Beeswax

Enough dryer lint to fill each egg carton cell

A double boiler 

Something to protect your work surface like a piece of parchment paper or newspaper. 

Scissors or knife 

Directions 

Place beeswax into a double boiler and melt on medium-low heat. 

While the wax is melting, begin adding lint into each cell of the paper egg carton. If needed, press down on each cell to stuff the lint.

When the wax is melted and all cells of the egg carton are full, place the egg carton over the parchment paper and begin pouring the wax evenly over each cell. Each cell should have about ½ – 1 tablespoon of wax. 

Let the wax cool to room temperature, or about 30 minutes.

Once cool, cut along the seams of the cell to separate into 12 pieces.

Store in a plastic bag or other airtight container. 

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How to use egg carton Fire Starters

Prepare the area in which you are starting a fire. 

Using a match or a lighter, ignite the edge of the egg carton. 

Continue to monitor the fire starter and your larger fire materials to ensure a safe fire.

Egg Carton Fire Starters FAQ:

Why make Egg Carton Fire Starters?

These fire starters are a great way to make a convenience item out of what many people see as waste items. By reusing materials that would normally go into the garbage or recycling, you can reduce your direct waste. The beeswax that is used to retain the fire is also a natural material that has been known for being naturally biodegradable.

Why use beeswax instead of paraffin wax? 

Unlike paraffin wax, beeswax is a natural, renewable product that is made by honey bees. Beeswax goes through little, if any, processing and there’s no added ingredients or toxins. beeswax will also burn at a higher temperature than paraffin wax due to beeswax having a harder, more dense texture. This is especially helpful if you are trying to ignite a larger piece of kindling or wood.  

How to store Egg Carton Fire Starters? 

It’s best to keep these egg carton fire starters stored in a cool dry place until they are needed. If you’re at home, a glass jar with an airtight lid works well to keep out any moisture. If you’re taking these to a campsite or anywhere away from home, a zip top bag works well.

How well do egg carton fire starters work? 

The efficiency of these egg cartons highly depend on your intended use. These fire starters are great for situations where you have a lighter or match to hold up to the egg carton until it ignites. After the carton has caught fire, the starter should stay lit for 10+ minutes even through decent wind. 

Do these Fire Starters work with a Ferro Rod?

If your intention is to use ONLY a ferro rod to ignite the starter, you may not find these starters to be the best option. If you are stuck on using these starters with a ferro rod, there may be an option to improve your results. 

How do I make fire starters work with a ferro rod?

In addition to the lint and beeswax would suggest placing some steel wool on the top of the beeswax while it is still warm and pliable. The addition of steel wool will allow for a spark from a ferro rod to ignite the starter. 

Did you try this? Share your creations in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.