How to Make Fire Starters with Paper Rolls and Dryer Lint

Last Updated: October 8, 2020

Need to light a campfire in your backyard or trying to get the fire roaring in the fireplace? Instead of wrestling with your lighter and newspaper, make these handy fire starters that can be used at home or on the road.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Find Supplies

1
Gather/maintain a supply of empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls/tubes. Make sure they are still in decent condition and are not torn or haven’t been damaged in any way and make sure it is extremely dry for maximum flammability. If it is damaged you can use some superglue since it is a flammable material (the fire may smell different).
2
Maintain a supply of electric clothes dryer lint. Whenever you clean out the lint trap, keep a small bucket or container near the dryer. Instead of tossing into the garbage, throw the lint into your container and keep in a safe, dry spot for future use.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Make Fire Starters

1
Gather a fistful of dryer lint. Size up the empty roll/tube you plan to use. Obviously the larger the roll, the more lint you will need. You want to stuff enough lint into the roll to fill it, but not overstuff it.
2
Push lint into the roll. Stand the roll on its end and push lint downward until it touches the other surface. Add more lint until fire starter is completely full.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Use Fire Starters

1
Get your fire ready. Whether you are creating an outdoor bonfire or something cozy in the fireplace, make sure you have ample wood and matches/lighter for the job. To make sure that your fire has a larger chance of actually working you will need to make a pyramid shape with the wood.
2
Place your fire starter next to a log in the middle of your kindling pile. That way the fire can move evenly throughout the log/wood area.
3
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Can you use cotton instead of lint?

Community Answer

Yes, provided that you don't pack it too tightly and only if it is true cotton - not a synthetic blend as some cotton balls can be.
Question

Can I use paper wrapped in a cylinder?

Jemsd3164

Community Answer

Yes, if the paper is shredded or balled up to allow for air circulation, which allows the paper to burn completely.
Question

Can you use stuffing from a pillow instead of lint?

Community Answer

No. Generally, this is not a good idea. Pillow stuffing is commonly made of polyester, which is not suitable for this purpose. The stuffing may also have been treated with a flame retardant.