How to Make Cotton Ball Firestarters with Petroleum Jelly or Vaseline

Firestarters are small devices used by campers, hikers, and survivalists to start a fire no matter the conditions. The best firestarters are the kind that work in any environment, whether dry, wet, wind, or snowy. Some commercial firestarters are available from camping stores, but usually cost a great deal, which isn't in many campers budgets.

The solution is to make cotton ball and Vaseline firestarter, which has an average cost of less than one penny per starter (depending on where you purchase the supplies). The process to make these firestarters is simple and only takes a few minutes each to complete. Cotton ball firestarters will work in any condition (except for torrential rain).

Step 1

Purchase a bag of normal cotton balls - the kind from the dollar store are best, as they are inexpensive and large. Also purchase a tub of (preferably unscented)petroleum jelly, which is sometimes also called Vaseline. If you don't already have a case, also purchase some type of case to sore the firestarters in.

Step 2

Place a small pan over on the stove, and set the burner to low. Place a large scoop of petroleum jelly in the pan (the amount depends on how many firestarters you want to make), and stir it frequently until it is completely liquefied. Do not turn the fire up so hot that the jelly boils, or you risk a fire.

Step 3

Using tweezers, tongs, a fork, or any sort of long device, dip a cotton ball into the liquefied petroleum jelly so that it becomes completely saturated. Allow the excess liquid to drip off, then place the cotton ball on a small square of foil, fold the foil over the firestarter, then place it in the freezer for a few minutes to solidify the jelly.

Step 4

When you're ready to use the firestarter, use your fingers or knife to pry some of the small fibers of the cotton ball loose so that there is some fuzz; if you don't do this, it will be impossible to start a fire. Once the fibers are pulled free, light them with Firesteel, a match, or a lighter. If you want the firestarter to burn for a long period of time, place it in a cup or hole in the ground to protect it from wind. A protected firestarter will burn for approximately ten minutes, while a firestarter in the wind will only burn for a few minutes.