Firestarters in Wood Stoves

[Bev]

I have read that firestarters are not recommended for use in wood stoves? Does anyone know the reason why?

[annareeb]

you cannot use a liquid firestarter in a wood stove(gas, kerosene,lighter fluid, petroleum based products.. I actually found a blurb reccomending fire starters

Start a Fire with Fire Starter: Independent research indicates that using a fire starter to start a fire in a wood stove can cut particulate emissions by more than 69 percent.

things made with wax and saw dust etc.. are approved for woodstove usage

[Bev]

Thanks for the info! I make firestarters using soy wax and wood shavings, so I am assuming they are safe for use in a wood stove?

[Fire and Ice]

I have two wood stoves and though I will use wax fire starters them from time to time, never on a daily. Maybe once or twice a week unless I dealing with wet or damp wood.

I use the paper towels I use to wipe my pots out with. That works great.

[Beth-VT]

Depends on the wax and the stove. Paraffin based waxes are definitely a no-no. If you have a catalytic type stove DO NOT burn any petroleum products in it.

[RobinInOR]

We have 3 wood stoves, and I'm always using firestarters or leftover wax. The problem comes with the newer stoves that are airtight and burn cooler - lots of creosote can build up. If you burn hot you don't have as many problems.

[Fire and Ice]

Depends on the wax and the stove. Paraffin based waxes are definitely a no-no. If you have a catalytic type stove DO NOT burn any petroleum products in it.

YUP! I use pure soy and very little of it! Just enough to catch the kindling which is stored and very dry!

[sam36]

i have an woodstove and just used a paraffin wax based firestarter just this once because youtube it and it said that it was a good firestater my wood stove is older an has a pipe that goes into a chimney 

[NightLight]

I have a wood stove with chimney liner and would not use fire starters from wax. The chimney liner was very expensive to install so not interested in any issues with it.

Wax firestarters are fine outdoors, but would be hesitant to use inside after the cost of lining chimney.

[TallTayl]

I would be concerned with residue / soot in the fire starter smoke attaching to the cold inner fire box and chimney.  Most fire starters are not meant to burn “well”, just get a fire going. when the chimney is cold the excess greasy soot can attach vigorously and layer on  cold surfaces. This might be minor, like burning pine or other sappy resinous wood, or might burn off when the fire reaches peak temp. No way to know without some close chimney inspection.

 

I would treat leftover candle wax fire starters like a unseasoned dirty wood - with care.  Cleaning sticky residue and creosote from inside a chimney is a dirty job. Repairs to chimneys are often costly. Personally, I choose cleaner burning materials for inside, and save the wax fire starters for campfires and bonfires outside.