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Reuse your old newspaper in a way that gives you some free fire fuel. Turning old newspaper into logs for burning is a great way to repurpose the paper and keep warm. There are various ways to make these logs, either free form or using newspaper brick maker.
Steps
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Collect your newspapers. A large pile from a week or two's reading should be a good start.
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Divide the newspapers up into sections. Each section should be folded to the size of half a page.Advertisement
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Fill a tub of water. Add a tablespoon of detergent to the water and mix gently. [1] X Research source
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[ Soak each folded section in the tub of water.
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Remove the sections carefully and lay down on a clean surface.
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Roll each section individually on the rod and squeeze out any excess water. [2] X Research source
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Slide each roll off the rod. Stand each roll on one end and leave to dry thoroughly.
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Store. Once thoroughly dry, the newspaper logs are ready for use. They should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.
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This method works only with a roaring fire, a fast drawing chimney, and fast burning fuel. Otherwise, the damp nature of these logs can put the fire out.
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Roll 12 newspapers up tightly into a log shape.
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Tie each end of the log with string. [3] X Research source
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Soak the log in water for two to three days.
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Leave to drain for two to three days.
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Use on a fire that is burning well. These logs will still be damp and this helps them to burn more slowly, giving off a steady heat.
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These newspaper logs take around ten minutes to make (depending on the amount you want).
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Obtain a newspaper brick maker. You will need a newspaper brick maker for this or create your own press with some wood. [4] X Research source
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Collect old newspaper from friends and neighbors.
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Get a bucket of water.
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Let the newspaper soak for 10 minutes.
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Place in the newspaper brick maker or the press. Compact down the newspaper squeezing out all of the water. [6] X Research source
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Take the log out. Let it dry on a wooden board.
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When dry, put it on the fire and watch it burn. The logs usually burn for 45 minutes.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhere can I order a new log press?Community AnswerThere are several available on Amazon, including some that do more than one brick at a time.
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QuestionHow long do the bricks take to dry?Community AnswerIt should take 30 minutes to an hour. It's best to let them dry overnight though.
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QuestionWhat is the amount of ash build-up? Would adding scented oils to the water make a difference in smell?Jerome MathomaneCommunity AnswerThe amount of ash buildup in a smoker or grill varies depending on usage but should be regularly cleaned out to maintain proper airflow and prevent excessive ash buildup. Adding scented oils to water in a water pan can potentially add a pleasant aroma to the smoke, infusing a subtle scent into the food, but it may not significantly affect the overall smell of the cooking process.
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Tips
- Do not use the second method damp logs on a newly lit fire, as these will smoke and burn poorly and might even put the fire out. If you don't have a strong chimney flow and good fuel build-up, use method number one.Thanks
- If the newspaper logs from the sections method get wet for any reason, simply stand them upright again to dry out before use.Thanks
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Warnings
- Use only dishwashing or laundry detergent. Some harsh detergents are flammable.Thanks
- Do not close the primary air intake or the flue on the stove while burning the newspaper log.Thanks
- Be sure that you have removed all ink from the paper. When the newspaper log heats up, any remaining ink can potentially turn into a combustible vapor.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Newspapers
- Tub
- Detergent
- Clean workspace
- Rod of wood, metal or other material, approximately 2.5cm/1" in diameter
- String
References
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-make-newspaper-logs/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-make-newspaper-logs/
- ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-make-fireplace-logs-out-of-waste-paper-12226646.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2mLc5Y5A4I
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2mLc5Y5A4I
- ↑ https://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/make-newspaper-logs-for-the-fireplace/
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "The addition of the soap to the soaking process helped. I will try that and see if it works. I've tried to make bricks before, but they fell apart. Hoping this will do the trick. Thanks." ..." more
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"The addition of the soap to the soaking process helped. I will try that and see if it works. I've tried to make bricks before, but they fell apart. Hoping this will do the trick. Thanks."
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"It let me know that I needed to add detergent into the water when soaking the paper."
"The small sticks are perfect for a rocket stove."
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