Yield 1/4 Gallon (1 Liter)
IN THIS ARTICLE Equipment | Supplies | Step-By-Step | Be Safe
An Oil Lamp sometimes called a Hurricane Lamp or Kerosene Lamp is a fantastic tool to have in your kit. These lamps have been used for years as both reliable light sources when there is no alternative, and to create a beautiful ambiance. They are safe, easy to maintain, and easy to use. The only downside is that you have to buy fuel. Have you ever wondered how you can make oil lamp fuel yourself?
I discovered that you can make oil lamp fuel with a few items and a little time. It’s that simple.
This article will teach you how to make your own oil lamp fuel. You won’t be dependent on commercially made oil lamp fuel any longer. The fuel you will make is safe, clean-burning, and easily stored.
All the weights and measurements in this article are in metric. I apologize to my readers who aren’t used to that, but in this case, they do make things easier.
What Equipment Do I Need To Make Oil Lamp Fuel
- Measuring jug 1 Liter or larger. Marked for Liters and Milliliters. Made from something safe for chemicals.
- Measuring cylinder 250 ml. Marked in Milliliters. Made from something safe for chemicals.
- Funnel large. Made from something safe for chemicals.
- Pan large. To hold 2 Liters.
- Cup small (disposable)
- Thermometer.
- Scale (accurate to 0.01 gram). The kind that can be switched between ounces and grams.
- An apron
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves suitable for chemicals
- Plastic bottle and lid 2 Liter (½ gallon) or larger. A soda bottle is suitable.
- Mason Jar and lid 1 Liter (32 ounces)
What Supplies Do I Need To Make Oil Lamp Fuel
- New Vegetable oil 1 Liter (¼ gallon). Canola oil is a good choice.
- Methyl Alcohol 200 ml (7 fluid ounces). Also known as Methanol.
- Potassium Hydroxide 7.5 grams (0.26 ounces)
- Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) 5.5 grams (0.19 ounces). This is an alternative to Potassium Hydroxide.
How To Clean Your Equipment
Wash all your equipment with detergent. Make sure it is spotless, then rinse it in clean water being careful to remove all detergent residue. Do this well ahead of time so you can leave your equipment time to dry completely.
Should I Use Potassium Hydroxide Or Sodium Hydroxide?
The simple answer is, it doesn’t matter. Both will work well. Potassium Hydroxide will mix and dissolve more easily than Sodium Hydroxide. This is the reason Potassium Hydroxide is preferred. I use Sodium Hydroxide in the pictures that are included in this article and the result is great. The choice is yours.
How To Make Oil Lamp Fuel Step By Step
Step 1
Using the measuring jug, carefully measure 1 Liter (¼ gallon) of new vegetable oil and add this to your large pan. I can recommend Canola oil as a good choice, however, there are many other vegetable oils that will work just as well. Make sure that the oil is new and clear. Place the pan containing the oil on the stove on low heat.
Step 2
Using your measuring cylinder, carefully measure 200 ml of Methanol. Add this to your clean dry Mason Jar.
Step 3
Using your scale, set the unit of measure to grams. Place your small cup on the scale and press the “Tare” button to zero the scale. If you are using Potassium Hydroxide, weigh 7.5 grams. If you are using Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) weigh 5.5 grams. From now on we’ll call this your ‘Catalyst’.
Step 4
Add the Catalyst to the Mason Jar containing the Methanol. Put on the lid and screw it tight. Swirl the jar until all the Catalyst has dissolved in the Methanol. This may take a few minutes so be patient. It’s important that it is completely dissolved into the solution.
Step 5
Bring the oil in your pan to 130 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius). Use your thermometer to check the temperature is right.
Tip – stir the oil before measuring the temperate. The oil at the bottom will be hotter than the oil at the top. By stirring the oil you ensure the temperature is even before taking a reading.
Step 6
Using your funnel, pour the dissolved Methanol Catalyst mixture from your Mason Jar into the 2 Liter (¼ gallon) plastic bottle. Next, carefully pour the hot oil from your large pan into the 2 Liter (¼ gallon) plastic bottle.
Step 7
Put the lid on the plastic bottle, screw it tight, and shake for approximately 5 minutes. Your aim is to mix the contents well. The liquid will be slightly cloudy and contain air bubbles when you’re done.
Step 8
Leave the plastic bottle to sit for 48 hours. This is really important as it gives the solution time to mix and to separate.
Tip – turn the bottle upside down, so that the top is pointing down before you leave it to rest. This will help you remove the impurities from the solution later on. You can put the top of the bottle into your mason jar to help stabilize it.
Step 9
After waiting 48 hours for your solution to clear, you’re left with oil lamp fuel and impurities (a dark layer at the bottom). It’s a simple job to remove the impurities. Keep your bottle upside down. Over a bucket, loosen the lid of the bottle just a little and squeeze your bottle to force the impurities out through the gap. Keep squeezing until you get some of the clear Oil Lamp Fuel coming through then stop. Tip: steady squeezing is important. If you stop and start again you will let air into the bottle and it will mix the impurities back into the liquid. So keep the pressure steady as you squeeze the impurities out.
Step 10
You’re done! If you haven’t realized yet, you’re making a small batch of Biodiesel. This Biodiesel is not washed (washing removes excess Catalyst) so it’s not suitable to use in an engine. It is the perfect fuel for your oil lamp though. Biodiesel is safe to handle, store, and burn in an oil lamp.
How To Make A Larger Batch Of Oil Lamp Fuel
The instructions so far will make you a small batch of Oil Lamp fuel, a small batch of Biodiesel. What if you want to make a larger batch? Simply use the following ratios as a guide. These ratios will work with new clean vegetable oil only. Avoid using used oil as it complicates the process of making your Oil Lamp fuel.
- Methanol at 200 ml per liter of new vegetable oil.
- Potassium Hydroxide at 7.5 grams per liter of new vegetable oil. Or Sodium Hydroxide.
- Sodium Hydroxide at 5.5 grams per liter of new vegetable oil. Or Potassium Hydroxide.
How To Be Safe When Handling Chemicals
Safety is very important, especially when working with chemicals. Always use your safety equipment at all times. Wear your safety glasses, apron, and gloves. Work on a clean and clear flat surface. Be careful not to burn yourself when handling the hot oil. Be careful to tighten lids on jars and bottles so nothing spills. Take your time, there is no need to rush. Being safe also makes the whole process more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Making your own Oil Lamp fuel is rewarding, cheap, and surprisingly easy. When you make your own Oil Lamp fuel, you’re not dependent on buying fuel anymore. The fuel you make is safe to handle, clean-burning, and burns for a long time. You can store the oil lamp fuel safely for a long time as well. Did I mention it’s cheap? You can make it for a quarter the price of store-bought Oil Lamp fuel! I’m yet to try adding Citronella to the fuel, so someone please try it. Please write and tell me all about your experience with this wonderful fuel.
