Why Our Grandmothers Soaked Corks in Used Cooking Oil

Lighting a barbecue or fireplace may seem simple, but it often involves chemical fire starters that are neither eco-friendly nor economical. Fortunately, there’s a practical, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative: reusing items you already have at home, such as natural corks and used cooking oil.

This clever trick isn’t new. In fact, it’s an old-fashioned household tip passed down through generations, from a time when nothing went to waste and everything was given a second life.

A Smart Way to Reduce Waste

Every day, we throw away small household items that could still be useful. Natural wine corks are highly flammable, while used cooking oil is an effective fuel—although it’s often disposed of improperly.

Few people know that this method has been around for decades. Our grandparents would soak corks in used oil to create homemade fire starters, avoiding unnecessary waste and eliminating the need to buy commercial firelighters.

How to Make Natural Fire Starters

The process is simple and requires no special equipment.

1. Collect natural corks. Avoid synthetic corks, as natural cork burns much better.
2. Save your used cooking oil. Strain it to remove any food particles, then pour it into a suitable container.
3. Soak the corks. Leave them submerged for several hours or up to two days so they can absorb the oil thoroughly.
4. Let them dry slightly. They should be well saturated but not dripping.

Once prepared, store the corks in a sealed container until you’re ready to use them.

How to Use Them

To light a fire:

• Place one or two soaked corks among the firewood or charcoal.
• Light them with a match or lighter.
• Allow the flame to spread naturally.

Because the corks have absorbed oil, they burn much longer than paper or small twigs, making it easier to start a fire without using chemical fire starters.

Benefits of This Method

This simple trick offers several advantages:

• Reduces household waste
• Eliminates the need for chemical fire starters
• Costs virtually nothing to make
• Makes use of natural materials you already have

It’s also a small but meaningful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle—just as our grandparents practiced for generations.

Safety Tips

Although this is a natural method, it should always be used responsibly.

• Never use industrial or contaminated oils.
• Store the soaked corks away from heat sources or open flames.
• Use them only in safe, well-ventilated outdoor or appropriate indoor fire settings.

Reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away is an easy way to reduce waste and help the environment. Sometimes, the simplest ideas from the past are still among the most effective today.