How to Use a Soapstone Firestarter

Soapstone is used in many fire-starting devices such as fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace liners and firestarter trays. The stone, which has a soft, dry texture like a bar of soap, has natural heat-retention properties that make it an ideal lining material for the inside of a stove or fireplace or for use with a firestarter. The heat it retains radiates out through the room even after the fire dies out, so soapstone makes for an energy-efficient method of heating a home or providing energy.

Things You'll Need

• Firestarter tray with soapstone
• 1/2 cup kerosene
• Lighter
• Wood
• Fireplace

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Prepare your fireplace. Set up logs for burning and any kindling. Make sure the grate is clean and free of ash or other residue left from previous fires, and make sure the flue in the chimney is open.

   • 2

     Pour the kerosene over the ceramic brick in the cast-iron firestarter tray to prepare the tray. Add enough kerosene to saturate the soapstone fully.

   • 3

     Light the firestarter tray. Slide it under the wood in the fireplace. The wood should catch fire from the flames in the firestarter; if not, add more kerosene and try again. The firestarter tray itself will burn for up to 20 minutes.