3 Ways to Make Newspaper Logs - wikiHow (2024)

Table of Contents
Newspaper Section Logs Whole newspaper logs Newspaper Brick Logs Community Q&A Video Tips Warnings Things You'll Need You Might Also Like References About This Article Reader Success Stories Did this article help you? References
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Heating and Cooling
  • Fireplaces
  • Fire Making
  • Fire Starters

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methods

1Newspaper Section Logs

2Whole newspaper logs

3Newspaper Brick Logs

Other Sections

Video

Tips and Warnings

Things You'll Need

Related Articles

References

Author Info

Last Updated: March 8, 2022Approved

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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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Newspaper Section Logs

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  1. 1

    Collect your newspapers. A large pile from a week or two's reading should be a good start.

  2. 2

    Divide the newspapers up into sections. Each section should be folded to the size of half a page.

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  3. 3

    Fill a tub of water. Add a tablespoon of detergent to the water and mix gently.[1]

  4. 4

    [ Soak each folded section in the tub of water.

  5. 5

    Remove the sections carefully and lay down on a clean surface.

  6. 6

    Roll each section individually on the rod and squeeze out any excess water.[2]

  7. 7

    Slide each roll off the rod. Stand each roll on one end and leave to dry thoroughly.

  8. 8

    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.

  1. 1

    Roll 12 newspapers up tightly into a log shape.

  2. 2

    Tie each end of the log with string.[3]

  3. 3

    Soak the log in water for two to three days.

  4. 4

    Leave to drain for two to three days.

  5. 5

    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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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Newspaper Brick Logs

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These newspaper logs take around ten minutes to make (depending on the amount you want).

  1. 1

    Obtain a newspaper brick maker. You will need a newspaper brick maker for this or create your own press with some wood.[4]

  2. 2

    Collect old newspaper from friends and neighbors.

  3. 3

    Get a bucket of water.

  4. 4

    Shred up the newspaper. Place into the bucket.[5]

  5. 5

    Let the newspaper soak for 10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Place in the newspaper brick maker or the press. Compact down the newspaper squeezing out all of the water.[6]

  7. 7

    Take the log out. Let it dry on a wooden board.

  8. 8

    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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  • Question

    Where can I order a new log press?

    3 Ways to Make Newspaper Logs - wikiHow (27)

    Community Answer

    There are several available on Amazon, including some that do more than one brick at a time.

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  • Question

    How long do the bricks take to dry?

    3 Ways to Make Newspaper Logs - wikiHow (28)

    Community Answer

    It should take 30 minutes to an hour. It's best to let them dry overnight though.

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    Not Helpful 13Helpful 7

  • Question

    What is the amount of ash build-up? Would adding scented oils to the water make a difference in smell?

    3 Ways to Make Newspaper Logs - wikiHow (29)

    Jerome Mathomane

    Community Answer

    The 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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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Video

      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.

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      • If the newspaper logs from the sections method get wet for any reason, simply stand them upright again to dry out before use.

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      Warnings

      • Use only dishwashing or laundry detergent. Some harsh detergents are flammable.

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      • Do not close the primary air intake or the flue on the stove while burning the newspaper log.

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      • 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.

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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

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      About This Article

      wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 19 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 222,545 times.

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      Co-authors: 19

      Updated: March 8, 2022

      Views:222,545

      Categories: Fire Starters

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      Reader Success Stories

      • 3 Ways to Make Newspaper Logs - wikiHow (43)

        Anonymous

        May 30, 2017

        "The addition of the soap to the soaking process helped. I will try that and see if it works. I've tried to..." more

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      3 Ways to Make Newspaper Logs - wikiHow (2024)

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