How Kerosene Oil Can Be a Multipurpose Product in Your Home

Posted: Oct 07, 2012
Author: Bumgarner Oil

When most people think of kerosene oil they think of lamps. However, there are other applications for kerosene oil around the home as well. Here are some ways to get the most out of kerosene oil around your house:

Heating

The most common household use of kerosene oil is in kerosene heaters. These heaters are beneficial because they do not require electricity because of their use of a wick. Thus, kerosene oil heaters are great space heaters for places like detached garages, work sheds, and barns. Heaters that use kerosene oil are great in the house as well as they help to reduce overall heating bills by decreasing the need to run the house’s furnace.

However, heaters should always be used in well-ventilated areas and placed away from flammable objects that may accidentally become ignited. Also carbon monoxide detectors should always be used in conjunction with kerosene heaters.

Varnishing

When using common household varnish, kerosene oil can be used to thin out the product, allowing for easier and smoother application. Varnish thinned with kerosene oil is particularly useful for varnishing woods with many details, holes, or a rough finish, helping to decrease unevenness and blemishes caused by thickened varnish that pools.

Lighting

Kerosene oil lamps have been used to provide lighting in and around the home for years. In modern kerosene lamps, there is a fuel chamber that is filled with kerosene oil with a wick submerged in it. A glass chimney helps to protect the user from the flame.

Since electricity has been the popular form of providing lighting in the modern age, the use of kerosene lamps has declined. However, they are still useful for areas that are not easily accessible, during power outages, as well as being most often used for decorative purposes in historical buildings or re-enactments. They are also popular for providing ambiance and decor at events such as weddings or swanky backyard parties.