How to Use Your Kerosene Oil Lamp Properly

Posted: Feb 03, 2013
Author: Bumgarner Oil

Kerosene oil lamps work well when they are undamaged and clean. For power blackouts or that remote vacation log cabin, they are more effective and safer than candles. If you have never used a kerosene oil lamp before, read the owner’s manual thoroughly and keep the following pointers in mind.

• Ensure the wick fits securely in the burner sleeve. If it’s too tight, the wick may not be able to draw sufficient fuel. If it’s too loose, the flame might flicker or burn right down to the wick.

• With heavy, sharp scissors, trim the top of the wick so it’s level with the top of the burner sleeve. Cut off the corners and loose threads evenly.

• Fill the kerosene oil lamp no more than seven-eighths of its capacity. Wipe up any spillage. NB: Always use clean kerosene oil.

• Place the wick and burner in the lamp and let the wick soak for at least 10 minutes.

• Ensure the flue or chimney is dry and clean. A wet chimney will break.

• The wick can now be lit. Put the chimney inside the burner and turn the wick up. The flame should just be smoking. Now, turn the wick down until the smoking stops.

• If the lamp starts to smoke while it warms, turn the wick down – this is normal, especially if the lamp has a tubular wick to give maximum light.

• Extinguish the kerosene oil lamp by turning down the wick and putting your hand (angled down) behind the top of the chimney. Blow across the chimney and check that the flame is completely out.