The Many Uses of Kerosene Oil

Posted: Aug 19, 2012
Author: Bumgarner Oil

Before electricity came along, kerosene oil was practically indispensible as an energy source. Today it is used a lot less commonly, but kerosene oil can still be found in a lot of places you might not even be aware of:

1. Kerosene oil is used in lighting. Before electricity was invented, kerosene was often the only source of lighting available to many people. Unbeknownst to many, kerosene oil is still used as a major lighting source throughout the world today, especially in underdeveloped countries. In fact, kerosene oil is the second-most-common source of lighting in the world after candles.

2. Kerosene oil makes a good lubricant, especially for glass cutters. It keeps the wheel turning smoothly and free from tiny pieces of glass that might get stuck in it. Glass can be scored more cleanly and with a reduced risk of flying shards when the cutter has been lubricated with kerosene oil.

3. Kerosene oil is often used as a solvent in paint and a degreaser in some cleaning products.

4. Kerosene oil can be used as a source of heat. However, it can also be a fire hazard and is dangerous to use indoors if the area is not properly ventilated, so it is not common in developed countries with access to electricity.

5. Kerosene oil can be used as fuel for commercial jets.

6. Kerosene oil is used in decorative glass finishing. It helps each layer of the glaze to fuse with the previous layer.

7. Kerosene oil can be used as an insecticide. It has been found effective at killing mosquito larvae and is used in some areas to control malaria and other diseases that are carried by mosquitoes.