How to Make Newspaper Logs

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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A large pile from a week or two's reading should be a good start.
Each section should be folded to the size of half a page.

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Add a tablespoon of detergent to the water and mix gently.
Stand each roll on one end and leave to dry thoroughly.
Once thoroughly dry, the newspaper logs are ready for use. They should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Whole newspaper logs

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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.

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These logs will still be damp and this helps them to burn more slowly, giving off a steady heat.

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).

You will need a newspaper brick maker for this or create your own press with some wood.^{[2]
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Place into the bucket.^{[3]
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Compact down the newspaper squeezing out all of the water.^{[4]
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Let it dry on a wooden board.
The logs usually burn for 45 minutes.

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Question

Where can I order a new log press?

Community Answer

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

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How long do the bricks take to dry?

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

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Question

How many sheets are needed for one log?

Jerome Mathomane

Community Answer

Typically, you use around 8 to 10 sheets of newspaper to make one log.

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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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