Turn Crayons Into Handy Emergency Candles in a Pinch

While no one hopes to face a power outage, it’s always good to be prepared for unexpected situations. If you ever find yourself without candles during an outage, there’s a little-known but influential trick you can use to create light: a wax crayon. Surprisingly, a wax crayon can serve as a makeshift candle, offering temporary illumination. Here’s how and why this method works and some additional details to consider.

1. How a crayon works as a candle:

   • Wax crayons are primarily made from paraffin wax, the same material used in many candles. This makes them burn similarly to traditional candles, though not as efficiently. The key to using a crayon as a candle lies in its composition: the wax functions as fuel, while the paper wrapper acts as a makeshift wick. When lit, the crayon will burn slowly, providing light for a short period.

2. Step-by-step process for using a crayon as a candle:

   • Prepare the crayon: Select a standard-sized crayon with a fully intact paper wrapper. The wrapper is crucial because it acts as the wick, drawing the melted wax up as fuel for the flame. Avoid peeling the paper off, making it more difficult for the crayon to burn.

   • Light the crayon: Light it from the top, ideally from the pointed end if it has one. Use a match or lighter to ignite the paper wrapper carefully. The flame may take a few moments to catch on the wax, but once it does, the crayon will begin to burn steadily.

   • Allow the crayon to burn: Once lit, it will burn for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on its size and how well the flame is maintained. The flame will be relatively small compared to a traditional candle, but it should provide enough light to navigate or perform basic tasks during a power outage.

3. Why crayons are effective as makeshift candles:

   • Wax composition: Like regular candles, crayons are made of wax, which burns when exposed to a flame. Paraffin wax, used in candles and crayons, is a slow-burning substance, making it a valuable temporary light source.

   • Paper as a wick: The paper wrapper on a crayon acts similarly to the wick in a candle. As the wax melts, it is absorbed by the paper, which continues to burn, allowing the flame to remain active for extended periods. The flame consumes the wax and the paper, creating a slow, controlled burn.

4. Limitations of using crayons as candles:

   • While crayons are helpful in emergencies, they aren’t as efficient or long-lasting as traditional candles. A crayon may burn for 15 to 30 minutes, enough time to find other light sources or wait out a brief power outage. However, it’s advisable to have backup candles or flashlights on hand for prolonged power cuts.

   • Additionally, the flame produced by a crayon is smaller and less bright than that of a standard candle. It’s effective in small spaces or for brief tasks, but it won’t provide as much light as expected from a proper emergency candle.

5. Safety precautions:

   • As with any open flame, safety precautions are essential when using a crayon as a candle. Place the crayon on a non-flammable surface, such as a plate or tray, to catch any melted wax and prevent fire risk. Keep the burning crayon away from flammable materials like curtains, paper, or furniture, and never leave it unattended.

   • While crayons can be helpful in a pinch, they are not designed to be candles. The flame may not be as stable as a real candle, and melted wax could drip onto surfaces, potentially causing a mess or hazard.

6. Other emergency lighting options:

   • While using a crayon as a candle is a creative solution, preparing for emergencies with more reliable light sources is also a good idea. Flashlights, lanterns, and battery-operated candles are safer and more effective during power outages. Keeping extra batteries, portable chargers, or even solar-powered lights on hand can provide additional peace of mind during unexpected power outages.

   • If you are in a situation without traditional light sources, consider other household items that can serve as emergency candles. For example, a small container filled with oil and a makeshift wick made from a cotton ball or strip of cloth can burn for several hours in a pinch.

7. Why it’s helpful to know this trick:

   • Being resourceful during emergencies can significantly affect how well you handle the situation. While it may seem unconventional, knowing how to turn everyday items like crayons into temporary candles can be a valuable survival skill. It’s also a fun experiment to try at home in a safe, controlled environment so you know how it works before an actual emergency strikes.

8. Historical context of wax-based lighting:

   • Candles made from wax were used for centuries as a primary light source before the advent of electricity. While the wax in crayons wasn’t initially designed for burning, the principle remains the same. Knowing how to use wax, in any form, for emergency lighting connects us to old methods of survival and self-reliance.

In conclusion, while no one expects or hopes for a power outage, it’s always good to be prepared with alternative light sources. Thanks to its wax content and paper wrapper, a simple crayon can serve as a temporary candle in a pinch. While it won’t replace the reliability of traditional candles or flashlights, this clever trick can provide you with enough light to get through a brief emergency. Remember this idea for your next camping trip, survival kit, or just as an exciting way to use crayons beyond their usual purpose.