Quick Answer
To make char cloth safely, wear protective gear including gloves and safety glasses, work in a well-ventilated area, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Keep children and pets away, and never leave a burning material unattended. Char cloth production should be done on a fire-resistant surface.
Preparing the Area
To begin making char cloth, clear the workspace of any combustible materials, such as leaves, twigs, or other flammable objects. Cover the surface beneath you with a fire-resistant material, such as a heat-resistant tray or a fire pit with a metal grate. This will help prevent accidental fires from spreading and make cleanup easier.
Creating the Char Cloth
Cut a piece of fabric, such as cotton or linen, into 6-8 inch squares. The type of fabric used can affect the quality of the char cloth, with cotton producing a more consistent result. Hold the fabric over an open flame, either from a candle, lantern, or small fire, until it is completely burned and reduced to a thin, crumbly, black material. The ideal temperature for creating char cloth is between 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit. The fabric will take about 5-10 minutes to burn completely, depending on the size and the intensity of the flame.
Handling Char Cloth
Once the char cloth has cooled, it will be brittle and crumbly. Be careful not to break it up further, as this can cause it to produce sparks. To use your char cloth, place it in a tinder bundle and add dry kindling. Once the char cloth is lit, it will burn slowly and steadily, providing a reliable source of flame. Store your char cloth in a dry, airtight container to preserve its effectiveness.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.