Are oil lamps safe to use in the house? What is the safest fuel to burn in them? I would like to use oil lamps in my house but my wife is concerned about fumes and the safety of them indoors. Thanks.

-- Bob Farrell "Farmer Bob (farmerbob48@hotmail.com), August 13, 2000

Answers

Farmer Bob! Of course they're safe inside-if used properly. Don't set them too close to combustable materials etc. I never use the store bought perfumed lamp oil. I always get mine at a regular gas station that sells Kerosene #1. Diesel, fuel oil and other junk will burn but will put out soot and undesireable fumes that is 'nuff to gag a maggot' in my humble opinion. Better light is derived from Kerosene that all this other stuff too. It's a whiter light without so much orangish/yellow glow. I love those old lamps and have a collection of [at last count anyhow] 84, I think. Good luck with'm and enjoy! Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 13, 2000.

84 lamps!!?? Good heavens, Hoot, where do you keep them all? I have trouble with them getting broken. Anyway, Bob, Hoot is right about using kerosene. It costs less and gives more light. Also, you can get more light from them if you will set them on an inexpensive mirror or set them on a cabinet in front of a wall hung mirror. Be sure to trim the wick each time you use it. That also helps make more light and will cut down on the smoking.

-- Green (ratdogs10@yahoo.com), August 13, 2000.

I've only used K-1 kerosene but I've heard that Amoco's white diesle burns at least as clean and is easier to find in some parts of the country.

-- paul (p@ledgewood-consulting.com), August 13, 2000.

Oil lamps, candles are only as safe as the person using them is safety minded! I too, have a collection of lamps (not 84!) that I only started using when my kids were older, and the dog was less active. Sure the mantle is safe till the bird decides to sit on it, and the dog wants the bird.......etc! I wimp out and use the commercial oil for lamps, and have had no problem with it. As said, trimming the wicks is important, and the lamps do give the room a glow that just can't be matched by electric light!

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), August 13, 2000.

We use a good grade of kerosene. They put out a goodly amount of heat. We put them on tables in corners that are a ways away from the heat source. They'll warm up a corner real good when its cold outside. Peggy

-- Peggy (wclpc@cookeville.com), August 13, 2000.

I read in one of my magazines ( possibly Countryside pre y2k) that olive oil can be used. This would work if you were concerned about petroleum fumes, however you'll have to maintain the wick to minimize sooting.

-- Jay Blair (jayblair678@yahoo.com), August 14, 2000.

I have to agree with Kathy: Safety is as safety does. Some people are a danger to themselves and others standing alone in a field, and other people are almost untouched by bad luck and bad balance. As long as you're reasonable intelligent and cautious, lamps are no more dangerous than plugged-in toasters and gas stoves. If you're careless and hasty, I wouldn't trust you near my house with a lightening bug.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), August 14, 2000.

We use paint thinner, whiter light than kerosene, it does not blacken the chimney and cost a little less, from walmart in gallon containers.

-- Hendo (redgate@echoweb.net), August 15, 2000.

Just a word of caution to the above post. Paint thinner has a very low flash point, close to that of acetone! Please only use this in an emergency!

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), August 15, 2000.

Paint thinner, (Mineral Spirits): The colored "Lamp Oil" that is sold for $2-3.00 a quart, is mineral spirts.

Not "LACQUER" thinner.

-- Hendo (redgate@echoweb.net), August 16, 2000.

I don't have 84 or at least I'm not sure--because I haven't counted-- but I have many! We use them all the time/ and loan them to responsible neighbors when the power goes off! I agree it depends on how careful you are & how you maintain your lamps & candles. We enjoy them I don't use them as much in the warm months--but we enjoy them for the type of light they give us/ & the warmth they give the house. I have an oil lamp sitting in each room of our house/ & on antique tables all over the house. I decorate our home with antiques/ collectables & the oil lamps fit right in. Not all of my oil lamps are old--just ones I like! I have an air purifier going in our home at all times because I'm allergic to chemicals--so we are not bothered with fumes. Sonda in Ks.

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), August 16, 2000.

I use clear Aladdin lamp oil, such as sold by Lehman's. I understand it's paraffin; the same as kerosene except that it's refined even further. I can smell my lamps if I burn kerosene, but not if I burn paraffin. It costs more, but you'll be surprised at how little you use.

-- Brad (Rodent@worldpath.net), August 17, 2000.

AAAAh! The SMELL of kerosene on a cold winter's night along with some popcorn popped over a wood fire and the soft sounds of Bluegrass Gospel playin in the background. And some people thinks goin out and gettin "polluted" is fun? Maybe they've got a loose screw upstairs/ain't wrapped too tight, half quart low, spinnin thar tars etc. Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 17, 2000.

another thought on aladdin lamps is they really put out the heat. even in the winter in my little travel trailer i lived in while i was in the mountains in az an aladdin lamp would keep it warm something to think about though in summer. gail

-- gail missouri ozarks (gef123@hotmail.com), August 17, 2000.