Knowledge Weighs Nothing

11 Home Remedies For Styes That Speed Up Recovery

Close up of a stye - 11 home remedies for styes

What is a stye? We need to understand this before simply reaching for the home remedies for styes. A stye, also referred to as a hordeolum, can afflict persons of all ages. These painful, red lumps are typically found near the edge of your eyelid and closely resemble a pimple or a boil. These uncomfortable masses are often filled with a pus-like substance, and in most cases it clears on its own within a few days; however, there are occasions when this condition needs help leaving your body. Home remedies for styes speed the recovery time while providing much-needed relief. The most important factor to remember when it comes to styes is to never pop the boil as you would a pimple as this can spread the bacteria – Staphylococcus – and lead to a more serious complication.

Home Remedies for Styes

The following home remedies for styes were selected based upon its effectiveness at not only relieving pain, but also shortening the duration of an occurrence. Due to the location of this infection, if the stye becomes worse or does not heal within a couple of weeks, you should visit your doctor for a more potent treatment option.

Potato for Stye Healing

To utilize this stye remedy, take a fresh potato and cut a small slice. Place the slice directly over your stye and allow it to soak. Alternatively, create a paste by warming a potato slice until its easily mashed and combine it with a small amount of water. Place the paste on a clean cloth and rest the cloth over the stye. This home stye remedy calms swelling and reduces pain.

Warm Compress to Naturally Drain Pus

To naturally reduce inflammation without using synthetic anti-inflammatory medicine, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and place a washcloth into the water for several minutes. Remove the washcloth and allow it to cool slightly until it’s warm to the touch. Place the cloth directly over the stye and allow it to soak into the infected area for 15 minutes. Repeat this stye remedy up to four times per day until the stye is gone.

No more tears baby shampoo - stye home remedyShampoo for your eyes!

Baby Shampoo to Increase Stye Healing Time

The gentle nature of baby shampoo can help dry a stye for pain and inflammation relief. Simply add the 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo into 1 cup of water and stir thoroughly. Place a cotton ball into the solution and gently dab on the infected area. Repeat up to three times per day.

Cucumber Slice to Ease Itching and Inflammation

This powerful home remedy for styes instantly soothes and calms irritation and inflammation. Simply take a cucumber and cut a thin slice. Place the cucumber slice directly on the stye and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat daily until the stye has been relieved.

Epsom Salt Water Compress to Destroy Bacteria

The magnesium content in Epsom salt actively works to eliminate bacteria that causes a stye infection. Simply add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt into 1 cup of warm water and thoroughly stir. Place a clean cloth into the solution and squeeze out excessive liquid. Gently place the cloth directly over the stye and allow it to soak for 15 minutes. Repeat up to three times per day until the stye is gone.

Bitter Gourd Compress

Considered an effective home remedy for styes, bitter gourd features powerful detoxification properties capable of reducing inflammation and pain associated with this infection. Simply cut a small slice of bitter gourd and rest the slice directly on the stye for 15 minutes. Repeat two times per day to calm pain, reduce inflammation and increase the natural healing time.

Garlic Juice to Heal the Infection

This home remedy for styes is not the most pleasant in terms of smell, but the powerful antibacterial properties of raw garlic juice can significantly increase healing time. Crush two garlic cloves on a plate to extract its juice. Take a cotton swab and dip in the juice. Apply the liquid directly on the afflicted area; however, be extremely careful to not allow the juice into your eyes. Allow the juice to rest for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat once a day until the stye has healed.

Coriander-seed stye remedyCoriander eye stye natural treatment 

Coriander Seeds to Reduce Swelling

The active compounds in coriander seeds are known to hold powerful anti-inflammatory properties. To utilize this home remedy for styes, soak 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds in water for one hour. Strain the seeds out of the water. Dip a cotton ball in the water and apply directly to the stye. Repeat this stye remedy up to three times per day to reduce inflammation and soothe pain.

Turmeric Compress to Increase Stye Healing Time

Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties capable of bringing instant relief. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and dip a clean washcloth in the solution. Drape the cloth over the stye; making sure to keep your eye tightly closed. Allow the turmeric water to soak into the stye for 10 minutes before removing. Repeat this stye remedy up to two times per day.

Aloe Vera to Reduce Stye Inflammation and Combat Infection

Aloe vera contains a host of active compounds capable of reducing inflammation and stimulating the natural healing process of your skin. The most important factor to remember when utilizing this home remedy for styes is to only use the juice from a fresh Aloe plant. Cut an Aloe vera leaf and squeeze out its pulp. With a cotton swab, apply the gel directly to the infected area. Allow the gel to rest on the stye for 30 minutes before rinsing clean with warm water. Repeat  this stye treatmentonce a day until the stye has healed.

Green Tea Bag Compress

The natural healing properties found in green tea banish bacteria and significantly reduces inflammation. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil and pour over an organic green tea bag. Allow the bag to rest in the water for two minutes before removing. When the bag is comfortable to touch, place directly on the stye and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Repeat this stye home remedy up to five times per day until the stye has healed.

How To Get Rid Of Wasps: Includes A DIY Wasp Trap!

Wasps - how to get rid of wasps?

There’s nothing as terrifying – and painful – as finding yourself surrounded by the buzzing of wasps or hornets. If you’ve spent any time in your yard or enjoying the peaceful serenity of nature, you’ve likely had an encounter with these flying demons. Regardless of where you’ve had this encounter, the overwhelming desire to never have to deal with such creatures is universally strong.

Before learning how to get rid of wasps and hornets, it’s important to learn about these creatures. There are distinct differences between these two bugs. Understanding these differences can help set up effective and long-lasting remedies.

Wasps | A Basic Overview

The terms “wasps” and “hornets” can be quite confusing as they are often used interchangeably. However, a wasp is its own species of insect, which is strikingly different than hornets. Unlike bees, which survive on a diet of pollen or nectar, the majority of wasps live on a diet of other insects. Wasps are social creatures, and much like bees, live in a colony.

As winter gives way to spring, wasp colonies begin to flourish. A colony is started with a single queen wasp that survived the winter. Worker wasps build their nests out of paper, which they naturally produce by chewing on wood, cardboard or scraps of paper. In the beginning, a wasp colony is small. However, as summer progresses, the number of wasps rapidly develop. By the end of summer, a social wasp colony can be in the hundreds.

When fall approaches, only a handful of wasps remain. These typically include several fertile females, which are potential queens, and several males. As the temperatures turn cooler, colony is abandoned and the fertilized female wasps scatter in search of shelter. The remaining male wasps die with the cold weather.

Wasp Quick Facts

  • Wasps are typically smaller than hornets. These insects measure less than 1 inch.
  • The nests of wasps are both found suspended in the air or on the ground. It’s not uncommon for a nest to be built underground. In general, a single nest can hold anywhere from 100 to 5,000 individual worker wasps.
  • Wasps can range in color, which makes it difficult to suggest a single primary coloration.
  • Wasps prey on other insects. While some wasps may feed on pollen or nectar, they are not pollinators. They often scavenge for sweets and proteins.
  • Unlike popular belief, the average social wasp is not an extremely aggressive insect. This is quite different than yellow jackets, which are extremely aggressive. A social wasp is only likely to sting if it feels threatened. When compared to bees, which generally die after a sting, a wasp can sting multiple times without perishing.

Hornets | A Basic Overview

Hornets belong to the Vespa genus and closely resemble social wasps. Because of this, many confuse these two insects as being the same bug. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are over 20 different hornet species, which can be found throughout Europe, North America and Africa.

Much like wasps, hornets are social insects. They construct hives by chewing wood and transforming these shavings into a paper-like pulp. Hives flourish through a fertile queen hornet, who primarily gives birth to asexual female workers. There are very few male hornets. The few males born have a very specific job – mating with the queen. After their sexual task is completed, they die soon thereafter.

In the same vein as wasps, hornets thrive during the spring and summer months, only to die during winter. The majority of worker hornets do not survive the colder months; however, fertile queens survive by finding shelter under tree bark or sneaking into your home. As soon as winter gives way to spring, the fertile queen begins laying eggs and a new hive is born. Before the queen dies, she gives birth to several queen hornets and males. This ensures the next generation of hornets is healthy, strong and capable of building a new nest.

Worker hornets defend their hive with venom-filled stingers. Unlike yellowjackets, which are quite aggressive toward humans and animals, hornets only attack when they feel the nest is threatened.

Hornet Quick Facts

  • Hornets measure anywhere from 1 to 1.5-inches in length. They are typically larger than wasps and other stinging insects within the same genus.
  • The nests are constructed out of a paper-like pulp and are globular in shape. Nests are elevated above ground, such as in trees or along the gutters of a home. The colony size of a hornet nest is much smaller than wasps. The average hornet colony houses anywhere from 100 to 700 workers.
  • Hornets feature two distinct color variations. They are either black and white or feature a brownish-reddish color.
  • Hornets feed off other insects. They rarely go after pollen and typically don’t scavenge for sweets or proteins. This is why the majority of hornets are immune to general traps that use sweets.
  • If the nest is undisturbed, hornets are not likely to sting. However, if the nest is disturbed or the hive feels threatened, hornets can be extremely aggressive. A single hornet can sting an individual several times in a row, which leads to severe pain.
  • The venom in a hornet sting can lead to serious allergic reactions in some individuals. The quantity of stings sustained in an attack may result in life-threatening reactions to those sensitive to its venom.

Get rid of wasps

How To Get Rid Of Wasps And Hornets

Wasp Trap | How To Get Rid Of Wasps Safely

Now that you have a more thorough understanding of these insects, how do you get rid of wasps? Of course, you have the option of hiring a professional pest management service, but these services are often very expensive and use harmful toxins to control wasp and hornet colonies. If you’re searching for a more natural way to eliminate these insects, you may want to look into homemade wasp traps.

By the time wasps or hornets become a concern, it’s likely because a colony has grown to exponential numbers. As a general rule of thumb, if the wasps aren’t causing a problem, such as a nest far away from social spots or areas of your yard where you and friends congregate, it’s best to leave the hive alone as it’ll disappear during the fall and winter months.

The most effective way to safely eliminate wasps and hornets from your property is to limit the number of potential nesting spots. Seal all openings in hollow tubing, such as the interior piping of children’s playground equipment. Of course, if you’re dealing with a large, active nest, you’re going to need more proactive measures.

While there are many insecticides on the market designed to kill wasps and hornets, these can fill your yard with poison. The toxins used in the majority of commercial insecticides are dangerous for the environment, pets and humans. Perhaps the most effective form of pest control is making a homemade wasp trap out of materials you likely have around the house.

Homemade Wasp Trap | Step-by-Step Instructions

The basic premise of this homemade wasp trap is quite simple. With a standard 2-liter soda bottle, wasps enter the bottle, get trapped and die. This is one of the most effective remedies to minimize the number of wasps; however, the only way to completely eliminate wasps is by removing their nest and killing their queen. This will be discussed in the next section.

making a soda bottle wasp trapCutting the top of the soda bottle for the homemade wasp trap

Step-by-Step Directions for the Homemade Wasp Trap

  • Step One | Gather a 2-liter plastic soda bottle and cut the neck of the bottle around 4-inches below the bottle cap region.
  • Step Two | Remove the freshly cut neck and flip it upside down. Place it in the opening of the bottle you just cut.
  • Step Three | With packing or duct tape, tape these two pieces together. Make sure the tape is secure and there are no openings in the seams.
  • Step Four | Because wasps and hornets are attracted to protein, place several pieces of raw meat inside the bottle. While some suggest sugar water, this doesn’t always attract wasps. Rather, you’d likely collect an army of yellowjackets or other insects, such as honey bees..
  • Step Five | To prevent the wasps and hornets from climbing out of the bottle, coat the interior lining of the flipped portion of the bottle with petroleum jelly.
  • Step Six | Hang the wasp trap by attaching it to a string and place it away from where you and your family gather. A great spot is along the perimeter of your yard.
  • Step Seven | Once the bottle is full, which may take several days, pour boiling water into the bottle to ensure all the wasps are dead. Dispose of the bottle in an outdoor trashcan and replace with a new wasp trap.

DIY wasp trapHomemade wasp trap! Made in 2 Minutes!

Natural Wasp Nest Killer

Exercise extreme caution when messing with nests! Make sure children, pets and neighbours are out of harms way. If you’re unsure, you may want to consider a pest control company to destroy the nest safely.

As mentioned earlier, the only way to truly eliminate these pests is to kill the nest and all its inhabitants. Up until recently, the majority of products contained harmful poisons to accomplish this goal. However, there is a new product capable of safely eliminating wasp nests without the use of harsh ingredients.

EcoSMART Organic Wasp and Hornet Killer utilizes natural plant and tree extracts to safely and effectively kill nests and colonies. When used with the aforementioned homemade wasp trap, this is one of the most effective ways to keep these pests at bay.

When using this product, it’s important to keep safety in mind. You never want to try and kill a nest while standing close to it. Wasps and hornets get quite agitated when their nest is disturbed. So you only want to use a product with far-reaching jet spray. This product features an 18-foot spray, which allows you to be close enough for an accurate reach, but far away enough to prevent being stung. Locate the wasp or hornet spray.

Stand 15 to 18-feet away and thoroughly spray the nest with this product. Try to completely saturate the nest, but if the wasps come out and begin making their way toward you, immediately seek shelter and repeat at a later time. It’s best to do this in the early morning hours when the entire hive has returned from its day of seeking food and supplies. Repeat if the hive is not completely destroyed.

Wasp and Hornet Prevention | Keep the Insects Away

One of the most effective natural prevention methods is also one of the least understood. Homeowners and insect research alike aren’t sure why it works, but as millions will attest, it’s incredibly effective – and easy.

To prevent wasps, hornets and other insects from infiltrating your home or yard, simply fill a clear, sealable plastic bag with water and place 3 to 5 coins in it. Seal the bag and hand along the perimeter of your home and yard. Instantly, wasps, hornets and other flying insects will immediately leave your property.

While it’s not known exactly why this works, the most commonly accepted hypothesis is these creatures feel threatened by the hanging bag of water. They may believe that it’s another hive. The majority of wasps and hornets do not wish to nest near a competing hive. Therefore, they’ll leave your property and seek shelter in another location.

If you’re looking for a professional visual deterrent, then you may be interested in the Get Lost Wasp Deterrent. This preventative measure looks like a common wasp hive. It works by activating the natural territorial behavior of wasps. According to the manufacturer, it prevents wasps and hornets from building a hive within 200 feet of its location. Hang this product underneath decks, eaves or in tree canopies.

It’s suggested to hang several throughout your property to keep it completely free from wasp and hornet colonies. When combined with the water bag method, you can expect zero wasp or hornet nests. This is, by far, the most environmentally-friendly method of keeping these insects away. The goal is to not kill off these insects, but rather, prevent them from entering your space.

(Images from: slgckgc)

How To Get Rid Of Aphids On Plants Naturally & Organically

How to get rid of aphids organically

You’ve spent countless hours tirelessly tending to your garden. As spring approaches and your hard work pays off in brilliant blooms and luscious fruit, you begin to notice something sinister. What was once thriving, healthy plants are now giving way to the damages of an unknown source. Leaves turn yellow and foliage begins to adopt a strange, sticky substance. In all likelihood, you’re dealing with an aphid infestation.

Every gardener, either casual or professional, must hold a solid understanding of aphids. If unchecked, these tiny insects can completely destroy a once thriving garden. Stop wasting time, and the health of your plants. Continue reading to uncover vital information about aphids and how to get rid of aphids without the use of toxic, chemically-charged pesticides.

What Are Aphids? An Overview of These Annoying Pests

Aphids are officially defined as being soft-bodied insects identified by their long slender mouths. Their mouths are specially designed to penetrate the most tender parts of plants, such as stems and leaves, and suck out its fluids. Unfortunately, almost every plant species is vulnerable to one or more aphid species. Although there are many different type of aphids, the methods used to get rid of aphids is relatively universal.

The Physical Appearance of Aphids

Looking closely at an aphid, you’d notice it features a pear-shaped body highlighted by an antennae and long legs. Its coloration can vary from red, black, brown, yellow or green. The coloration of an aphid is based upon its species and the type of plant it feeds on. Several aphid species feature a woolly or waxy appearance. This appearance is due to a unique substance it secretes over the surface of its body.

In general, adult aphids are wingless insects; however, there are some species that feature small wings. The winged variety are typically found during spring and fall months. While it’s possible find only one or two aphids, the majority of these insects travel in dense colonies. These gatherings of aphids are generally found on the leaves and stems of plants, which make identifying them much easier than single bugs. A great way to identify an aphid is to disturb the plant. Unlike other pests, such as leafhoppers, aphids tend to stay still when disturbed, which actually makes it easier to remove or kill the aphids.

Life cycle of an aphidLife cycle of an aphid

The Life Cycle of an Aphid

Aphids produce many generations throughout a single year. Female aphids give birth to live offspring. The average female aphid can produce up to 12 newborns each day – all without mating. This asexual reproduction can result in a massive colony in a relative short amount of time. Aphid nymps molt, or shed their skin, four times before reaching adulthood. Unlike other pests, there is no pupal stage. In some species, the aphids produce an egg after mating. This occurs during late fall. Its purpose is to ensure the species survives during the harsh winter months as the shell provides extra insulation. These eggs are generally laid on perennial plants to survive the winter.

During warmer months, the molting stages are swift. In general, a nymph can pass through the four molting phases within seven to eight days. Since each adult aphid can produce an average of 80 nymphs within a week or so, aphid populations can swiftly grow out-of-control. This can be a serious problem for gardens and farms.

Damage Caused by Aphids

If you have low to moderate aphid populations in your garden, the damage caused to plants will likely go unnoticed. However, when a population grows large, the damage can be widespread and serious. Because both nymphs and adults feed on the juices of plants, the entire plant can be damaged by their presence. The most notable damage will be on new growth.

If you’re trying to determine whether or not your plants are being attacked by these creatures, check for the following:

  • Misshapen, stunted or yellowing leaves. If you notice this in your garden, make sure to check on the underside of leaves. This is where the majority of aphids hide.
  • Check the surface of leaves. A common sign of an aphid infestation is a film of sticky residue. This is caused by aphids sucking sap out of the plant. The waste of aphids, known as honeydew, is a sugary liquid. This secretion often attracts other insects, such as ants. Therefore, check plants to see if there’s an unusual amount of insect activity on or around its stem and leaves.
  • Check the branches and leaves of plants for a fungal growth. This growth, known as sooty mold, is a byproduct of the aphid secretions. When present, the leaves and branches of plants will appear black or discolored.
  • Review the shape and size of fruits and flowers. As an aphid feeds on these portions of a plant, their presence can cause the flowers and fruits of plants to become distorted.

Aphid infestationAphid infestation

The Results of Aphid Infestations

Because of the wide array of aphids, the results of an infestation can vary from plant-to-plant. Regardless of what species is attacking your garden, their presence always results in deteroration of plant health and vitality. The following are the most common results of an active aphid infestation:

  • As an aphid sucks the juices out of a plant, they are doing more than stealing its vitality. These creatures can be carriers to any virus the host plant may currently have. Therefore, when an aphid moves onto another plant, these viruses may be transmitted. Unfortunately, it only takes one aphid to transmit plant viruses. The resulting damage from a plant virus can be far more damaging than the results of an aphid infestation. This is a major concern for many gardeners, as an entire crop can be ruined by disease due to aphids.
  • As an infestation continues, the entire plant can stop growing. This can occur on almost any plant, such as zucchini, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Once the plant stops growing, and its leaves turn yellow, the yield will be significantly diminished.
  • In the most serious cases, aphids can attack plant roots. When this occurs, the entire plant may shrivel up and die. New growth and young plants are especially vulnerable to an aphid infestation. Therefore, you must enhance your focus on these plants.

How To Get Rid of Aphids: 10 Organic, All-Natural Aphid Treatments

For years, gardeners and farmers turned to chemically-rich pesticides to control aphid infestations. While this may have killed off these pests, it also damages the environment and can even alter the health of your plants. Because of this, turning to all-natural aphid control options is the recommended choice.

The following 10 all-natural aphid control measures are some of the most effective ways to eliminate these pests without harming your plants or the environment. Use a combination of several methods to ensure your plants remain healthy and aphid-free. You may also want to check out our post on companion plants too.

Method #1 | Physically Removing Aphids By Hand

As mentioned earlier, aphids tend to remain in place when disturbed. Therefore, it’s quite easy to simply remove these pests by hand. Put on a pair of gardening gloves. Inspect the entire plant, specifically the underside of leaves. If you spot an aphid, simply pinch it with your fingers and place in a plastic bag. Continue each day to keep an aphid infestation under control without the use of pesticides.

Method #2 | Repel Aphids With Neem Oil

Dilute pure neem oil in water and pour into a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray each plant, making sure to focus on areas where aphids enjoy hiding. The compounds within neem oil act as natural aphid repellents. This oil also repels other pests, such as cabbage worms, beetles, caterpillars and ants. Another added bonus: neem oil can also ward off a variety of fungal strains known to infect plants.

Method #3 | Kill Aphids With This Herbal Pesticide Treatment

In a small spray bottle, pour equal amounts of rosemary oil, clove oil, peppermint oil and thyme essential oil. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well. Thoroughly spray an entire plant that’s infested with aphids. The active compounds within these essential oils kill adult aphids, nymphs and eggs. It also acts as a general insect repellent without damaging the integrity of your plants. However, always dilute these oils before applying. Non-diluted essential oils can burn delicate plants.

How to get rid of aphids with your garden hoseBlast aphids with a hose

Method #4 | Blast Aphids WIth A Garden Hose

Perhaps one of the easiest – and most efficient – ways to eliminate aphids from your plants is by simply spraying them with water. With a standard garden hose, thoroughly spray each plant. Make sure to pay special attention to the underside of leaves and to its stalk. It’s important to note that this method can damage young plants and new growth. However, in adult plants, it’s a safe way to eliminate aphids without the use of pesticides. In order for this method to remain effective, you must repeat on a regular basis.

Method #5 | How To Kill Aphids With Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is an effective natural remedy for aphids. Spray your plants with water, then follow this by dusting a light coating of diatomaceous earth directly to plants. Make sure to apply this powder on the underside of leaves and along the base of plants. The compounds in D.E. penetrate the shell of aphids and dehydrate the bugs from the inside-out. As many farmers and gardeners already know, this is perhaps one of the most effective all-natural aphid control methods.

Get rid of aphids with lacewingsAphid control with Lacewings

Method #6 | Lacewing Insects Love Eating Aphids

If you’re looking for a unique way to control aphids, then you may want to fight insects with insects. Lacewings have a unique appetite for aphids. These helpful insects aren’t harmful to your plants, but can offer great relief. You may purchase lacewing insects from many gardening supply stores. Place these eggs around plants and watch the aphid population soon go extinct.

Method #7 | Grow Aphid-Resistant Plants

Growing plants, such as catnip, oregano or garlic can be an effective means of work warding off aphids. The scent these plants give off are offensive to aphids. Many gardeners find entire infestations are warded off by simply growing these plants near other plants. You can also plant other herbs, such as clover, mint, dill and fennel.

Method #8 | Plant Onions in Garden

Growing onions near your garden naturally repel aphids. These insects dislike organic compounds, such as those found by onions. By growing onions within your garden, you’ll effectively discourage aphids from growing in and around your plants.

Method #9 | How To Kill Aphids With This Homemade Aphid Spray

If you need a powerful way to eliminate an entire aphid infestation, but wish to avoid chemical pesticides, create the following homemade spray. Its compounds effectively kill aphids.

    • Warm 1 liter of water and pour into a spray bottle.
    • Add a 1/8 of a teaspoon of gelatin into the bottle.
    • Add 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger.
    • Thoroughly shake the bottle.
    • Spray this mixture around the leave and stalks of plants.
    • Repeat every other day until you see the aphids completely disappear.

How to kill aphids with garlic sprayKill Aphids with garlic spray

Method #10 | Aphids Hate Garlic: Make This Garlic Spray

While planting garlic is a great way to ward off aphids, sometimes this isn’t enough. By making a homemade garlic spray, you can effectively thwart an aphid infestation. To make this spray, bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Crush 5 cloves of garlic and add to the boiling water. Cover and allow the water to steep for 10 minutes. Remove the lead and allow the water to cool. Pour in a spray bottle, including the garlic cloves. Thoroughly spray each plant, making sure to pay attention to the underside of leaves and along the stalk. It’s best to do this in the evening before sunset.

(Images from: Alvesgaspar, Charlesjsharp, Pollinator & Lee Kindness )

5 Luxury Handmade Soap Recipes To Make Yourself

Handmade soaps

Making handmade soap is a simple, fun, and cost-effective process that will allow you to unleash your creativity whilst saving money – you’ll never need to buy another bar of soap again.

As well as saving you significant amounts of money each year, handmade soaps also make a great, quirky gift for friends and family. And, once you have mastered the art of soap making, the possibilities are truly endless!

Ready to venture into the world of soap making? Here are five handmade soap recipes to get you started…

Safety First! 

You shouldn’t be scared of using lye to make handmade soap; after all, people have been using it for years. You should, however, take a number of precautions when using it, to ensure that the process is as safe as possible.

If it isn’t done correctly, handling lye can be dangerous. So it’s crucial that you follow all safety precautions and understand the process before you begin your soap making.

  • Store all hazardous substances in a safe place, out of reach of children.
  • Always ensure that you have a bottle of vinegar close to hand during the soap making process. If there’s any spillage of the lye, pour the vinegar over it straight away to neutralize it.
  • Label all of your equipment ‘For Soap Making Use Only’ so it does not cause contamination.
  • Make sure that you wear the appropriate protective clothing including rubber gloves, goggles, and thick outer clothing.
  • Because lye is an extremely caustic chemical, it is important that you do not let it touch you in any way.

Simple handmade soap for beginnersSimple handmade soap for beginners 

Easy Handmade soap for beginners

First off, here’s a super simple soap recipe that will ease you into soap making and get you familiar with how to make homemade soap.

You’ll need… 

  • 2 ½ Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ½ Cup Coconut Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Lavender Essential Oil
  • 20 Ounces Lye
  • 47 Ounces Water 

How to make it… 

  1. Firstly, mix the lye into the water in a glass bowl or other heatproof container. It’s important that you mix the lye into the water and not the other way around!

To avoid filling your house with nasty fumes, it’s always advisable to do this part outdoors.

  1. Once the lye is fully dissolved, leave the solution to cool in a safe area away from children and pets.
  1. Whilst you’re waiting for the mixture to cool, weigh out the olive and coconut oils and mix them together in a large glass bowl. Ensure that your bowl is big enough to accommodate the rest of your ingredients.
  1. When the lye mixture has cooled, pour it into the oil mix (you can bring it back inside to do this) and gently mix them together.

Once they’ve started to blend together, you can then move on to using a hand blender – just be careful not to spray the mixture everywhere!

  1. Once your mixture has thickened to the consistency of mayonnaise, it has reached the stage called ‘trace’. At this point, add your essential oils into the mixture. 
  1. Pour the mixture into soap molds – if you’re using plastic containers, it’s advisable to oil them before hand to prevent sticking.
  1. Cover the molds and set them aside for at least 24 hours.
  1. Once 24 hours has passed, uncover the soap and see if you can easily remove it from the molds. If it’s too soft, simply re-cover and leave it for a few more hours before trying it again.
  1. When you’re able to remove the soap from the molds, cut it into bars. Because it’s homemade soap, you’re free to cut it into any shape or size you like – the only limit is your creativity (and cutting skills!). 
  1. Once you have cut your soaps into the desired shape, leave the bars to set for approximately one month. Turn them everyday at first, and then reduce this to every week. 

Zesty Lemon Handmade Soap Recipe

Once you’ve mastered the basic soap recipe, you can then move on to colorful and fragrant varieties. This homemade zesty lemon soap smells amazing and has a great texture too.

You’ll need… 

  • 1 ½ Cups Goats Milk Soap Base or Shea Butter Soap Base, cut into cubes
  • 4-6 drops Lemon Essential Oil
  • The dried zest of 3 – 4 lemons 

How to make it…

  1. Cut the soap base into small cubes, place it in a large Pyrex measuring cup and microwave it for 30 second intervals for about one minute.
  1. Once the soap cubes have turned to liquid, add a few drops of the lemon essential oil and the lemon zest. Stir the mixture well.
  1. Pour the soap into moulds and allow it to harden for at least an hour.
  1. Once the soap is fully hardened, press the mold to release it.

Handmade oatmeal soapHomemade oatmeal soap

Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey Handmade Soap Recipe

This soft and soothing soap is perfect for young, elderly, or dry skin, as well as those suffering from sunburned or chapped skin – it also smells delicious! 

You’ll need…

  • 2/3 Cup Olive Oil
  • 2/3 Cup Coconut Oil
  • 2/3 Cup Combination of Sweet Almond Oil and Grape Seed Oil
  • ¾ Cup Distilled Water
  • ¼ Cup Lye
  • 2 Teaspoons Ground, Old Fashioned Dry Oats
  • 2 Teaspoons Honey
  • 2 Tablespoons Dry Milk

How to make it… 

  1. Firstly, prepare the lye and water – adding the lye to the water (never the other way round), and mixing until dissolved. Once fully mixed, set aside, and leave to cool until it reaches around 100 Degrees Fahrenheit. 
  1. Next, combine all of the oils together and heat until the coconut oil begins to melt.
  1. Slowly mix the lye/water solution into the oils, and stir gently for around five minutes.
  1. After the initial five minutes, you can either continue stirring by hand or mix with a hand blender until it thickens to the trace stage.
  1. 5. Once your mixture has reached the optimum thickness, add the dry oats and the honey. It’s a good idea to heat the honey first so that it mixes better.
  1. Once the oats and honey are well mixed in, add the dry milk and a little more oil if needed. Now mix well and don’t be alarmed if the mixture turns yellow or orange, this is just because of the milk and will lighten up later in the process!
  1. Once everything is thoroughly combined, pour the mixture into molds of your choice and leave it to set for around 24 hours.
  1. After 24 hours, remove the soaps from the molds and cut them into your desired shapes and sizes.
  1. Leave your perfectly cut, handmade soaps to cure for 3-4 weeks, turning daily at first and then weekly as they begin to dry out.

Chamomile herbs for soapmakingChamomile herbs for yellow chamomile handmade soap recipe

Yellow Chamomile Handmade Soap Recipe

This handmade soap recipe is bight, cheerful and, thanks to its chamomile content, it smells amazing!

You’ll need…

  • 4” Silicone Loaf Mold
  • 8 Ounces Coconut Oil
  • 8 Ounces Palm Oil
  • 1 Ounces Rice Bran Oil
  • 1 Ounces Sweet Almond Oil
  • 4 Ounces Cocoa Butter
  • 9 Ounces Sodium Hydroxide Lye
  • 6 Ounces. Distilled Water
  • Yellow Oxide
  • Titanium Dioxide
  • 1 Ounce Chamomile Bergamot Fragrance Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Chamomile Extract
  • Chamomile Herbs 

How to make it… 

  1. Slowly and carefully, add the lye to the water, gently stirring until it fully dissolves and the resulting mixture is clear.
  1. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  1. Mix together the cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, rice bran oil, sweet almond oil, and the palm oil.
  1. Set aside to cool to room temperature (below 130 degrees)
  1. Once both mixtures have cooled to the correct temperatures, add the lye water into the oils and blend carefully until it reaches the trace stage.
  1. When you’re at trace stage, add 1 tablespoon of chamomile extract into the mixture and stir in using a whisk.
  1. Split the batch into approximately half (it doesn’t need to be exact). Add 2 tsp. of dispersed yellow oxide into one of the halves, and stir in using a whisk.
  1. Add 1 teaspoon of dispersed titanium dioxide into the other half of the mixture and whisk this in too.
  1. Add 5 Oz. of Chamomile Bergamot Fragrance Oil into each container and mix thoroughly using a whisk.
  1. Now, hold one color of mixture in each hand and pour into opposite sides of the mold. (By this point, it should be a medium trace, if it’s still a little on the thin side, mix with a handheld blender to thicken).
  1. Insert a dowel (or chopstick) down to the bottom of the mold, and move it horizontally through the soap about four or five times. Then move it vertically through the soap, repeating the process twice.
  1. Tap the soap mold firmly down onto the counter to release any bubbles, before sprinkling the chamomile herbs on the top of the mixture and gently pressing them down to secure them in place.
  1. Spray the soap with 99% rubbing alcohol and leave it to rest for between 48 and 72 hours.
  1. Remove the soap from the mold and cut it into slices. Remember to cut from the side as cutting from the top may result in drag marks from the herbs.

Kitchen Coffee Spice Bar Soap Recipe

This aromatic soap not only smells divine, but it also works to deodorize the hands whilst exfoliating and gently scrubbing all the dirt away. It also makes the perfect gift for those who love coffee!

This soap is made using the hot process method.

You’ll need… 

Base oils 

  • 12 Ounces Olive Oil
  • 10 Ounces Coconut Oil
  • 6 Ounces Sustainable Palm Oil
  • 2 Ounces Castor Oil
  • ½ Ounce Jojoba oil 

Lye Solution 

  • 30 Ounces Lye (6% excess fat)
  • 10 Ounces Triple Strength Coffee, cooled 

Exfoliant

  • 2-3 Tablespoons Ground Coffee, wet or dry

Add-ins

  • 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 2 Ounces Essential Oils of your choice 

How to make it… 

  1. Start by preparing the triple strength coffee, using distilled water and a coffee press.
  1. Place the coffee in the refrigerator and allow to cool over night. This is a really important step – under no circumstances should you use hot coffee in this recipe!
  1. Once the coffee has cooled, use a kitchen scale to measure the lye and the coffee in separate bowls.
  1. Gently combine the lye and the coffee, pouring the lye into the coffee (never the other way round), and stir the mixture until the lye has completely dissolved. Once combined, set the mixture to one side and allow to cool.
  1. Whilst the lye mixture is cooling, measure out each of the oils excluding the Jojoba oil, and melt on a low heat.
  1. Once the oils have melted, add the lye and coffee mixture and stir gently to combine. Then use a hand blender to blend until they reach the trace stage.
  1. After 1-2 minutes of blending, add the coffee grounds, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
  1. Continue blending for around 2-3 minutes more, until the mixture reaches a thick, pudding like consistency. Then cover the pot and heat the soap over a low heat, for approximately one hour.
  1. Remove the soap from the heat and quickly add the essential oils and the Jojoba oil, stirring well until the mixture is fully combined.
  1. Spoon the mixture out into the molds and allow it to cool and harden for at least 24 hours.
  1. Next, remove the mixture from the mold, place it on a cutting board, and cut into bars (the size of the bars is completely up to you).
  1. Place the bars on a tray with good airflow so that they can harden.

Get Rid Of Fruit Flies With These 6 Homemade Fruit Fly Traps

Fruit flies on a piece of fruit

There’s no doubt about it, fruit flies are an incredibly common, and incredibly irritating household pest.

Found in homes across the land, particularly during the summer months, these flies reproduce at a ridiculously fast rate (they can lay up to 500 eggs at a time), meaning once you’ve got one buzzing around your kitchen, it is likely to be joined by swarms of friends in no time at all.

Fruit flies thrive in moist damp places, so they are most commonly found around the sink and garbage disposal drains, as well as close to fruits and other foods (particularly rotting or fermenting foods), but these makes baited fruit fly traps very effective!

Signs of a fruit fly infestation

If you’ve got a fruit fly infestation, you’ll probably know about it as you’re sure to spot both the adult flies and the pupae around your home. The adult fruit flies are often seen flying around the kitchen or trash cans, and are particularly present around decaying fruit and vegetables, as well as liquor and beer bottles.

Once they start to mature, the fruit fly larvae crawl out of the breeding material and into a nearby dry spot where they pupate. Although it is easy to mistake the fruit fly larvae for rodent or cockroach droppings, they are distinguishable by a pair of horns on one end of the pupae.

So, in an attempt to rid your kitchen of these pesky fruit flies, here are our top homemade fruit fly traps that will allow you to kill and remove fruit flies quickly and simply… Getting rid of fruit flies is simple when you use the following traps.

Bowl fruit fly trapSimple fruit fly bowl trap

Fruit Jar/Bowl Fruit Fly Trap

Fruit flies are huge fans of fruit, so this is the perfect way to lure them into your fruit fly trap.

You will need…

  • A glass jar or a bowl
  • Saran Wrap
  • A toothpick
  • Some very ripe or overripe fruit
  • Soapy water
  • Rubber band

Making the trap…

  1. Take several pieces of ripe, ideally overripe fruit, and place them in the bottom of the glass jar or bowl.
  1. Cover the jar with Saran Wrap, securing it with a rubber band.
  1. Using the toothpick, poke holes in the wrap.
  1. Set the jars around the house, focusing in the areas where the fruit flies seem to congregate. The flies will be drawn to the trap and will successfully find their way in, but won’t be able to get out.
  1. When the jar is full enough, submerge it in a bucket of warm, soapy water and allow it to sit for around 10 minutes to kill off the fruit flies.
  1. Rinse out the jar, then refill it with overripe fruit and repeat the process. Your home will be fruit fly free in no time at all.

Jar fruit fly trapFruit fly Jar Trap

Apple Cider Vinegar Fruit Fly Trap

This is an incredibly simple trap that should help to catch any rogue fruit flies. This fruit fly trap works on the concept that fruit flies can’t resist the smell of fermentation and so flock towards the apple cider vinegar, which is, of course, made from fermented apples.

You will need…

  • A mason jar (or similar)
  • A funnel
  • ½ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • A drop of dish soap
  • A piece of ripe or overripe fruit

Making the trap… 

  1. <Firstly, heat the apple cider vinegar and pour it into the mason jar. The vinegar should be just deep enough for the flies to drown.
  1. Add a couple of drops of dish soap to the apple cider vinegar. This will break the surface tension of the liquid and prevent the flies from sitting on the top and flying away.
  1. Insert your funnel into the mouth of the jar and tape it in place. If you don’t have access to a funnel, simply roll up a piece of paper to make one. The flies will then enter the jar through the funnel, but won’t be able to get back out again.
  1. To make the jar extra tempting, drop in a piece of ripe fruit and allow it to break down in the mixture.
  1. Now all you need to do is wait! If you find that the flies don’t drown when they enter the jar, simply place it in the freezer for around 20 minutes and that should kill the fruit flies.

Red Wine Fruit Fly Trap

Like many of us humans, fruit flies are drawn to red wine and, once you’ve caught them, it’s easy to kill them in their intoxicated state.

You will need…

  • A small amount of red wine
  • Wine bottle

Making the trap…

  1. This fruit fly trap is extremely easy to make! Simply leave a small amount (around half a glass) of red wine at the bottom of the bottle.
  1. Leave the open bottle out on a surface, close to where the fruit flies seem to lurk. The flies will flock to the wine, fly into the bottle, and then get stuck.
  1. The flies should drown in the wine, but if they don’t, simply place the bottle in the freezer or fill it with warm soapy water.

Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar Fruit Fly Trap

You will need…

  • A bottle of apple cider vinegar (it doesn’t need to be full!)
  • Saran Wrap
  • Rubber Band
  • Toothpick

Making the trap…

  1. Firstly, remove the cap from your bottle of apple cider vinegar. Remember, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a full bottle, a nearly empty bottle will have the same effect.
  1. Cover the opening of the bottle with Saran Wrap and secure it in place with a rubber band.
  1. Using the toothpick, poke a hole in the Saran Wrap to allow the fruit flies to enter the bottle.
  1. Put the bottle in the main problem area and then sit back and wait. The flies will be attracted by the scent of the vinegar and, once they enter the bottle, they’ll find themselves stuck and will drown.

Old Farmer’s Fruit Fly Trap

This tried and true homemade flytrap method has been used for centuries. Although it might seem like an unusual recipe, it’s a sure fire way to get rid of fruit flies. 

You will need… 

  • 1 Pint of milk
  • ¼ Pound of raw sugar
  • 2 Ounces of ground pepper 

Making the trap… 

  1. Combine the milk, sugar, and pepper in a saucepan and allow the mixture to simmer over a low heat for around 10 minutes.
  1. Next, pour the mixture into shallow dishes and place them around the house, strategically targeting the spots that the fruit flies seem to flock to most. We’re not entirely sure why, but the fruit flies are drawn to the mixture and, once they land in it, will quickly drown.
  1. If you notice that the flies seem to be landing and flying away rather than drowning, simply add a drop or two of dish soap. 

The Bottle Fruit Fly Trap

This is another quick and easy way to make a fruit fly trap, which uses things you’ll have lying around your home.

You will need…

  • An empty 2 litre plastic soda bottle
  • Heavy duty packing tape
  • Some rotting fruit or vegetables

Making the trap…

  1. Take a pair of scissors and carefully cut the empty soda bottle into two parts. You should make the cut approximately ¼ to 1/3 of the way down the bottle to ensure that the bottom half is larger that the top half.
  1. Remove the cap from the top of the bottle and turn the top half upside down.
  1. Take a few pieces of rotten produce (potatoes seem to work particularly well) and place them in the bottom half of the bottle.
  1. Take the top half of the bottle and place it upside down inside the bottom half, creating a funnel effect.
  1. Next, tape the two halves of the bottle together to ensure that they stay securely in place.

Prevention is better than cure…

Homemade Lemongrass Fruit Fly Spray

This isn’t technically a fruit fly trap, and it won’t kill the fruit flies, but it should help to keep them away from your home. And we all know that prevention is better than cure.

You will need…

  • 10 Drops of Lemongrass essential oil
  • A clean spray bottle
  • 2 Ounces of hot water

Instructions… 

  1. Start by pouring 2 ounces of hot water into the spray bottle.
  1. Add 10 drops of Lemongrass essential oil and shake well to mix the two ingredients together.
  1. Spray the Lemongrass mixture over windowsills and doorways. This should keep the flies away. If you notice any fruit flies around the house, you can also spray the mixture directly onto them.

As well as keeping fruit flies out of your home, the Lemongrass spray also leaves a nice, refreshing citrus scent around the house.

Eliminate the source of the problem

Food bowl - ripe fruit attracts fruit fliesCover, or store ripe fruit in the refrigerator

There are a number of simple steps that you can take to eliminate the source of the fruit flies and keep them out of your house.

Firstly, make sure that you don’t leave any ripened fruit or vegetables exposed. Get a fruit bowl cover or keep them in the refrigerator where the flies can’t get to them.

In addition to this, you should also clean your recycling bins regularly and make sure that any bottles or jars you place within the recycling bin are clean and free from food residue.

If you compost your food waste, make sure your compost bin is positioned as far away from your house as possible.

You should also check that your garbage cans are free from any small bits of food or liquids.

The fruit fly traps listed on this post are highly effective at trapping and killing fruit flies. Combined with the common sense prevention advice, getting rid of fruit flies should be easy and your home will be fruit fly free in no time at all.

(Images from: Downtowngal & cheeseslave)

The Rocket Stove Post: 6 & A Half DIY Tutorials With Videos

Simple brick rocket stoveVery simple brick rocket stove

As you’ve arrived here, you will likely be well aware of the benefits of rocket stoves. If not, the bottom line is rocket stoves are extremely efficient stoves to cook with. They generate a huge amount of heat and require substantially less fuel to run. More heat from less fuel makes building a rocket stove an excellent option for anyone living off-the-grid, or for people that are concerned with emergency preparedness.

It seems that not a day goes by without a new DIY rocket stove tutorial appearing online. There are literally 100s of tutorials and videos! So, with so many about… How do you know where to look, and which rocket stoves to build? Well, within this guide you’ll find six (and a helpful half!) of the most popular rocket stoves you can make, complete with videos and written instructions.

Tutorial One: Tin Can Rocket Stove


Let’s start off with a fun tutorial that will come in handy should you ever find yourself somewhere unexpected with only a tin can and a few bits and pieces to cook with.

What you’ll need

  • A can with a lid
  • 2 large cans (theses should be of the 28 oz variety)
  • A spare can
  • A little insulation (your loft won’t miss it!)
  • Tin snips (for cutting your cans and keeping those digits safe for the construction, cooking and eating stages!)
  • A marker pen to mark the cans and where you should be cutting them
  • A wire hanger (which makes the handle)
  • High heat spray paint (if you want to go all out)

Cooking on a tin can: Step by Step

Step One – Mark and cut the centre hole within the large can

You should use the lid from the smaller of the cans to do this, placing the hole with its bottom edge around 5cm from the bottom of the larger can.

Once done, you can go ahead and cut the hole out (be sure to remember your goggles and gloves for safety). Once the hole is cut, you should check out whether the small can fits inside.

Step Two – Mark and cut a hole within the inner can

Repeat this process with the inner can. You can even use the cut out circle from the large can to guide your margin and cutting efforts.

Step Three – Cut and Insert the last can

Now it’s time for the last can. First, cut one rim off so that it is an open can at one end. Then, go ahead and cut 1.5 inch tabs around the rim. With this now flexible end, insert it into the other smaller can’s hole (be sure that this can is already within the larger of the cans).

Step Four – Cut a lid

With the lid from the largest can,  cut out a hole that covers all of the area surrounding the smaller can within it.

Step Five – Fill you can with insulation

Now, fill the can with insulation so that the space between the larger and smaller inner can is completely topped up and packed down. You should then fold down four tabs on the larger can, using a hammer if you need a little help.

Step Six – Add a shelf

Now it’s time to add a mini shelf within the can that pokes outwards from the larger can. Simply cut a rectangle from the metal scraps that you have, cut around an inch into each side and slide the shelf into its place, finally folding down its flaps for a secure fit.

Step Seven – The finishing lick of paint

To finish off your now great looking rocket stove, you can spray paint it black (being sure that the paint is special high heat paint). You may also wish to add that hanger handle by drilling two holes either side of the top of the can.

Now you’re all done and ready to go, so pop those twigs in so that they rest on your shelf and light it up!

Tutorial One And A Half: The World’s Smallest Rocket Stove


Ok, so this tutorial may be considered as a variation of the first, which is why it’s numbered as one and a half. This step by step set of instructions follows all of the steps that the first one does, however it’s on an altogether smaller scale and so the materials are different.

What you’ll need

  • Spray can for the larger of cans (such as a body spray can… however you must know how to cut these as they’re pressurised)
  • The inner cans are made from piping (you may need to hunt around to get the dimensions right, and use a material that isn’t too thick or that poorly convects heat)
  • Sand (this is in replacement for the insulation)

The World’s smallest rocket stove: Step by Step

Just follow all of the steps within tutorial one, but take a little more care as you’ll be working on a smaller scale. You can also skip the paint and handle step if you wish… this is really just for fun!

Tutorial Two: The DIY 6 Brick Dual Burner Rocket Stove


The first tutorial is perfect for those looking for something small and compact, but what if you want something more impressive, or that is capable of heating at least two pans at once? Well, luckily for you, we have a tutorial for a dual burning stove, and better yet, this tutorial requires just six bricks (as well as few other items as listed below) and a budget of $6!

What you’ll need

  • Four double breeze blocks
  • Two single breeze blocks
  • Two metal mounts from a stove

The DIY Dual Burner: Step by Step

Step One – Place the bricks

First, you need to place the double breeze block bricks into a rectangular shape, with the two middle ones lying flat against one another, and the other two stood upright at either end.

Then add the last two single breeze blocks with their open ends pointing upwards.

It’s important that the upper double breeze block, which sits directly underneath the two single breeze blocks, is seated with its open end underneath (pointing upwards). The breeze block that is then underneath is the other way around, allowing for you to place your wood in without it dropping, and thereby allowing for the heat to rise up into the single blocks.

Step Two – Add your wood

Add your wood into the central breeze block, this is done through the side as you’ll place your end breeze blocks with their open ends outwards. This then means that there’s no need to move the upper stoves… you can simply side feed and go!

Step Three – That’s it!

That’s all there is to it, so stick some food on the stove and get cooking!

Tutorial Three: The Rocket Stove Water Heater


This is a heater that works on little fuel (which can be as simple as a few sticks) and is more efficient than your average household water heater. This stove can accept up to 200 liters of water.

What you’ll need

  • 18 matters of copper pipe
  • Oil barrel (44 gallons)
  • Ceramic or stone structure to create the stove itself

The Rocket Stove Water Heater: Step by step

Step One – Wind your copper coil and create the drum structure

The copper pipe is coiled through an oil barrel, leading from your cold water supply and outputting a warm water supply. This will be placed at the top of the stove structure.

Step Two – Create the ceramic bed base

Now it’s time to create the outer structure that will house the copper drum and burning structure. This can be constructed from ceramic or stone bed base.

That’s all there is to it! There may be only two steps however, but the construction of the ceramic outer casing may take a considerable amount of time.

 Tutorial Four: A Simple 16 Brick Rocket Stove


Brick rocket stoves seem to be the most popular variety, so I wanted to give you a little choice as to which you opt for. Here, we take a look at a DIY rocket stove project that consists of smaller house bricks and that similarly comes in at a budget busting total of just $6.

What you’ll need

  • 16 bricks
  • 3 Patio blocks

A brick rocket stove: Step by step

Step One – Layout your patio blocks

This is so you have a level bottom layer upon which to build your stove

Step Two – Add the first layer of bricks

This should consist of 4.5 bricks, where three are lined up horizontally, and the 1.5 bricks form the end.

Step Three – Add the second layer of bricks

Now you want to arrange the second layer a little differently, being sure to leave the middle section empty.

Step Four – Add the third layer

Now you can add the third layer, leaving only the middle empty.

Step five – Add the fourth and final layer

Add the final layer, replicating the third layer.

Step Six – Add a single brick to below the side hole

This will serve as your fuel feeder.

Step Seven – You’re all done

Now it’s time to feed the fire and get to cooking. The total build time of this particular stove is then less than 20 minutes. To finish off the fire so that you can warm water you simply add a metal grid, or a stove metal mount.

Tutorial Five: The single-pot rocket stove


For those looking for a rocket stove that can accommodate a large vat or liquid with ease, this single-pot rocket stove tutorial is perfect. What’s more, with materials that should be readily available, and a design that is based upon an insulated rocket reflow combustion chamber to increase combustion and reduce smoke, this is one tutorial that features easily sourced materials, easy to follow instructions and a stove that provides superior performance.

It has much in common with many of the other tutorials that you’ll find here however, as only the tips of the wood burn, thus allowing for optimal performance. So then, now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s get started.

What you’ll need

  • Sheet metal or a 5 litre metal can
  • Water, Clay, Sawdust – To make the light weight bricks required for the inner structure
  • Wooden Mold
  • One reasonably sized clay brick
  • Vermiculite or perlite
  • Cement

The single-pot rocket stove: Step by Step

Step One – Create your light weight bricks from the Water, Clay and Sawdust

The light weight bricks that make up the inner combustible stove are perfect for a rocket stove as they have better draft and higher combustion temperatures, which decreases the emission from burning biomass.

To make them you mix the clay and sawdust first, kneading the sawdust and clay together; once well mixed add in the water gradually and continue to mix the ingredients. You should stop adding water when the consistency is rough, relatively stiff and without lumps.

The recipe will need to be fine-tuned as according to the sawdust that you are using. However generally speaking the following measurements tend to work well with most sawdust types.

  • 500g Sawdust
  • 1200g Water
  • 900g Clay

The bricks should be fired at around 1000 Celsius, which should create bricks with an optimum density of 0.6g/cc (perfect for our purposes, and at this density the bricks themselves will float in water).

You will need to create a wooden mould to shape your bricks (and wet the wood so that they slip out of the bottom easily). The brick is removed later once the consistency has hardened.

Step Two – Create the combustion chamber

Once all of your bricks are ready it’s time to begin work on the combustion chamber. This should begin by two clay bricks being placed adjacent to one another, with a normal, heavier brick between them placed at what will be the back of the chamber. This creates a ‘U’ shape.

Build up the chamber from here by adding three levels of brick total with no openings (this brings your chamber to around 30cm high).

Step Three – Add the cylinder by placing it over the combustion chamber

The sheet metal cylinder has a square hole cut into the bottom, do that it lines up with the entrance of the combustion chamber. For now you can temporarily fill up the cylinder’s entrance with a brick.

Step Four – Add the cement between the cylinder and the combustion camber

Fill up your cylinder with cement, leaving the middle section within the combustion chamber open.

Step Five – Add three metal bars in a triangle shape

Adding three metal bars into your cylinder can serve as a built in pot rest. To make these secure you can drill six holes in total into the cylinder, ready to accept the melt bars. This metal to metal contact upon which your pot will be placed additionally benefits from the natural convection of the sheet metal. Just be sure to leave a 12mm gap between the metal bars and the combustion chamber.

Step Six – Consider a pot skirt for super quick cooking

To make your rocket stove even more efficient you can add a stove skirt, which simple lengthens the height of the metal cylinder, allowing for the heat to run past the sides of the pot.

 Tutorial Six: Rocket Stove For Indoor Heating

(There is no video for this rocket stove, but click here is the original blog post with full instructions.)

This final tutorial is for those who may be more advanced with DIY skills, as well as being pretty handy with a welding torch. It creates an impressive indoor rocket stove that looks more akin to a home heating system.

What you’ll need

  • An old electric hot water tank (or, for an easy life you may consider using a steel drum)
  • 3″ diameter steel pipe
  • 4″x4″ square tubing
  • Flat steel plate

* All of the above each had around 1/8″ wall thickness, which may be thicker than necessary.

  • Flexible Aluminium tubing (e.g. dryer ducking)

The ultimate rocket stove for indoor heating: Step by Step

Step One – Attach the dryer ducting to a chimney for testing purposes

Step Two – Cut the water tank tube so it is able to accept the combusted chamber and chimney

The chimney should already have a square end that is welded on, which will be the part inserted into the hot water tank

Step Three – Weld the chimney into the inside of the hot water tank

Before being able to do this, you’ll obviously need to cut the end off of the tank. You can also place a block of wood underneath the chimney to keep it in place for welding.

Step Four – Once the welding is complete and cooled you can spray your tank

If you do spray your tank use black, as this absorbs and retains heat better. You should also ensure that you’re using a high heat performance spray paint.

Step Five – Weld the lid back on

You can cover over any messy welding with a nice silver sheet metal ring.

Step Six – Attach the dryer ducting to the square that now juts out from the tank

Step Seven – You may finally want to think about adding a vented removable screen to the end of the combustion chamber

This will stop any sparks from flying off of the wood and into your room (this step is actually pretty essential).

If you enjoyed this post, you might be interested in our rocket mass heater post too!

(Image from: wsssst)