Simpler Living Blog

NON-ELECTRIC LIGHTING, TIPS AND TOOLS

Tips and Tools for Using Oil Lamps

There’s a reason why oil lamps are still being used today. Sure, their old-fashioned designs will bring vintage charm to your home and give your shelf a little “pizzazz” (bonus points for decor), but their real treasure is the reliable light they provide. You’ll always have a source of light!

Power outage? Just reach for an oil lamp.

Off-the-grid cabin? Oil lamps.

Dim rooms? Yep…oil lamps.

Their steady glow of light is instant comfort, and they’re easy to use, too, with a little instruction.

New to non-electric lighting? Here are our tips and tools for using oil lamps:

#1 -Keep your wicks trimmed evenly.

We recommend trimming your wicks each time you refill the font with oil. (Note: If your lamp is smoking, the wick is either set too high or needs to be trimmed.)

Stock Up on Flat Wicks: Choose Your Size

Flat wick oil lamp with lamp oil in font — High-grade cotton gives you a clean burn and fast fuel delivery! We have a wick for almost any flat wick lamp ever made at Lehmans.com

Replace Your Aladdin Lamp Wicks: Fits Aladdin models #23, #23A,#23E60, and MAXbrite 500 series

Aladdin Round Wicks — This wick will work for Model 21 as well if used with the N233 wick raiser. Available at Lehmans.com

(Helpful Hint: We also carry Aladdin Lamp Wick R151 for models A, B, C and 14-English lamp burners.)

Clean Your Wicks: Near-Universal Wick Cleaner

Aladdin Near-Universal Wick Cleaner — Clean your wick every time you refill the fuel, or about every 12-15 hours of burning. Available at Lehmans.com

#2 – Don’t fill your oil lamp completely.

Okay, this is a simple tip but super important if you want to prevent oil from overflowing from your lamp (a.k.a. – a big mess!). Oil expands during burning, so avoid filling your lamp to the very top. Instead, fill it to about 1/2″ below the filler cap.

(Bonus Tip: When you’re done filling your lamp, make sure you store the rest of your lamp oil away from sunlight and at room temperature. This will help extend its shelf-life.)

Best Lamp Fuel: Aladdin Lamp Oil

Great Kerosene Alternative: Klean-Heat Lamp Fuel

Kerosene: 1-K Kerosene

#3 – Maximize your light.

Lamps with reflectors can help direct light where you need it most in the room, while Aladdin lamps are 6x brighter than other wick lamps – they’re bright as electric!

Versatile Lamp: Reflector Oil Lamp