How to Clean Your Kerosene Heater

[@CraigArndt]

During the year, I'll run all the fuel out of the heater and let it burn out. Try lighting it, let it die again. That should burn up any large carbon deposits, then scrub. However, if you use red dyed fuel, it's a wasted step. Red dyed fuel (in my area) clogs wicks and takes the heater longer to get to operating temperature and burn the deposits. Clear 1-K seems to get a faster hotter flame and a lot less maintenance.

[@markhejl3104]

That's all I burn is K-1 kerosene. We bought it just in case our electric goes out.

[@aarontenbusch2058]

You're the man. This video explained exactly how I needed it to be explained. Thank you, Sir.

[@CCNutritionist]

Thanks, man. Neglected a new KeroWorld heater, leaving it in my garage for five years with a third tank of kerosene in it. Tonight I finally got out, emptied the tank and did a dry burn on the wick. I'd only used the thing a couple times and there were some chunks of carbon on the wick, but the dry burn cleaned them up. I was quite pleased. Looking forward to putting some new kerosene in there and keeping myself warm in the basement. This video adds to my confidence taking care of the unit, going forward. Won't let it be neglected again.

[@CraigArndt]

A dry burn I think I left out of this video, but was in my first one. The dry burn is great to turn those carbon deposits to dust. Then a little brush of the wick and its good. Thanks for the comment I appreciate the feedback.

[@mylittlebrotherca9691]

Watch the Carbon Monoxide levels enclosed spaces, for less than $7 a tiny 4.5volt fan you can run off your laptop circulates the warm air. Desert,dry a pan of water adds humidity. Like CAVEMEN seeing a real flame a 🔥 is GOOD. 🥰

[@edwardgomez5616]

You don't hit the shut off to extinguish the fire, it's an "Emergency shut off" not the actual shut off. The best way to extinguish the fire is to turn the heater back to high and hold the knob steady, then push down on the extinguish button with the other hand and slowly turn the knob back down till it stops. Someone who works on heaters taught me that. If you do that, you won't have as much smell and it's the proper way to extinguish the heater. If you do that, it also saves on the inside working parts of the heater, as the constant slamming down will wear out pins, springs, and the hook tabs on the wick sleeve. Also, to clean your heater, you don't even have to take the top off or do anything to clean the wick. All you have to do is let it burn itself out around twice a month. Use the kerosene in the heater until you notice that the flame is getting smaller and you can't raise it, it should be almost empty of all kerosene. That way you don't waste any considerable amount. Either put a fan in front of a window and the heater behind the fan and let it burn itself completely out, wait 30 min and repeat a burn off. Doing that is even better than a brushing, all carbon particles are gone and the wick looks and works like new, it's even white again. That way you're not burning carbon particles and breathing them. Male sure to wait an hour after refill to light again, so the wick has soaked in kerosene to the top and you don't burn up your wick. After you're done with the heater for the season, take of the top and clean the ring at the top of the wick burner, and dust inside of it, wipe and rust with Vaseline or WD-40.

[@mrcliftondiablo]

Could you make a video explaining all this lol I'm kinda new to using one myself my dad has used them in the past but I never have any just was wanting to make sure mine was working right

[@littlepils4187]

I finally have a use for the old toothbrush' I've saved. I also have an afternoon project while winter rages outside. Thank you. 😊

[@gretareed486]

I learned a lot from this video. Just cleaned mine thoroughly. But I couldn't help but laugh when you were fighting to get that cage loose. 😭 "A pair of pliers would work good right now." 🤣

[@MrBucidart]

Craig, you talked me into it. Mines approx. 3x older but not used as much any more. But she still needs a cleaning. A few weeks ago I seen an ad for the same type of heater but it was rated for indoor use-no vented was needed, that caught my short attinision span and promptly forgot where I saw it ..... Nice vid.

[@CraigArndt]

It's a fast job, especially if you don't wrestle with that cage. They burn a lot cleaner with a quick scrub. After a year of use, the wicks foul up and you'll notice the space get oily smelling. Or there are times I've had a scratchy throat from running it and I know its not burning clean. Good fuel is important. Happy Thanksgiving Joe.

[@BfreeBob]

Exactly the knowledge I was looking for! Going to tune my heater up today.

[@CraigArndt]

Great! Helps if you run all the fuel out of it, run it dry then clean it. Glad it was helpful, should extend the wick a little longer. Once it starts fraying a lot, replace the wick.

[@wittykitty4883]

Thank you so much for this video. 1st time user and I looked up how to clean the wick. Your instructions are great!!!

[@CraigArndt]

Thanks glad it helped. Make sure to burn all the fuel too in the tank. When you do that, it helps burn up the carbon and makes cleaning easier.

[@GrantHubbard]

Awesome to see you doing this, this was all we used when i was a kid...aint seen it in a while. Merry Christmas 🎅

[@RustyGlovebox]

Nice job Craig, a good overall ensures a safe season of heating

[@ericcoffedgp40]

Thanks for sharing! I just sold my Sears heater from the mid 70s, this video came in really handy.

[@CraigArndt]

Glad it helped, thank you for checking it out Eric.

[@soleslayer91]

How do I know when the wick needs changing and can it be lifted up if it's burnt down some?

[@CraigArndt]

It won’t burn well, flicker and burn dirty… inside the heater you may see soot. I replaced mine and it made a huge difference. Burns much hotter now and cleaner.

[@nickdipascal8124]

Believe it ...after the Hurricanes stop we will need that in Southern Louisiana!! Happy Thanksgiving Craig to You and Yours !!!

[@CraigArndt]

You got that right, been one after another. Happy Thanksgiving Nick to you and family!

[@mikejames9931]

Thanks a lot for the Tips on Cleaning.I use the Dura Heat 23,000 for heating my House every year.I easily use over 200 gallons a season in it and it really keeps my home warm.A lot of work but so much cheaper than gas or Oil heat.The Dura Heat Brand like you showed are great.But the Dyna Glo Lowes sells I have 2 of them and nothing but problems.After a month or two the Wick goes down way to Low and wont come back up enough to Light.Other buyers complained of the same problem as I have.It definitely is a design problem with that Brand.But the Dura Heat brand works fantastic.Looking on Ebay and trying to find a decent Kero-Sun for a fair price.That Brand is the best I ever used but hard to understand why they quit manufacturing them.But lots of them around just hard to find folks that took care of them or not asking a super high price for them.Thanks again for your help its much appreciated.

[@CraigArndt]

Thank you Mike, appreciate the comment. You have to wonder why they’d change the design if it worked. Have a good Christmas and New Years.

[@mercer29-4]

When all else fails - grab a rubber mallet - clang clang clang lol in all seriousness thank for the video I’m going to try this we have a heated garage floor but one side is out so we have a karosene heater to help keep round 73 on colder days when at zero or worse ! Tonight mine started throwing tons of black smoke while lit but it’s only a year old ! My wife caught it luckily my whole garage was filled with smoke cause we were gaming and. It paying attention luckily we got it outside opened up some doors to air it out !

[@CraigArndt]

Thanks for checking it out! Sometimes all you need to do when you get that heavy black smoke is make sure the wick is raised high enough and you move that screen back and forth, can happen after lighting. Either way, once a year is a good time to clean it, hopefully yours won't fight you like mine did!

[@aseale7410]

Just bought used 1. This should make it easy. I like the editing. Thks

[@CraigArndt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Paisteboy]

I don't have one of these heaters but after watching your video I want one. lol. Nice video Craig.

[@CraigArndt]

Thanks Bud, its been good to have while wrenching in the garage. I have that other kerosene heater, that is like a hybrid radiant/torpedo heater. That works great too when its really cold, but then I'll fire up this thing to keep a steady temp in the garage. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family.

[@Paisteboy]

@@CraigArndt Thanks. To you as well.

[@roberth.9558]

Thank you for the instruction. Well done.

[@williamalbright8878]

Nice work

[@HaveyouLovedandbeenLoved]

Hello, thank you for the video. I just have a question. I have a Dura Heat. Everything I read online and in the manual says that the flame is suppose to be a nice solid 1/2 inch (not including the little peaks) above the top plate of the burner, not lower or higher. If it is lower of higher than 1/2 inch there's a considerable chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. I see your flame is not at 1/2 inch. Does this really matter? I ask because my first 2 had a beautiful 1/2 inch flame but had to take them back because they wouldn't shut off. My recent heater has a lower than 1/2 inch flame. It's my only source of heat. Husband passed, I became a widow at 42 and furnace broke down. Can't afford to get the furnace fixed. I live in Upstate NY in the country and the temp has been -25 with windchill. Tonight we are getting 12-18 inches of snow. I'm running my heater eventhough I probably should not be according to the manufacturer. But can't freeze to death either. I've had to block off one huge room just to keep it warm enough but have some ventilation. Use to be a medic and have seen first hand what carbon monoxide poisoning does to a person. Think that's why I'm so concerned. I only use 1K undyed kero and get it for $3.35 a gallon. It's way cheaper than diesel in my area and burns so clean. If you can please give me your opinion, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time...Marie

[@HaveyouLovedandbeenLoved]

@@monkeypaw0 thank you for replying to my post. I have moved since than and don't have to use my kero heater anymore for my main source of heat. But the info you gave still helps. I thought a few weeks ago when a snow and ice storm was coming through I thought I may need to use it if electricity went out. I didn't, but there's still a chance. Still a few months of winter left. My daughter lives in Vermont. Looks like possibly the end of this week and next, both of us may be getting some ice and snow. I'm already done (been done since the 2nd cold week of winter) of the winter. Thank you again for your help. Stay warm and safe with the possible upcoming storms.

[@darwingortiz7013]

Min 1:54 and the way the heater was handled. I told myself, if i want to see a clown, i'll go to a different channel. No, thank you!

[@CraigArndt]

No Kerosene Heaters were harmed in the shooting of this video.

[@timclough8402]

Just got one for my birthday! Don’t need to clean it yet, but this is good info. Thanks!

[@CraigArndt]

Happy birthday!

[@smokinhalf]

after using the toothbrush i like to take a vacum cleaner attachment to the wick

[@kristyd5151]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful because I don't know what I'm doing.

[@CraigArndt]

Glad it was helpful and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@markhejl3104]

What color is the flame supposed to be? Orange or blue ?

[@CraigArndt]

Yellowish orange. You're burning raw fuel through a wick, like a candle, so you'd never see blue.

[@markhejl3104]

@@CraigArndt Thank you for the info. When we use it, we leave the kitchen window open a little bit.

[@littlepils4187]

@@CraigArndt thanks I have the correct color flame but will give a maintenance clean any how. On both my kerosene heaters. Only fuel left on the shelf at stores during recent flooding here was ,,, kerosene!!. Great backup units.

[@johnclarke6647]

How do you put them away for the summer?

[@Inflec]

You do exactly what this man has done with his heater. At the end of the heating season you dry burn the wick, letting the heater burn off any remaining fuel (do this with fiberglass wicks ONLY), and clean the wick as he has demonstrated. After that, put the heater back together and store it in a clean, dry place. This way it will be ready for next heating season. Just refill it with fuel at that time, allow half an hour for the wick to absorb the fuel, and light as usual. BTW, be sure to remove the batteries to prevent the possibility of leakage and resulting corrosion damage.

[@Fixin2Ride-Official-]

Very cool video. How long does the kerosene last on that thing? I would consider getting one for sure. I see you got a sled?

[@CraigArndt]

The fuel lasts a pretty good amount of time. 1.9 gallons, it burns probably 12 hours or so. I'm usually not out in the garage that long, but I usually burn 5-7 gallons a year in it. My son and I got sleds, my BIL and nephew got sleds, we all were on the hunt together. Couple buddies of mine bought used sleds last year, so I have options for riding partners. May make a trip to Tug Hill this year, but lots of places to ride as well as southern tier of Western NY. The club trail head is just a 1/2 mile from me so I can ride or trailer over there.

[@jeffdunn7474]

Thank you!

[@LadyoftheFarm]

Thank you for this! 😊

[@jamesmichael8549]

How do I shut off A Kero Heat Heaters that does not shut off ? I tried shutting it off to the Shut off Manual and it is still running ? I tried the Adjusting Range But it is still going .

[@CraigArndt]

If your heater won't shut off, don't use the heater. You have bigger issues with the wick hanging up or the shut off spring.

[@NormanMcGregor]

I have looked at them but don't have a supply of kerosene here on the island.

[@CraigArndt]

I know people use diesel in them, but you never know the quality of the diesel... plus they put so many additives in diesel today, wouldn't want to be burning some of those chemicals in a closed environment. Hope you're doing well Norman.

[@glenheil2449]

Iam going out to do mine there calling for a possible big snow for Monday here in Ohio

[@CraigArndt]

Glad it helped, have a great thanksgiving.

[@mylittlebrotherca9691]

USMC Mt Fuji..1991 exterior guard FREEZING. Construction trailer. Desperate,gained access found one.. All written in Japanese.Figured it out YAH. I saw the round circle from coffee cups on the top & smelled like fuel. BEST THING EVER!! That's how you learn I suppose. Have bought (CONUS) two. WORK AWESOME. I'm crazy..in the Desert 116 dog hot summer. People sell, bought one. All riveted..gotta clean the wick. Chance favors the prepared mind. Like the DUKE told us, "Life is hard,its harder if you're stupid". Plan ahead.

[@dannydunnagan3267]

Happy Thanksgiving.

[@CraigArndt]

Same to you Danny!

[@xstarfish4322]

Thanks, just bought one of these. 11/21. Not a fan of the maintenance, or the instruction book. Never seeing or used one of these before and it's sad no one really edited or checked the instruction guide. It can be confusing. As an example, (one of many) The description states how to clean by removing several things like "cabnet" ...so what is this, looking at the diagram there is nothing showing "cabinet" on digram. The diagram lables don't match the how to descriptions. I could go on, the manual has flaws for a new user! I also assumed the wick cleaning ment the entire wick, vertical face inside and out & top. Lol One other issue was rotating the wick knob! Seems mine is aways at max (so there is never a "to high flame" on mine) for correct height, (start posion) which is fine now that I get that part, but while learning wick adjustment the spring loaded knob would typically spring back when rotated far right. AHHH, that's a thing, which muscle memmory teaches you, not the manual. Just don't turn the knob to the right a second time firmly, or it springs back to shut off, then ya wait to re-light. Thanks for sharing I get it now. FYI per instructions this is my first cleaning as a new unit. (PER instructions required after first tank burned) Not a bad deal, but maintenance, co2 & crack a window, occasional smell make this more than I thought it would be! I originally wanted the smaller 10,500 convection, but ended up with this higher btu unit to heat a 3 season room in Michigan winter. It's larger than needed but if I'm ever out of power I'll be happy to have this.

[@Phl-ou6vn]

Craig, I don't believe these Chinese made heaters are as good as the previous generations made in Japan by Toyotomi, so see if you can pick one up used. My Kero-sun I bought new never has problems with buildup on the wick and I always leave it alone filled with fuel from season to season. I clean the Kero-sun replacement wick very lightly with a toothbrush just once a year. The government made the company come up with the igniter switch back in the '80's due to safety concerns when they were the only company that had the patents on the design, but they never really worked that well. There was a lot of anti-Japanese sentiment during the '80's and the US Government went after Kero-sun big time for their deceptive advertisements that just wasn't true. Wonderful piece of equipment, too bad 1k is not cheap anymore.

[@CraigArndt]

Mine is probably Chinese made, had a bunch of years. I put in a new wick this year, it’s quite a difference. The original wick was fraying too much and I was getting dead spots with no flame. These heaters are really great, quiet and throw a lot of heat.

[@deansteele7243]

Watching you take that apart was a laugh.

[@incredifunk]

That wasn't really a thorough cleaning. That filter needs to be dry burned between seasons

[@Den-nu6pv]

Your cleaning that thing with your gas tank open so some of that crap can get into it lol.

[@CraigArndt]

I know, good point. If a leaf fell into that tank, the wick would absorb kerosene, travel up and burn. It's not an engine, it's just capillary action so there's some forgiveness.

[@rccccc8657]

Been wanting to try diesel in my heater lol soooo much cheaper

[@glmaddox0251]

I started using diesel in mine about 2 weeks ago. Absolutely no problems so far. I am using regular diesel from the gas station and 1 pint isopropyl 91% mixed into a 5 gallons of diesel. ( the correct mixture ratio seems to be all over the board) I also keep a carbon monoxide tester in my garage with it. So far, no smell or problems. I have heard of problems with the wick after extended diesel use. At this point the savings in fuel alone will pay for many wicks. Where I live kerosene = $4.49 gal ULSD diesel = $2.79 gal. FYI-Toyoset omni 230 is the model. I guess I will see what happens.

[@rccccc8657]

@@glmaddox0251 yea kerosene here is 5.69! Yea see I’ve read that people add the diesel treatment something so it doesn’t gel up? Idk I will give yours a try my wick is at the end of the road anyways can’t hurt to try!

[@glmaddox0251]

@@rccccc8657 Looks like I'm finished buying propane for my "I can't hear myself think" loud ass torpedo heater as well. Also, I always light and extinguish my kerosene (diesel now) heater outside.

[@rccccc8657]

@@glmaddox0251 I actually love propane hate the torpedo heaters tho. But I had a tank top heater love it. Plus I live close to a propane company so it is about 13-15 for a refill. And I have about 5 propane tanks the bbq grill size that I would find on market place for $10 bucks sometimes even free lol

[@rccccc8657]

@@glmaddox0251 and depending on the weather those bottles would last me 3 to 4 weeks. Good combo tho crank the propane until the kersone heater starts putting off good heat

[@DougHinVA]

Too much hurry and muscling it around. Skip this one, I say.

[@CraigArndt]

LOL, people complain when you talk too much and complain when you go too fast... can't make youtube trolls happy.