Tips for getting the most light from an oil lamp

Sarah's books on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00EB0E8OE/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=6e6dfc3b-932f-4921-923f-0191dd799b51&store_ref=ap_rdr&ref_=ap_rdr In this video, historian Sarah A. Chrisman gives some tips for getting the most light out of an oil lamp / kerosene lamp.

[@pinkdoor85]

Thank you for this lovely video! My grandmother gave me 2 oil lamps when I first moved out of my parents home to live on my own. I thought they were dumb then. After several power outages in storms and such over the years, I came to appreciate them. When my grandmother died, she had several more in storage in her utility room. My sisters wanted to get rid of them, but I kept them. Added new wicks & new oil. They have come in handy SO many times over the years. We have kept our entire home lit in winter storms with oul lamps. My daughters, aged 10 & 8, have learned to use them and repsect their fragility and dangers. I love the round wick lamp you have. I'd love to see it lit! Be well! ❤

[@JamesSchmidt-by3wu]

My mom liked to give an oil lamp as a wedding gift. It's good to hear someone who appreciates their usefulness.

[@bobbyspapercraft]

Thank you!!

[@dragondancer1814]

As “storm preppers” (we got started following Hurricane Ivan an an EF-2 tornado that narrowly missed our town), my husband and I have accumulated a small but carefully chosen collection of oil lamps over the years, some of which we regularly use just for the beauty of the lamplight and also for Yule, or Winter Solstice celebrations (we’re Wiccans). When our kids were younger, it also made for some funny moments-most kids fight over whose turn it is to play video games, whereas ours would fight over whose turn it was to blow out the oil lamp!

[@ladeek35]

Thanks! Oil lamps are the go-to for power outages and winter storms! Thanks for the helpful tips.

[@deb1120]

Due to our daughter's upcoming wedding, we've been grabbing up every oil lamp we can find....she wants them for centerpieces on the tables. I think we're up to about 50 now! LOL I'm gonna need to buy a truckload of wicks. 😁 thank you for this lovely video---and your dress is GORGEOUS!!!!

[@luv2luv720]

Agree on the dress & best of luck on the oil lamps. Enjoy the wedding 🥰

[@MichaelStuartRandle]

I just bought my 1st "Hurricane" oil lamp. Thanks for the video!

[@sharonvaughn5063]

Beautiful dress!

[@herobean28]

Thank you for sending us this video through your time machine

[@AnalyticMinded]

I don't have an oil lamp... but now I'm thinking of getting one! 😅

[@growjoyfullyhomestead]

Good call❤

[@laboo9762]

By all means get one and if you can get an antique one.. it's your own private piece of History

[@Tamkm817]

Estate sales sometimes have them.

[@williamkuhns2387]

In colonial America cobblers used a special type of lamp with a candle surrounded by three water filled clear glass globes. The globes look like glass fishing floats with a hole on top for filling water then a cork. The candle light would be magnified by the globes to increase light for working in a dark room or in evening. Glad to see you back!!

[@pheart2381]

British lacemakers used the same set up. I used a liqueur bottle filled with water. There is a French liqueur that comes in an almost spherical bottle,and it worked great for concentrating the light.

[@BryceHistorically]

@@pheart2381I came here to comment about Lacemakers' lamps, too. 😊

[@heikkirautanen]

Also here in Finland cobblers used water filled glass globes.They are called "suutarinsilmä" (cobblers eye) in Finnish.

[@jimh2887]

In the Walt Disney movie Johnny Tremaine, they use a water filled globe in one of the scenes. Very interesting. I saw it as a kid and thought it was fascinating

[@kareno8634]

How Logic. *Thanks* for info. : }

[@farmgirl4958]

I have several oil lamps that I’ve never known how to use.I’m going to get them out and give them a try! Thank you so very much for this video!

[@sayhello-v2l]

I’ve seen a tv show which had oil lamps in it and the chimneys were virtually sooted up and we the audience are to meant to believe that the said lamp is projecting significant light,HaH! Sarah should employ herself as a historical advisor to tv and films so that don’t make huge errors

[@thevintagerecipeblog]

Hollywood is full of tropes like that, the worse thing is people watch these movies and think it's real life.

[@robertbooth3699]

My pet peeve!

[@JamesSchmidt-by3wu]

My uncle who lived during the generation that used oil lamps daily said that a newspaper worked great for cleaning a chimney.

[@folsterfarms]

THANK YOU for this VERY useful video!!! This is a hard subject on which to find accurate information. When we moved to rural Tn I began collecting things like oil lamps and cast iron. I use them all the time due to the power going out in almost every storm.

[@abbitucker1007]

Sharing this information was a very considerate thing to do. Thank you so much!

[@thesun-N-moon8885]

Agree!

[@k.j.lindsey3048]

Great video as usual. What a great idea to put it out for all those suffering from the hurricanes. I applaud you for that. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

[@scheralgreider5406]

You can still get those wall lamps at Lehman's in Kidron, Ohio. They have tons of oil lamps and parts.

[@JamieSantos]

Also at antique stores and auctions.

[@dragondancer1814]

@@JamieSantosYou can even get lucky at yard sales sometimes!

[@katewhitelaw9182]

Keep it clean, keep the wick trimmed, put it in front of a reflective surface, get a Lehman's catalog. 6:49 saved.

[@catwoman6559]

Thank you for sharing this wisdom with us. It may come in handy, especially with all the hurricanes occurring.

[@Barbara-cy7rs]

Thank you for this tutorial! I've used oil lamps for years due to frequent power outages in the wilderness setting I live in. Learned a lot!

[@ladywytch129]

I live in a city and still have a few for emergencies. Batteries don't last forever, lol.

[@milliedragon4418]

We have one oil lamp. It puts out pretty decent light and it kind of heats you up too, which is nice.

[@patrickwaslicki7958]

This is also a good science lesson Sarah about light as well as reflection

[@joelhurley2678]

Thank you for sharing.

[@EricaAnneYogaSac]

Thanks for the video. I just remembered watching the secret garden as a kid and noticing the obvious electrical lamp the main character was sneaking around with.

[@benjaminnorris4998]

Yes! I remember that. When she goes to find Colin and has the little hand-held lamp with the frosted chimney? There was another scene at the beginning, when she breaks the ivory elephant, before the earthquake, and there is another lamp on the dresser which was a reproduction with a wire clearly visible running through the glass reservoir.

[@Victorianlady]

In the film version of "Gone With The Wind", in the scene where Ashleigh is brought in wounded you can see the actress playing Melanie actually grab the cord of the "oil" lamp she's holding up and pull it out of the way of her skirt.

[@bogaanb2466]

Great information! I am in Florida and we have several around the house.

[@squirehaggard4749]

Same here. I was just using them in the 2 hurricanes we just had.

[@mykcaz7494]

Brilliant advice clearly presented thanks

[@barbedstar6480]

When the power goes out, the lamps come out! Sitting high in my 1905 little farm house kitchen are 11 of varying sizes and shapes, all very old if not antique. The beauty of the power out is the warm glow of the lamps and the computer doesn't work! Like taking a step back to a calmer time. I cut a disc of plastic to cover all of the burner part plus about a half inch more. That I fit over the whole burner unit, then place the chimney back on the lamp which firmly traps the plastic. Any evaporation of fuel is stopped and the burner unit stays clean of dust. While neighbors light a candle or two, the little farm house is lit like a Christmas tree shining on the dark street.... BTW...your hair and dress are spot on!

[@zuzuspetals9281]

Thank you. I have two and appreciate them during power outages. Both are very old and I love caring for them.

[@lapsedluddite3381]

I grew up in a 1730's era house that had not been modernised, we used crumpled up bits of newspaper to polish the soot off the chimneys, works a treat, also works to keep windows clean.

[@cfs9828]

Thank you! I did not know these tips, and I have several oil lamps.

[@katskills5560]

Thank you! I’m in FL and still have to use my lamps! This was so helpful!! I have no power or water for another day or two. But I am blessed! There are others are much worse off. Again thank you very much.

[@Victorianlady]

Take care and hold in there!

[@killroy7114]

Excellent tips. Thanks a bunch. Cool dress too. Clothing of the old west/Victorian Age was so sharp looking.

[@lambypieasmr7437]

it's actually quite modern and makes more sense the quality of fabric and the weight of the fabric I'm sure it's soft

[@SirenaWF1]

Thank you for the advice!

[@Allie-x4t]

I just used my oil lamp for the first time after Hurricane Helene and it was very handy. I’m glad to see these tips so that I can safely use it more often because I like the lighting effect and it’s nice and warm 🎉

[@brendaleepierson2112]

thank you Mrs sarah

[@lmccarty2201]

Great reminders, also your hair looks very nice. Blessings

[@karen4you]

Thank you for the information on how to use and maintain oil lamps. About five years ago I found some at a rummage sale for $2.50 each, and enjoy using them in the winter. Good tip not to mix fuels. I so enjoy your videos.

[@donnareeder2551]

Great information!! Thank you, Sarah!!!!

[@deerhaven3350]

I live in a rural area northwest of Olympia, WA, USA and I really appreciate these tips as I will be using my oil lamps during the upcoming months. We always seem to suffer a few power outages out here during periods of high winds or when someone runs off the road and hits a utility pole. I was just looking at the oil lamp in my room and it's about 1/4 full so thank you for the timely reminder to check them now, which is better than doing so after I'm sitting here in the dark waiting for the generator to kick on!

[@lizannz4711]

Thank you for this video; very helpful and useful.

[@oldiron77]

Thank you for taking the time to share this information with others. I have several oil lamps and have my Rayo center draft lit as I'm watching your video, more for a little heat than light to warm my sitting room a few degrees. The lamp I cherish the most is a small personal space lamp from my great-grandmother who received it as a 12th birthday gift from her grandmother in 1892 for reading and homework from school.

[@libellula3313]

Thanks great video. I have a collection of old oil lamps bought since i moved to a remote location in the Pyrenees mountains. Get lots of power cuts and they have been well used, but I didn't know that about round wicks, thank you. Jo in France 🇫🇷

[@LilyGazou]

How marvelous!

[@kimworkman2425]

Great video and information. Love oil lamps. Love your room and outfit. Thank you

[@yisimlampiris-tremba2247]

Thank you for the oil lamp information.

[@user-vi5ib5gz3j]

thankyou for the information Mrs Chrisman, so I can apply to my oil lamp collection

[@grettalemabouchou6779]

When the thunderstorms knock out the light these are very good for illumination plus they make things cozy.

[@mastersadvocate]

My mother grew up in a home that was lit with oil lamps. Her parents' house wasn't electrified untill the 1960s. Thank you for the interesting tips on how to get the most light from an oil lamp. My mother probably knew some of them already, but I think it's important in case of a black out! Cheers! ~Janet in Canada

[@MommyDontSeeMe]

A complete coincidence that you are informing us about non-electric lights the same evening a hurricane makes landfall? Fortunately we don't expect our storm winds until later, otherwise I couldn't watch this online! ❤

[@christinamarie3598]

I’ve got several oil lamps .. love them .. collected even some old rail road ones … these are really great as decoration.. but when the power goes out .. there they are .. if you care for them. Such a cool part of history and practicality! Oil you keep for them is also on hand if you have to start a fire for heat or cooking with wood

[@lindanorrell7812]

Thank you I’ve been planing on using my Mothers oil lamp This has been very helpful

[@victoriaburkhardt9974]

Thanks for this. I keep oil lamp in case of emergency. I didn’t know the part about keeping the lamp 3/4 full of oil. Very helpful advise.

[@CRRBennett]

Thank you! I learned some things I did not know regarding the wicks and keeping the lamp fuller. I have 4 oil lamps passed down from several generations. I love them and they come in handy when the electricity goes out.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

I also have several very old lamps that have been passed down, including 2 metal, glass globe ones. . Some still have some kind of fuel in them. How do I clean them out to start fresh? How do I know the glass & parts are safe to use? I do one modern oil lamp to use but, I would like to use the older ones..😮

[@FarmhouseWorthy]

We have a few of these around, they are lovely anytime, but especially when there is no power.

[@chrisholds1]

Thanks for this great tutorial!

[@pennyantonson3881]

Super helpful! It didn't know that there were different kinds of wicks or different fuels! Now I have to check my lamps.

[@STho205]

The "lot of trouble" with mixing fuels is the fuels in a sitting still lamp will seperate into layers due to different soecific gravities (liquid weights)... So if you adjust the flame it will be for the bottom, heavier layer which has different energy...when that runs out, the upper layer will be wicked up and the flame will drastically change.

[@libertylady1952]

Great information! Thank you!

[@patwilliamson4701]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@teamcrumb]

wonderful video, so glad KZbin suggested it

[@baralar57]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@donnaleveron5711]

I am getting out my Grandmother's lamps in preparation for winter, have a feeling will be needed, have purchased kerosene and new wicking. Thank you for these tips.

[@lisazilaro6906]

Wonderful tips, thanks so much. 🙏♥️

[@adnacraigo6590]

Thanks for the informative video. We have several lamps and just went through eleven days without electricity in South Carolina.

[@katiesfitbit8443]

Great tips! Didn’t know about different oil types. Thanks for the info. 😊

[@sdb9884]

We had a few of these lamps growing up in the 80s and 90s. They were always full of oil and the wick needed trimming. I’m pretty sure it was rarely trimmed. Thank you for the tips! I definitely would like to get oil lamps again in the future.

[@retropygmy]

You have a beautiful collection of oil lamps; I’d love to see them in more detail in a future video.

[@bradpaul8576]

Good tip to look for the ones with the plentiful holes to let oxygen into the flame.

[@merchernel123]

I've been trying to figure this out with regular candle light in general because of rolling blackouts . You made the video I didn't know I needed, thank you!

[@AdelaideRegiment]

Actually very helpful, thank you :)

[@kibblenbits]

I have 6 original large antique parlor oil lamps and 3 Rayo's. I like Rayo's better than Aladdin's, because the Rayo's don't need a mantle, which are getting more costly every year and need to be replaced about every three months, if the lamp is used daily, for the Aladdin to work. Rayo's burn just as bright as Aladdin's since they have a round wick. I still buy any original thick chimney I come across, as backup, since all of the new chimneys, in fact the bases too, are made of extremely thin glass. There is nothing like the real thing that has withstood the test of time.

[@timothyhight9588]

Such a lovely lady.

[@maehay4065]

I wish I could have heard this video not loud enough to listen to the instructions but just watching it brought back memories of my childhood when we used this type of lamp for evening light. My dad was good at providing what we needed. I sure liked her dress. Very pretty dress 👍

[@lex6819]

My parents grew up in rural Kentucky in the 40s and 50s before rural electrification. Their families used oil lamps. The tall "aladdin lamps" burn the brightest. The Lehmans company in Ohio still sells those, since their customers are mostly Amish.

[@dragondancer1814]

There is a small country hardware store/gas station about six miles from us (it used to have a small post office as well until about 15 years ago) that also sells canning/food preservation supplies, farm seeds in spring, and (my favorite section) oil lamps, lamp oils, and parts for the different oil lamps, including a small but varied selection of Aladdin oil lamps! It’s a cozy little place, but it has just about anything a person needs or wants for home repairs/maintenance, putting up the harvests, and keeping the home lights burning!

[@angelamcentee1277]

Thank you and love your apparel.

[@ptaylor4923]

Great practical advice

[@wataboutya9310]

Good video. I had two flat wick oil lamps lit during the recent power outage from Milton. I wish I had seen this video first as I did it all wrong. My oil lamps are back in storage with both chimneys black as your boot lol!

[@dianaspy6733]

We used a couple of these in Texas when we lost power for a while in a snowstorm from weather Warfare. Thanks for the tips! ❤🎉

[@GodsSparrowSpeaks]

Thank you so much! I had forgotten about the paraffin oil for the smaller lamps! Your dress is beautiful. 💐

[@davislongsworth7150]

I am so happy to find you on KZbin. I am going to watch of the of them in the next few weeks. Thanks so much for all your. information. I have a few very old oil lamps. My family used to have kinfolks in the mountains of Virginia ( Amherst) I still use them. It not easy to find kerosene these days.

[@SURVIVOR-og6dl]

Thanks,learned alot

[@cottagekeeper1044]

☺️ so kind. I really appreciate your help.

[@maiahswanson904]

Sarah, you are such an inspiration. I could listen to you all day. Thank you for making great content. From one author to another, Blessings❤

[@sassytbc7923]

Very helpful. I have at least 20 lamps around the house and good advice on using them. Thank you

[@theresamarie1089]

I have an oil lamp that I plan to use for emergency lighting that belonged to my Great Grandparents. It is well over 100 years old. I didn't know how to clean it, so I was really pleased to find your channel and this video. I appreciate the knowledge you passed on. TY.

[@lauraabbott6235]

Wonderful tips! We have a few oil lamps but never used them. Now i feel comfortable to do so! Thank you!

[@RavenGent]

I have used them before at my old job at a Victorian bed and breakfast. It was a bit rusty but they worked well for a bit.

[@roseybeesley4110]

Very helpful thank you very much.

[@Livesoutdoors-c2v]

Good to see you again! Prayers you are both well and happy in your Victorian home.❤

[@marianneellman1139]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@cinandrews]

I have several flat wicked oil lamps. I live in the south where storms and power outages are common. I would hate to live without them. Never knew about keeping them 2/3’s full. I would love to have a round wick lamp!❤

[@STho205]

The furniture behind you is ideal for candles and lamps. The two mirrors on the high shelf will illuminate the room and the large mirror will allow you to better see the items on the console top. This is why buffets and dining room sideboards had mirrors...or staged mirrors like this. Makeup vanities often had triple mirrors...or two pivoting candle holders that could be brought in front of the big mirror, but held at face height off the vanity top that was populated with stuff (much of it flammable)

[@pheart2381]

Your chimneys are so clean. Once mine got dirty I never actually figured out how to get the soot completely off.

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Use crumpled up newspaper (dry), it cleans the soot off perfectly! We never washed our lamp chimneys, it is not necessary when you keep them polished with newspaper, there is something in the ink of newsprint that does the job.

[@toomuch2do470]

I use a quick vinegar, water and a drop of dawn soap to soak then it wipes out easily.

[@beccagee5905]

​@@lapsedluddite3381They've changed the ink for newspapers to a soy based ink.

[@MeMyself-y5n]

So informative! Thank you!

[@jeffreymore6799]

Most excellent

[@fionahobbs8818]

Great video! Watching from Australia.

[@PaulFrazier-c1t]

Thank you Sarah.

[@KaquolMeliReno]

I love your dress! Very pretty!

[@grettalemabouchou6779]

I was thinking of ....Sarah plain and tall.....then I see you are Sarah!❤

[@Victorianlady]

I'm pretty tall, too: it's hard to tell in the videos, but I'm 5'9" (175 cm). An even more fun coincidence, though, is that I happen to be reading that book now! :). I'm teaching English to a wonderful Brazilian lady and we're reading "Sarah, Plain and Tall" together to help her practice. :) On Thursday we just read the scene where Sarah teaches the children to swim and the girl comes up sputtering. My friend wasn't familiar with the word "sputtering" in English, so I dunked my whole head in the sink to demonstrate. :)

[@KarenJordan-cd5nx]

thank you

[@annwaters9484]

That is a Beautiful Glass lamp!!!

[@kendralynne]

Very good information!! Thank you so much!

[@kellykersten8828]

That's a beautiful lamp.

[@Tamkm817]

Cool video. Thank you kingly