One way to freshen
the scent of burning kerosene lamps is to add a few drops
of potpourri essential oil to each lamp full of kero. I have used
vanilla, rose and mulberry scent so far, and they completely mask the
distinctive kerosene aroma. Single fellows have used Hoppe's #9 as a
nice scent! Many wonderful scents are now being sold for
"Aromatherapy" and can be found listed under that category.
Only a few drops of the essential oils are needed,
and the price per 1/4 fl oz is certainly not excessive considering the
limited quantities used.
Sweet smelling
kerosene additives for kerosene heaters are usually
1/3cc (ml) of 91% (or more) alcohol, an ounce or two of Low Odor Mineral Spirits
and a few drops of potpourri oil. Adjust the amount of essential
oil in the mixture to please yourself. (Rubbing alcohol is
70% alcohol, so it has already absorbed 30% water. An 80-proof vodka
is 40% alcohol, 60% water. Both are unsuitable. 91% and
99% alcohol is often sold by the pint in pharmacy stores.)
The cost per treatment is negligible if you make it
yourself, plus you have the added advantage of using the potpourri
essential oil of your choice.
There are two types
of potpourri scents: alcohol based and water
based. You want the alcohol based
variety. You can assume that essential (potpourri, aromatherapy)
oils are alcohol based unless they are sold diluted with water and the
listings should mention that fact.
If you guys out
there don't know what potpourri essential oils are, ask a
woman...it's a girl thing.
