How to Make a Fire Extinguisher out of Kitchen Supplies
This is a great way to build your own fire extinguisher using scientific principles and ordinary household items.
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You Will Need
- An 18-ounce mayonnaise jar with lid
- 12 ounces white vinegar
- Paper towels
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- A rubber band
- A peanut butter jar (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Pour vinegar in the jar
Pour the vinegar into the clean, dry, empty mayonnaise jar.
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You can also use a plastic peanut butter jar.
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Step 2
Dry the top half of the jar
Use a paper towel to dry excess vinegar from the top half of the jar.
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Step 3
Insert a clean sheet of paper towel
Loosely hold a clean paper towel over the mouth of the jar and push the center into the jar so that it forms a little cup over the vinegar.
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Step 4
Add baking soda
Pour the baking soda into the jar so that it falls into the paper towel cup.
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Step 5
Slip on the rubber band
Slip the rubber band over the mouth of the jar so that it holds the paper towel in place.
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Step 6
Replace the lid
Replace the lid on the jar, being careful not to let the vinegar touch the baking soda.
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Step 7
Shake the jar
Shake the jar if there's a fire, mixing the vinegar and baking soda. Then point your fire extinguisher at the fire and open the lid. Mixing the vinegar and baking soda will produce carbon dioxide, eliminating oxygen from the fire and extinguishing it.
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In 1884, when the water supply was exhausted and a fire threatened to destroy San Francisco's Old Mission Church, red wine was used to extinguish the flames.
