Zippo Lighter Fluid: Everything You Need to Know

SEO Title: Zippo Lighter Fluid Guide | What to Buy & How to Fill

Meta Description: What lighter fluid does a Zippo use? How to fill it? Can you use alternatives? Complete guide to Zippo fuel.

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Every Zippo needs fuel. Here’s everything you need to know about lighter fluid.

What Fluid Does a Zippo Use?

Zippos use naphtha-based lighter fluid—a type of petroleum distillate.

Recommended:

  • Zippo branded lighter fluid (obviously works)
  • Ronsonol lighter fluid
  • Generic “lighter fluid” sold at hardware stores

    • These are all essentially the same product. Different brands, same fuel chemistry.

    NOT the same as:

  • Butane (different type of lighter)
  • Lamp oil
  • Gasoline (never use this)
  • Alcohol

    • How to Fill Your Zippo

    Step-by-Step

  • Remove the insert. Pull the entire mechanism straight up out of the metal case.
  • Flip it over. On the bottom, you’ll see a felt pad (may have a small hinge).
  • Lift the felt pad. Underneath is cotton/rayon packing.
  • Drip fluid onto the cotton. Go slowly. Let it absorb between drips.
  • Stop when saturated. If fluid pools on top or drips out, you’ve added too much.
  • Wipe any excess. Clean off the bottom before reinserting.
  • Reassemble. Put felt pad back, insert mechanism into case.
  • Wait 30 seconds. Let vapors settle before lighting.

    • That’s it. Takes under a minute.

    How Often to Refill

    This varies based on:

  • How often you use the lighter
  • Ambient temperature
  • Whether the lighter is stored upright

    • Typical range:

  • Heavy use: Every 1-2 days
  • Moderate use: Every 3-5 days
  • Light use: Every 1-2 weeks

    • Important: Zippo fluid evaporates even when not used. If your lighter sits in a drawer for 2 weeks, it’ll probably be empty. This is normal—it’s how naphtha-based lighters work.

    Signs You Need to Refill

  • Flame is small or weak
  • Lighter won’t light at all
  • Sparks but no ignition
  • Flame dies quickly

    • If you’re getting sparks but no flame, 90% of the time it’s empty fuel.

    Can You Use Alternatives?

    Ronsonol or Generic Lighter Fluid

    Yes. Same chemistry, works fine.

    White Gas / Camp Fuel (Coleman)

    Technically yes. It’s refined naphtha. Works but may have slightly different smell. Not recommended for daily use.

    Butane

    No. Butane is for butane lighters with pressurized chambers, not wick lighters.

    Rubbing Alcohol / Isopropyl

    No. Burns too fast, produces soot, doesn’t work properly.

    Gasoline

    NEVER. Dangerous. Too volatile, wrong burn characteristics, will damage the lighter.

    Stick with proper lighter fluid. It’s cheap and widely available.

    Where to Buy

    Australia:

  • Bunnings (hardware section)
  • Tobacconists
  • Some supermarkets
  • Online retailers

    • Tip: One can lasts months for a single lighter. Stock up when you see it; some stores don’t always carry it.

    Storage

  • Keep at room temperature
  • Away from heat and flame (obviously)
  • Cap tightly after use
  • Store upright

    • A can of lighter fluid lasts essentially forever if sealed properly.

    Safety Notes

    Lighter fluid is flammable. Obvious, but:

  • Don’t overfill (causes leaks and hand ignition risk)
  • Wipe hands after filling
  • Don’t fill near open flame
  • Keep away from children

    • Fluid on skin: Not toxic but will dry your skin. Wash with soap and water.

    Inhaling fumes: Brief exposure during filling is fine. Don’t huff it.

    FAQ

    “My lighter evaporates fuel too fast.”

    Normal for Zippos. The felt seal isn’t airtight. Consider butane inserts (sold separately) if evaporation bothers you.

    “Can I leave my Zippo filled but unused?”

    Yes, but expect it to be empty in 1-2 weeks.

    “Why does my fuel smell different than my friend’s?”

    Different brands have slightly different formulations. All work the same.

    “How much fluid per fill?”

    A few squirts—usually 5-10 seconds of slow dripping. Less than you think.

    Summary

  • Use naphtha-based lighter fluid (Zippo, Ronsonol, generic)
  • Fill by lifting felt pad and dripping onto cotton
  • Don’t overfill
  • Expect evaporation over time—it’s normal
  • Refill is usually the fix when your lighter won’t light

    • Simple maintenance for a simple lighter.

    Shop Zippos →

    *More questions? Contact us.*

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