Gas lighter not working? How to fix it in minutes using household items

A gas lighter failing just when you need it most can be frustrating. Most of us end up buying a new lighter or reaching for matchsticks. But in many cases, the problem is minor. With a bit of patience and a few things already at home, the same lighter can be brought back to life.

Gas lighters usually stop working for a handful of common reasons. Here is how to identify them and fix the problem safely.

1. Clean off soot and grime
It is common for carbon deposits to build up at the tip of the lighter over time. This black residue blocks the spark. Use a safety pin or toothpick to gently scrape the inside of the opening at the front. Wipe the area with a dry cloth once you are done.

2. If the button feels stiff
If the lighter button feels hard to press, grease or food residue may be stuck around the spring. Take an old toothbrush and scrub the sides of the button gently. After cleaning, add a single drop of coconut oil or machine oil near the spring. This usually restores smooth movement.

3. Dry it if there is moisture
If the lighter has fallen into water or picked up moisture from kitchen steam, it may stop sparking. You can leave it in the sun to dry. Another option is to place it in a bowl of raw rice for some time. Rice helps absorb moisture and often brings the lighter back to working condition.

4. Check for loose contacts
Dropping the lighter can sometimes shift the internal wires or metal contacts. Carefully open the outer casing and check whether the thin wires are touching properly. Gently adjusting them by hand is often enough to restore the spark.

5. Remove rust with sandpaper
Older lighters may develop rust on their metal parts, which interferes with electrical contact. Lightly rub the affected areas with sandpaper or a nail buffer. Once the rust is removed, the current flows properly and the lighter starts working again.

Extra tips

• If moisture is the issue and the lighter is not sparking, hold it briefly above a lit gas stove, keeping a safe distance. Do not expose it directly to the flame. The gentle heat helps remove internal dampness.
• Sometimes the lighter is fine, but dirt in the gas burner holes prevents ignition. Before blaming the lighter, check whether the burner needs cleaning.
• Always light the stove by bringing the lighter close to the burner first, then turning on the gas. Letting gas build up before sparking can cause sudden flare-ups.

With these easy checks, a faulty gas lighter often needs just a few minutes of attention rather than a trip to the shop.