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Compounds and Cleaning · Compound · Aromatic rub and pest block

Camphor

An aromatic, volatile compound used in muscle and chest rubs, moth and pest blocks, and gear waterproofing.

INDEFINITEHazardousWorks without power

Quick facts

Property
Aromatic, volatile
Form
Waxy white blocks
Hazard class
Toxic if eaten; flammable
Shelf life
Indefinite
Storage
Airtight glass or tin
What to avoid
Heat, open flame

See everything camphor must never touch

What it's good for

Muscle rub

Warming chest and muscle rub

Pest blocks

Moth and insect repellent

Waterproofing

Treats gear with wax

Inhalant

Eases congestion

Volatile, so it evaporates into strong vapors that repel insects, make breathing feel clearer, and warm the skin. It is flammable too, and a few shaved shreds make a quick fire starter.

Good to know

It fools your nerves. Camphor does not truly warm or cool your skin; it hijacks the nerve sensors that detect temperature, so a rub can feel cooling and warming at once while the skin stays the same. Those volatile vapors are also what repel insects and seem to open the sinuses. It evaporates straight from solid to gas, which is why a block slowly shrinks, and why it is dangerous to swallow.

Handling and safety

Toxic if swallowed

Camphor is for external use only; keep it well away from children.

Strong vapors

Its aroma repels insects and can ease congestion, but ventilate.

Waterproofs gear

Blended with wax it helps shed water from cloth and leather.

A handy fire starter

Shaved shreds catch fast and light damp kindling. Flammable, so store it cool and sealed, away from flame.

Field notes

Camphor comes from the camphor tree or is synthesized from turpentine oil, a refined form of turpentine. This is the camphor I buy.

  • Toolbox: the vapors do not usually leave residue, but long direct contact can leave a slight waxy layer. It also keeps pests off wooden and leather handles. Heat speeds up how fast it turns to vapor, and humidity degrades it faster, so keep spare pieces sealed and dry.
  • Insects: tablets in drawers, closets, or the pantry deter moths, cockroaches, and ants. It blocks an insect's ability to find food and breeding sites. You can also dissolve camphor in water and spray it around entry points.
  • Rodents: the smell discourages rodents and small animals. Put it near entry points and around supplies stored in sheds and barns.
  • Odor and mildew: a small block or sachet freshens storage areas and vehicles, and its antimicrobial action reduces mold and mildew in damp basements and garages. I don't love the smell.
  • Skin: mixed into a carrier oil or balm, it soothes insect bites, itching, and minor skin irritations and is antifungal and antiseptic. Always dilute it first, since pure camphor can irritate skin.
  • Fire kit: I treat it as a backup fire starter, since it is worth more for its other uses. Keep that piece in a waterproof container.

Recipes for camphor

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

What is camphor used for?

Camphor goes into warming muscle and chest rubs, moth and insect repellent blocks, inhalants that ease congestion, and wax blends that waterproof cloth and leather. It is flammable, so a few shaved shreds also make a quick fire starter. It is for external use only and toxic if swallowed.

How long does camphor last in storage?

Camphor keeps indefinitely when stored in airtight glass or tin. It is volatile and evaporates straight from solid to gas, so an unsealed block slowly shrinks away.

How do I store camphor?

Keep camphor in airtight glass or tin, stored cool and sealed, away from heat and open flame since it is flammable. It is toxic if eaten, so keep it well away from children. Stored this way it lasts indefinitely.

Keep going

Read nextParaffin WaxAn inexpensive wax for candles, airtight jar seals, fire starters, and waterproofing cloth and gear.Compounds and Cleaning · Compound

Related to this

Tools and Repair · Formula Camphor blocks for tool and storage protection Camphor slowly transitions from solid directly to vapor without melting, releasing fumes that repel insects and inhibit rust formation on metal surfaces. Hazardous Medical · Formula Camphor muscle balm for soreness Rubbed on, camphor fires the skin warm and cool nerves at once, a mild tingling that masks the deeper ache and pulls fresh blood to the sore spot. Hazardous Tools and Repair · Formula Wax waterproofing for canvas, tarps and rope (paraffin and camphor) Wax fills the gaps between fabric fibers where water would soak through, and the camphor adds some insect and mildew resistance. Hazardous Compounds and Cleaning · Compound Beeswax Shelf life: Indefinite. Storage: Sealed container. INDEFINITEHazardous
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