Like many experienced campers and home cooks, I've faced the frustration of matches that won't ignite or snap right away. Fortunately, there's a time-tested grandmother's trick that lights matches reliably without breakage.
The secret? Strike the match from head to tip with a quick, firm downward motion.
1. Remove a match from the box.
2. Grip the matchbox securely in one hand.
3. Strike the match downward from head to tip with a sharp, swift motion.
And voilà! You've lit the match perfectly without snapping it. This technique also preserves the striker strip for longer use.
* Reuse the match for lighting multiple candles by transferring the flame.
* Keep matches in a dry place. If they get damp, coat the heads with nail polish for waterproofing.
