Abstract: The subject invention pertains to liquid fire starter compositions and methods of making and using the fire starter compositions. The liquid fire starters comprise mineral oil and an alcohol. Mineral oil makes up approximately 80-98% volume to volume (v/v) of the fire starter composition while the alcohol comprises approximately 2-20% (v/v) of the composition. A preferred embodiment comprises about 95% mineral oil and about 5% ethanol. The starter can be shaken, applied to a combustible, then lighted to ignite charcoal or other flammable materials. The fire starter compositions of the invention are odorless and safe for indoor as well as outdoor use.