Lamp oil is a liquid petroleum product that is designed to burn cleanly in brass and glass oil lamps, torches and lanterns. In the same family as kerosene, lamp oil has been further processed and refined so that it doesn't produce as much harmful smoke, soot and other pollutants. Lamp oil can be used for everything from emergency indoor lighting during a blackout to soothing lamp light for a summer evening's barbecue.

When homes used to be lit solely by lamps, the fuel they burned was usually kerosene, similar to gasoline or charcoal lighter fluid. Kerosene, however, wasn't ideal, since it creates a lot of black soot that darkens the glass globes of lanterns and dirties windows, walls, fabric and anything with which it comes in contact. Manufacturers, under pressure from eager consumers, decided to distill kerosene further so the fuel could be burned indoors without as much inconvenience.

Now you can find "ultrapure" or "ultraclean" lamp oil at most supermarkets, outdoor suppliers and camping stores. Some people keep a store of lamp oil along with other emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, water and first aid kit. Lamps are safer than candles and more reliable than flashlights.

As an oil distillate, lamp oil is a flammable liquid that releases energy in the form of light and heat when hydrocarbons burn. Like other hydrocarbon products, lamp oil must be treated with care. Always follow the instructions of your lamp or lantern when filling the reservoir. Usually, it's safe to fill it to within about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of the top. Clean and clip the wick before each lighting and never roll down the wick while it is alight. Lamp oil should be kept at or near room temperature, not in a garage or shed where it could freeze. Frozen oil may defrost too quickly, posing an explosive hazard.

The standard variety of lamp oil resembles water in its viscosity. It's also perfectly clear. However, there are many specialty varieties that appeal to people's sense of design. Oil can be colored so it adds a decorative touch to lanterns with transparent reservoirs. Purple or red flare up a romantic atmosphere, while green and blue evoke serenity.

Oil can also be aromatic so that when it burns, it spreads a soothing scent through the air, much like an air freshener. Rose or lavender might be appropriate scents for a master bathroom or bedroom, while lemongrass or vanilla could scent a kitchen. Of course, citronella lamp oil, when burned in outdoor torches, keeps away mosquitoes and other bothersome insects so you and your guests can enjoy the night air.