This guide will show you exactly how to take care of your himalayan salt lamp.
Including:
- How to install a salt lamp
- Things to avoid when using one
- How to keep your lamp at top condition
- And much more
So if you want to get the most out of your salt lamp, this guide is for you.
Let’s get started..
Table of contents
- How to install Your Himalayan Salt Lamp
- 7 things you should never do
- How to clean a dirty or dusty salt lamp
- What to do if your salt lamp becomes wet
- How to prevent your salt lamp from sweating
- How to safely store away your salt lamp
- Frequently asked questions
- Which Himalayan salt lamp is the best
- Conclusion
How to install Your Himalayan Salt Lamp
In this example we’ll use reference this Himalayan Salt Lamp which includes a wooden base, dimmer and 15W bulb. Your lamp’s base may be metal, ceramic or plastic and will generally be installed the same way.
By following these 6 quick steps, installing a salt lamp is going to be easier than assembling IKEA furniture.
1. Start by finding a stable surface where you would like to display your lamp as vibrations cause the bulb to wear out faster.
2. Screw in the light bulb.
3. Locate the opening at the base of the lamp and gently insert the included light bulb into the socket, making sure it’s securely fitted.
4. Position the lamp’s cord so that it exits from the opening without obstruction. Ensure the cord is not tangled or twisted.
5. Plug the lamp’s cord into a nearby electrical power outlet. Make sure the outlet and cable are in good condition.
6. Turn on the lamp using the switch or dial on the cord.
Nice! Your salt lamp is now set up!
Bonus tip:
When you move your lamp, make sure it’s turned off. Move it slowly. This is important because if the bulb hits the inside of the lamp too hard from sudden movements, it can cause the bulb to fuse and require a replacement sooner.
7 things you should never do
- Do not place your lamp in bathrooms, kitchens or other high moisture areas.
- Do not place it on top of electronics as the high moisture and salt sweat will very likely damage the electronics.
- Do not put it outside and in direct sunlight for long periods of time as it can crack and fade in colour.
- Do not wash it under water or with running water.
- Do not drag it on furniture as it will cause scratches, it is best to use placemats underneath to protect your furniture from potential salt sweat.
- Do not lick or eat the salt lamp, as tempting as it may be. This is due to the fact that it can get dirty and dusty and also not meant for consumption.
- Do not move, clean or handle it while the light bulbs are turned on, as vibrations can greatly reduce the light bulb’s lifespan.
How to clean a dirty or dusty salt lamp
If you notice that your salt lamp is sweating, the first step is to turn it off.
Then use a damp and dry cloth to wipe the lamp and remove any excess moisture on the surface.
Ensure it is completely dry before turning it back on.
What to do if your salt lamp becomes wet
If your salt lamp becomes completely wet, turn it off and and unplug the lamp immediately. Then remove the light bulb and cord for safety.
Once this is all done, wipe away excess moisture with a dry, absorbent cloth. Now let the lamp rest in the sun or a well-ventilated area to air-dry thoroughly.
Ok, so it’s been a few hours. Let’s go check if your salt lamp is all fully dry before you bring in back inside.
Once dry, reassemble the lamp and turn it on.
Always take precautions to prevent future exposure to moisture, keeping the lamp in a dry location away from water sources.
How to prevent your salt lamp from sweating
First, check if you’re using the correct wattage light bulb for your lamp.
For example, smaller Lamps generally need 15W bulbs and larger salt lamps require 25W bulbs in order to stay warm and sweat-proof.
Secondly, if it is located in a cold or humid location, relocate it to a drier or warmer spot.
But what if you don’t have a less humid location to store the lamp?
Good question. In that instance, you have a few options:
1. Get a dehumidifier in the same room as your lamp.
2. Use a smaller lamp, which is less prone to sweating.
3. This method isn’t really recommended, but you can still keep the lamp in a humid room as long as you keep a placemat underneath and wipe it more frequently.
4. Your last option is to use salt chunks in a cage or bowl as the air pockets will provide far more air circulation than a typical salt lamp can.
How to safely store away your salt lamp
If you need to have your lamp stored away and turned off for a long period of time, you’ll need to keep it in a dry location.
Before packing it away remove the light bulb and detach the cord, setting them aside.
When you store away your salt lamp, cover it tightly with a plastic bag to prevent moisture being absorbed and causing it to sweat.
You can add desiccant packs inside the bag to absorb moisture, especially if you have to store it in humid conditions.
Following these steps will help you to maximise your salt lamp’s lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
What are salt lamps made of?
Salt lamps are crafted from natural Himalayan salt rock that has been formed for over 250,000,000 years! The journey of each salt lamp begins deep within the Khewra salt mine in Pakistan (which is the world’s second-largest salt mine in the world).
Inside Khewra salt mine is where miners carefully extract its salt deposits. Their distinctive pink to orange hue is attributed to trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium present in the salt.
The base of the lamp, which supports the salt structure, can be crafted from materials such as wood, metal, ceramic or plastic, depending on the design and manufacturer.
What are the benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps?
- The warm colours have shown to create a calming ambience which improves your mood and reduces stress.
- The soft warm light encourages your brain to switch to night-mode, which helps you to get a good night’s sleep. This can help you a lot if you’ve been struggling to sleep due to the blue light coming from your phone and computer screens.
- Salt lamps are most well known for releasing negative ions into the air, which bond with pollutants and neutralises them, giving the air a fresh feeling.
- Many people that get themselves a salt lamp, do it initially for its beautiful addition to their home.
- Salt in general does an excellent job for our respiratory system. Salt lamps’ ability to absorb pollutants in the air helps to reduce symptoms of asthma, allergies, migraines, hay fever, coughs & much more.
If you tend to experience irritation or congestion in your throat, it’s well worth trying out a salt inhaler. It’s a quick and natural way to improve your breathing and unblock your nasal passageways.
Studies show that salt lamps reduce dust, pollen, smoke, odours, mould spores, airborne bacteria and dust mites.
How do Himalayan salt lamps work?
Himalayan salt lamps have a light bulb inside, which heats up the lamp to help release negative ions into the air. The negative ions are created by the chemical reaction between the salt and the moisture in the air.
Are you familiar with the refreshing feeling you get when you walk on the beach and smell the clean air? This is due higher concentrations of salt in the air. Salt lamps are your next best option to improve the air quality in your home.
You may be asking “Why does salty air make me feel refreshed?”
Salt is known for its hygroscopic properties, meaning it can attract and hold moisture. Particles such as dust, pollen, and pollutants may be drawn in and trapped by the salt too. The natural air purification process can lead to cleaner air, which may contribute to you feeling the refreshed. This is especially useful for children, elderly and anyone with conditions such as asthma.
Are salt lamps safe to be left on?
Yes. They are designed to remain switched on 24/7. They are safe to use for extended periods. Leaving them on allows for the consistent generation of negative ions, contributing to hollistic benefits like improved air quality and a soothing ambiance.
However, it’s advisable to turn them off when you’re away for extended periods of time, such as being on holiday, to conserve energy and ensure safe usage.
Can pets lick salt lamps?
While the salt used in Himalayan salt lamps is generally safe for pets in small amounts, it’s advisable to discourage them from licking them excessively. Excessive licking could lead to the consumption of more salt than is healthy for your pet.
If your pet shows a particular interest in them, it may be a good idea to place it in an area that is not easily accessible to your pet or monitor their behavior around it.
Do salt lamps attract insects?
Yes and no.. the salt from salt lamps does not attract insects. In fact, the hygroscopic nature of salt, which means it attracts and retains moisture from the air, could even help repel insects to some extent. However, during the night, positively phototactic insects (such as moths) will still draw towards the salt lamp’s light.
What are negative ions?
Before we dive right into negative ions, let’s first exlpain what ions are.
Ions are atoms or molecules with total number of electrons that are not equal to the total number of protons, giving the atom a net positive or negative electrical charge.
Negative ions are naturally created as air molecules break apart due to sunlight and moving air and water.
You may have experienced negative ions the last time you went to the beach, mountain range or walked by a waterfall. The air circulating in the mountains and at the beach has shown to contain over 20,000 ions per cubic centimetre while the average home or office contains up to only 100 ions per cubic centimetre.
Negative ions are believed to help you produce higher levels of serotonin (the chemical in the brain which makes us happy.) This helps to reduce depression, stress, drowsiness and boosts your energy and alertness.
How effective are the health benefits of salt lamps?
Every person is different and responds differently.
Some people may notice a great difference. For example, someone who suffers greatly with asthma will notice a difference in their health and welling. Whereas a healthy person will generally just notice the calming effects and ability to sleep better.
What distance do salt lamp effectively cover?
A salt lamp’s ionisation range really depends on its size.
For example, a small himalayan salt lamp that weights approx 1-4kg will ionise small rooms and home offices.
A 5-9kg medium sized Himalayan salt lamp will ionise larger bedrooms and small open living areas.
If you intend on ionising a large open area in your house or office, then I’d recommend you go with a large salt lamp, ranging at 10-18kg.
In comparison, salt lamp options such as tea light candle holders or night lights will only ionise very small rooms or can be used in conjunction with other salt lamps.
If you have a very large room, you can ionise the room using multiple salt lamps in different spots of the room.
Where should I place my Himalayan salt lamp?
You can place your salt lamp in your bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, or anywhere you want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
How do I spot fake salt lamps?
- A salt lamp that is unrealistically light weight will be your first clue that it is a fake.
- The salt lamp emits a very bright light. Real salt lamps have a softer light.
- The lamp never sweats.
- The country of origin is not from Pakistan.
- The salt lamp is too cheap. This is referring to salt lamps under $10.
Do salt lamps require a lot of maintenance?
No. Salt lamps require very little maintenance and are generally left switched on throughout the day without needing to do anything else.
The most common maintenance you will encounter is having to dust it, just like any furniture around the house. Light bulbs will also need replacing once they burn out.
If the salt lamps are not being use for a long period of time, (for example you go away on holidays) switch off the salt lamp, remove the cord and bulb then cover the lamp tightly with a plastic bag to avoid moisture getting to the salt lamp.
You can help prevent your salt lamp from dripping salt (sweating) on your furniture by keeping a plate or placemat underneath the lamp.
How long do the salt lamps last?
Salt lamps can theoretically last forever. Himalayan salt has been around for over 250 million years, and it’s not planning to go away any time soon!
That being said,you can keep your salt lamp looking like new by ensuring the lamp is placed in the appropriate environment and right conditions, which we’ll cover in the next section.
How to make your salt lamps last longer?
Salt lamps collects moisture from the air and will sweat if exposed to high humidity if they are not in use. On the flip side, keeping them outside or in high exposure to sunlight can also cause them to crack.
If you leave the salt lamp turned off in high humidity for too long it will begin to ‘cry’ and drip salt water at the base.
Keeping the lamps switched on can help prevent any sweating.
Moving and vibrations negatively affect the light bulb, so to maximise the bulb lifespan always switch off the power while moving or cleaning the salt lamp.
Can I use an LED light in my salt lamp?
Do not use LED lights in your lamps (except USB lamps) as they do not generate enough heat. Instead use incandescent light bulbs.
Which Himalayan salt lamp is the best
To help you decide which salt lamp is best suited for you, I’ve written a complete list of all the different options you can choose from. Let’s take a look..
There are a variety of Himalayan salt lamp types:
Classic salt lamp
Naturally beautiful and aesthetic. This is the most popular type of salt lamp.
Their popularity derived from the combination of their iconic visual appeal in homes and offices as well as their health benefits associated with negative ion release.
Carved salt lamp
If you are looking for something unique and artistic, carved salt lamps may just be the lamp for you.
Some popular designs include heart shapes, Yin and Yang, pyramids, different animal shapes and even used as logos with a wooden silhouette. You can even get these lamps custom carved to whatever you like!
They are used as decorative talking pieces for both personal and corporate settings.
Salt Tea light candle holder
A tea light candle holder is similar to a carved salt lamp because you can also customise the shape. However, there are two key differences.
Firstly, the tealight holders are smaller. Secondly, as the name suggests, they require tealight candles to generate the light instead of light bulbs. Using candles as the power source adds a unique twist and can be used for new vibes compared to other lamps.
Just as with any candle, you should take caution and care when using the open flames.
USB-Powered salt lamp
This lamp is a portable and convenient option for those on the go. This lamp is ideal for personal or office spaces.
However, it’s essential to note that the visual impact may not be as attention grabbing as larger, traditional salt lamps. Due to their very small size, they also require lower wattage LED light bulbs.
Night Light salt lamp
Portable and convenient. Provides a softer light during the night. Purifies the air next to the bed.
Night light salt lamps are designed for portable convenience, offering a softer glow during the night. Placed conveniently next to your bed, they provide a subtle and calming illumination that doesn’t disrupt your sleep.
Beyond aesthetics, this night light can provide health benefits while you’re resting in bed. These night lights can be found utilising incandescent bulbs or LED bulbs – so be sure to get the right one for you.
Salt Chunks in a bowl or cage
Generate a more rustic and versatile aesthetic in your home or office. As the salt chunks can be arranged in various bowls, cages, patterns or mixed with decorative elements, this allows for creative decor choices.
Salt chunks can also serve new uses such as being a diffuser for aromatherapy with essential oils. If you’d like to learn how to make your very own salt diffuser, view the instructions below.
Learn how to create a diffuser with salt chunks
- Place 500 grams of Himalayan salt chunks in a bowl. You will need enough salt to hold the essential oils as well as space in the bowl for air to circulate.
- Add about 10 drops of essential oil on the Himalayan salt chunks. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your liking. Note that essential oils are very concentrated, so just a little amount goes a long way.
- Let the essential oils absorb into the salt for a few hours. This allows the scent to infuse into the salt.
- Place the bowl in your bathroom, bedroom, living room, or anywhere you want to freshen up the air.
- The scent will naturally fade over time. You can re-apply essential oil as needed.
There are also a variety of lamp colours:
Pink salt lamp
The classic pink salt lamps that is the most popular choice. Optimal warm colours for your home or office. The distinctive pink color is attributed to the presence of trace minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are naturally found in the salt.
White Salt Lamp
This is the rarest lamp colour. Its unique colour is sure to make a statement. The white lamp offers a neutral hue of warm light, but it makes up for it with a more powerful light source.
Red salt Lamp
This one is very intense and can stand out of place if your room doesn’t match its colours. As this lamp is also very dark it does provide a dimmer light source.
Black salt lamp
This intriguing and unusual black lamp is made up of Kala Namak, which is a direct Hindi translation for “Black Salt”. Just like the white salt lamp, this black lamps will definitely draw more attention than the average one. However, it also has the drawback of having extra dim light compared to the pink salt lamps.
Choosing the right light bulb
As you can see, each lamp variation can be suitable for different kinds of style preferences, homes and offices. The information above should give you a good understanding about which type of lamp is best suited for you.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, this comprehensive guide has provided you with everything you need to know about caring for your salt lamp – from choosing the right type of lamp, installing it correctly, to avoiding common mistakes and maintaining its optimal condition, we’ve covered it all.
Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned enthusiast, these insights will help you make the most out of your salt lamp experience.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently enjoy the benefits of your Himalayan salt lamp for years to come.
Feel free message me with your thoughts on this topic or return to this guide in the future as I am keen to receive feedback and continually make updates over the years.