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?
Himalayan salt lamps are decorative lights made from salt rock. Check the individual product information if you need sourcing or material details.
The colour and shape of the salt piece can vary. Compare the product photographs and listed dimensions when choosing a lamp.
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 decorative features do Himalayan salt lamps offer?
- Natural shapes and varied pink-to-orange colours.
- A warm lighting effect when the lamp is switched on.
- Different sizes and styles for decorative displays.
- Many people that get themselves a salt lamp, do it initially for its beautiful addition to their home.
- A base and electrical fitting that should be checked against the supplied instructions.
Choose your lamp by its listed dimensions, appearance and electrical fitting. Follow the supplied operating and placement instructions.
How do Himalayan salt lamps work?
A light bulb inside the fitting shines through the salt. The lamp’s appearance depends on the salt piece, its colour and the compatible bulb used.
Keep the lamp in a dry location and follow the supplied care instructions if moisture collects on its surface.
Are salt lamps safe to be left on?
Follow the operating instructions supplied with your particular lamp and electrical fitting. Do not assume all lamps are rated for continuous operation.
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?
Place the lamp and loose salt pieces where pets cannot reach them. Keep pets from licking or chewing the salt or electrical cord.
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?
Treat the lamp as decorative lighting. Follow its placement instructions and keep the display area clean; it should not be relied on for insect control.
How do I choose a replacement bulb?
Check the type and maximum wattage specified on the fitting or in its instructions. Contact the supplier if the rating is unclear.
What details should I compare before buying?
Compare the lamp’s dimensions, weight, shape, base and fitting. Check the product listing and supplied instructions for the particular model.
How do I choose a lamp size for a room?
Check the actual product dimensions against the display surface and the space available around the lamp.
Use size illustrations as a guide to visual scale. They are not air-purification or medical-performance ratings.
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?
Care requirements depend on the lamp and fitting. Follow the supplied instructions for cleaning, operating time and storage.
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?
Use only the bulb type and wattage specified for the particular fitting. Contact the supplier if those details are unclear.
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.
Salt lamps are often chosen for their natural shape, colour and decorative glow.
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
A compact night-light format can provide decorative lighting near a suitable power connection.
Follow the placement and operating instructions for the particular night-light fitting.
Check the fitting’s bulb type and wattage before choosing a replacement bulb.
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
Pink salt lamps bring varied pink-to-orange tones to a decorative display. Compare the appearance of the particular lamp before choosing it.
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
Check the particular black or dark-coloured lamp’s material and product information. Do not assume a lamp has the same composition or intended use as a kala namak cooking product.
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.
