Lava Lamps 101: Everything You Need to Know

Lava lamps aren’t like other decorations. They’re more than just a light that you throw in the corner. These groovy decor pieces have a history of promoting calming and relaxing vibes, becoming the focal point of rooms for years! And while they might seem like something you can turn on and forget about, they actually require some TLC once in a while.

That’s why we put together this guide, Lava Lamps 101. As the experts on the mighty lava lamp, we’re here to walk you through everything there is to know about this special decoration that’s been trendy (and now retro?) for decades. From fun facts and care tips to assembly and FAQs, we’re here to cover it all.

Lava Lamp Support

Assembling Your Lava Lamp:

1. Ensure that the light bulb is tightly screwed into the base.
2. Plug your lava lamp into a power outlet and place it out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
3. Switch the power on (located on the cord).
4. Be patient! It will take 4-6 hours for your lava lamp to flow properly during its first use. During future uses, it should take around 2 hours to start flowing.

Five “Don’ts” To Keep Your Lava Flowing:

• Don’t loosen or remove the bottle cap on the globe, as breaking the seal will ruin your lamp and void your warranty.
• Don’t move or shake your lava lamp while in use. This may cause the lamp to become cloudy and the lava to break apart. If this happens, shut the lamp off immediately and let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours. Then, turn it back on and run as normal. This will hopefully remedy the situation, but your lamp could still have permanent damage. Remember, when in use, the lava lamp is hot – please be cautious when handling it.
• Don’t place the lamp in direct sunlight, as the colors could fade.
• Don’t store or operate the lamp in extreme cold or heat.
• Don’t run your lamp 24/7; we recommend no more than 8-10 hours at a time.
  

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How to Take Care of Your Lava Lamp

Store and Use Away From Direct Sunlight

If a lava lamp is stored or used in a location that gets a lot of direct sunlight, the beautiful colors can fade. Place your lava lamp somewhere safe, and watch it glow with the flow!

Don’t Move or Transport When Warm

Moving or transporting a lava lamp while it’s warm can cause the liquids to combine, making it all cloudy. It’s especially important not to move or shake your lava lamp while it’s in use.

If It Gets Cloudy, Don’t Panic

We have a solution! Let the wax settle at the bottom of the globe and completely cool down. Then, turn on the lamp until the wax breaks up. After breaking begins, shut off again until it cools, then repeat. Running the lamp in short “bursts” will help clear it up. And like we already said, do not move or shake the lamp while it’s warm to ensure it won’t happen again.

Dead Light Bulb? No Problem!

If your lava lamp bulb burns out, it’s super easy to replace. Once you carefully lift the globe from its base, you’ll see where the bulb sits. It will also tell you on the inner base what wattage bulb to use. It’s important to note the correct wattage to avoid overheating your lava lamp. Once you have your replacement bulb, remove the old bulb by unscrewing it from the base, and then screw in the new bulb.

Facts About Lava Lamps

Invented Between 1948 and 1954

Every website we visited told us something different about who actually invented the lava lamp, so let’s just say it was either Edward Craven Walker or Donald Dunnet. Cool person, whoever it was!

The Original Name Was the “Astro Globe”

Once it was brought into the U.S., it was renamed “Lava Lite Lamp” by the American right holders. We guess it somehow transitioned into just lava lamp after that because it was shorter. And, ya know. #lazy

Most Popular in the 1990s

Confused? Us, too. It always seemed like everyone had a lava lamp in the ’60s and ’70s, right? But when were you seeing that? Probably on TV shows and movies set in that era, but filmed decades later. Remember Austin Powers? We’d like to think that this International Man of Mystery is to blame for their revived popularity.

Calming & Relaxing

Many people say that the glow and movement of the wax in lava lamps help them unwind and de-stress. Since the lamp itself isn’t bright enough to illuminate an entire room, it helps your eyes relax instead of being strained. And some say that if you focus on the movement of the wax, you may even fall into a meditative state.

Lava Lamp FAQs:

My lava lamp arrived cloudy. What should I do?

Sometimes, due to transit, you may occasionally receive a cloudy lava lamp. If the lamp arrives cloudy, run it for 6-8 hours a day for seven consecutive days. Make sure that the lamp has had the chance to completely cool down before turning it on again each time. Cloudy globes are NOT considered defective.

What if my lava seems like it isn’t flowing as it should?

Lava lamps operate best at 69 degrees Fahrenheit and on a flat and stationary surface. If the lava is not flowing as anticipated, the lamp may be getting too hot or too cold. Make sure that the lamp is not placed in front of any windows, cooling/heating units, or vents. You should also ensure the coil is flat and the bulb is installed properly.

My globe has spots, and the light is shining through them. What does that mean?

Since the globe is made of glass, it may contain air bubbles and maker’s marks. This is perfectly normal and not a defect.

What if the lava color is not what I expected or has changed?

The lava color may be darker or lighter than anticipated, but after a few runs, it will start to adjust. Keep in mind that you are combining two colors. For example, even though the lamp states yellow lava and blue liquid, the lava may have a greenish tint.

What do I do if the coil is floating in my lamp?

Keep your lamp operating for about 4 hours or until all the lava is melted. The coil should automatically drop back to the bottom of the lamp. Also, always be sure to store your lava upright. If the coil does not drop down, twirl the globe gently in the base, and the coil will drop. DO NOT shake the lamp.

My light died, what bulb do I need to replace it?

View the chart below to find the replacement bulb needed for your lamp.