Anyone that has used salt while cooking a meal knows that it will melt almost as soon as it hits the heat, so it would stand to reason that your Himalayan salt lamp would also melt…I mean, light bulbs produce heat, so would your salt lamp melt?
While heat from the bulb may cause the salt to lose its structural integrity, causing the lamp to lose its shape and potentially breaking or crumbling, it should not melt as long as it is properly cared for.
The key there is “properly cared for.” In this article I thought I’d dive into some of the reasons to the “why and why not” a Himalayan salt lamp will melt. I’ll look into some of the effects the bulb does actually have on the lamp and some tips and tricks to keep your salt lamp in good shape for years to come!
How Does The Heat From The Bulb Inside The Lamp Affect The Salt?
The heat from the bulb inside a Himalayan salt lamp can have an effect on the salt over time. The heat from the bulb causes the salt to slowly dissolve, and this process can cause the salt to lose its structural integrity.
This loss of structural integrity can cause the lamp to lose its shape or potentially break or crumble; however, it is unlikely that the salt will completely melt.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care of the lamp to ensure its longevity. This may include:
- Recommendations for the type and wattage of bulb to use
- How long to keep the lamp lit each day
- Proper care and use of the lamp to help to minimize the effects of the bulbs heat
Overall, the heat from the bulb inside the lamp can have an impact on the salt, but with proper care and use, it is possible to maintain the integrity and shape of the lamp.
Can The Heat From The Bulb Cause The Salt To Dissolve Or Melt?
The salt in Himalayan salt lamps are naturally hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water from the air. When the salt is heated by the bulb, the heat causes the absorbed water to evaporate, leading to the salt dissolving.
Himalayan salt has a high melting point, about 800*C/1500*F, so it would need to be heated to a very high temperature in order to actually melt. The heat from the bulb inside the lamp is not likely to reach this temperature…incandescent bulbs that are used in salt lamps have an average surface temperature range of 150*F to 250*F.
As mentioned above, the moisture from your salt lamp will dry out as the bulbs warms up the salt and this can cause crumbling over time. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care of the lamp to ensure its longevity and minimize the effects of the heat on the salt.
How Can I Ensure That My Himalayan Salt Lamp Does Not Lose Its Shape?
To ensure that your Himalayan salt lamp does not lose its shape, use proper care techniques and use of the lamp as suggested by the manufacturer. In addition to their tips, here are a few additional tips for maintaining the shape of your salt lamp:
- Placement – Avoid placing the lamp in direct sunlight or in a very humid environment. Excessive heat or humidity can cause the salt to dissolve more quickly. Basements and attics aren’t likely ideal places for usage or storage.
- Bulbs – Use a bulb with the correct wattage for your lamp. Using a bulb with too high of a wattage can cause the salt to dissolve more quickly.
- Clean – Dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface of the salt, leading to it losing its luster and potentially causing the salt to dissolve more quickly. Wipe the surface of the lamp with a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Handling – Handle the lamp carefully. Avoid knocking or bumping the lamp, as this can cause the salt to break or crumble.
- Inspect – Regularly inspect the lamp for any cracks or chips, as these can weaken its structure over time.
- Cover – If you think you’ll go a long period between using your salt lamp, you may want to cover it with a towel and place it in its packaging or similar box. You can now store it in a bedroom or hall closet (I’d avoid basements, attics, or sheds as these won’t be climate controlled and will have excessive humidity.)
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your Himalayan salt lamp retains its shape and remains in good condition.
What Are Some Best Practices For Caring For A Himalayan Salt Lamp?
Caring for and maintaining your Himalayan salt lamp is important to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Here are some best practices for caring for your Himalayan salt lamp:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care of the lamp. This may include recommendations for the type and wattage of bulb to use, as well as how long to keep the lamp lit each day.
- Avoid placing the lamp in direct sunlight or in a very humid environment. Excessive heat or humidity can cause the salt to dissolve more quickly.
- To prevent any moisture from seeping into the lamp, keep the lamp covered when not in use.
- Use a bulb with the correct wattage for your lamp. Using a bulb with too high of a wattage can cause the salt to dissolve more quickly.
- Change the bulb in your salt lamp after 6,000 hours of use, or every 3-4 months, as this will help maintain the brightness of the lamp.
- Regularly clean the outside and inside of your salt lamp using a dry cloth to maintain its appearance and increase its longevity.
- Handle the lamp carefully. Avoid knocking or bumping the lamp, as this can cause the salt to break or crumble.
With these best practices, you can help to ensure that your Himalayan salt lamp remains in good condition and continues to release negative ions into the air.
Is It Okay To Keep A Himalayan Salt Lamp In The Bathroom?
It is generally okay to keep a Himalayan salt lamp in the bathroom. The bathroom can be an ideal place for a salt lamp since it provides a soft glow suitable enough to see at night but not so bright that it blinds you when you’re half asleep.
I know I just made a point in the above sections about keeping your salt lamps out of humid places, namely attics and basements…so why is it okay to keep one in the bathroom, a location that likely has a bit of extra humidity when compared to other rooms of the house.
While the bathroom does have standing water, hot showers and bathtubs, the humidity level is off-set by the rest of your house. You may want to take some precautions if you regularly take long, hot showers or baths, like removing the lamp at those times, but as long as you run your bathroom fan long enough to clear fog from the mirrors, your salt lamp should also be just fine.
However, it is important to be aware of a few considerations when placing a Himalayan salt lamp in the bathroom:
- Avoid placing the lamp in direct contact with water. The salt in the lamp can absorb moisture from the air, but it is not designed to be submerged in water or exposed to high levels of humidity.
- Use a bulb with the correct wattage for your lamp. Using a bulb with too high of a wattage can cause the salt to dissolve more quickly and potentially break or crumble.
- Keep the lamp clean. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface of the salt, leading to it losing its luster and potentially causing the salt to dissolve more quickly and break or crumble. Wipe the surface of the lamp with a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt.
By following these considerations, you can use a Himalayan salt lamp in the bathroom without any problems.
Final Thoughts
Luckily, Himalayan salt lamps don’t really require that much care…it’s really just a matter of not mistreating them or using them in places that will obviously be bad for them.
Just keep them indoors, out of direct sunlight, and use them in parts of the house that any lamp would be used in…bedrooms, offices, end tables, etc. Even the bathroom can be a good choice as long as you follow some guidelines.