Himalayan salt lamps are beloved for their soothing light and supposed air-purifying properties. But many people who own these lamps may have noticed that over time, the salt crystals can become discolored, dirty or even moldy. It can be surprising to see dirt and mold growing on something that is supposed to purify the air.
However, it is important to understand that the dirt and mold on a salt lamp are not a sign that the lamp is not working properly, but rather a result of the environmental factors and proper maintenance of the lamp.
In this article, I’ll explore the surprising truth about dirt and mold on Himalayan salt lamps, the causes, and most importantly, how to properly maintain and clean them to ensure they continue to function and look their best.
How Himalayan Salt Lamps Work
When the lamp is turned on, and a lightbulb is placed inside, the heat from the bulb causes the salt crystals to begin to release trace amounts of water vapor. This water vapor then rises and begins to interact with the surrounding air.
As the water vapor rises, it attracts and neutralizes positively charged ions in the air, such as dust, pollen, and other allergens. This process is believed to create negatively charged ions. These negative ions are thought to neutralize the positively charged ions in the air, improving the overall air quality. The negative ions also bind to the positively charged ions, causing the particles to become heavy and fall to the ground instead of being inhaled.
While the lamp is on, as the water vapor evaporates, it can leave behind mineral deposits on the surface of the salt crystals. Over time, these mineral deposits can build up and cause the salt crystals to appear dirty, dull, or discolored.
The salt crystal’s color can also change based on the type of bulb used, the humidity in the room, and the amount of time the lamp is left on. This color change can be a typical characteristic of salt lamps, but some people don’t like the look of it.
What Causes A Himalayan Salt Lamp To Look Dirty?
Many things can contribute to a Himalayan salt lamp appearing dirty or discolored. Some of the most common causes include:
- Type Of Light Bulb Used – The kind of light bulb used in a Himalayan salt lamp can significantly impact the appearance of the salt crystals. Incandescent bulbs, for example, produce more heat than other bulbs and can cause more water vapor to rise, leading to more mineral deposits on the salt crystals. On the other hand, LED or CFL bulbs produce less heat and may result in fewer mineral deposits on the salt crystals.
- Humidity In The Room – The humidity level in the room where the Himalayan salt lamp is located can also impact the salt crystals’ appearance. If the humidity level is high, it can cause more water vapor to rise, which can lead to more mineral deposits on the salt crystals.
- Amount Of Time The Lamp Is Left On – The longer a Himalayan salt lamp is left on, the more time the salt crystals have to release water vapor and produce mineral deposits.
- Quality Of The Salt – Not all Himalayan salt crystals are the same. They can have different impurities and color variations. Some lamps are made of lower-quality salt crystals that can quickly appear dirty or discolored.
- Placement – If the lamp is placed in an area exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources, this can cause the light to release more water vapor and mineral deposits on the salt crystals.
It’s worth noting that while the lamp can appear dirty, it’s not necessarily an indication of poor air quality or the light not working effectively.
How To Clean A Himalayan Salt Lamp
Cleaning a Himalayan salt lamp is relatively simple, but avoiding damaging it or injuring oneself is essential. Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to safely clean the salt crystals on a Himalayan salt lamp:
- Unplug The Lamp – Before cleaning the salt crystals, unplug the lamp to avoid any risk of electric shock.
- Clean With A Dry Cloth – Using a dry, soft cloth, gently wipe the salt crystals to remove any loose dirt or debris. You can also use a small brush to remove dirt from crevices.
- Use A Damp Cloth – If the salt crystals are particularly dirty, you can use a damp cloth to wipe them down gently. Ensure to keep the lamp’s cord, bulb, or base dry. It’s also essential to use a clean and soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaning agents or abrasives that could scratch or damage the salt crystals.
- Dry The Lamp – After cleaning, use a dry cloth to dry the salt crystals gently.
- Wipe Down The Base And Cord – Use a damp cloth to wipe down the base and cord of the lamp to remove any dust or debris. Dry the lamp’s base and power cord thoroughly before plugging the lamp back in.
Pro Tip – You want to clean your salt lamp sparingly, as this can cause damage to the salt crystals, which can ultimately lead to a shorter lifespan for the lamp. Proper maintenance, such as placing the lamp in a room with moderate humidity and away from direct sunlight and using appropriate bulbs, can help prolong the life of the lamp.
Can A Himalayan Salt Lamp Get Mold?
Mold can grow on the salt crystals and the base of a Himalayan salt lamp. Salt lamps will release water vapor when heated, but most will evaporate. However, if the humidity is too high or the lamp is exposed to moisture, the water vapor may not evaporate quickly enough, resulting in mold.
To prevent mold, it’s essential to keep the lamp in a room with moderate humidity levels and away from sources of moisture. If your lamp is in a bathroom or kitchen, where humidity levels are naturally higher, consider keeping it on for shorter periods or moving it to a different room.
If you notice mold growing on your salt lamp, you should unplug it, clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth and dry it properly. Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can also be effective in killing mold spores. Then, place the lamp in a dry and well-ventilated area to avoid the humidity and moisture build-up that caused mold growth in the first place.
It’s also important to note that if you’re experiencing severe mold issues, it may be best to consult a professional, as mold can be hazardous to one’s health and cause structural damage to a building.
Why Does My Himalayan Salt Lamp Have Dark Spots?
One major thing to remember is that salt is a naturally occurring substance mined from the Earth, so it’s perfectly normal for the grains to have impurities or veins of trapped dirt and debris. That being said, dark spots on a Himalayan salt lamp can be caused by many factors, including:
- Natural Variations In The Salt Crystals – Some Himalayan salt crystals have naturally occurring dark spots or discolorations, which impurities in the salt can cause.
- Exposure To Heat – Exposure to heat can cause the salt crystals to release water vapor, which can lead to mineral deposits forming on the surface of the crystals. These mineral deposits can appear as dark spots.
- Exposure To Light – Exposure to direct sunlight or other light sources can cause the salt crystals’ color to fade or darken over time.
- Humidity Levels – High humidity can cause the salt crystals to absorb moisture and cause dark spots.
- Air Pollution – Salt lamps can absorb pollutants and other impurities from the air. These impurities can settle on the salt crystals and cause dark spots.
- Handling – handling the salt lamp without proper care can cause scratching or discoloration on the crystals.
Final Thoughts
Out of everything I wrote above, the biggest take away is that it’s important to understand that the dirt and mold on a Himalayan salt lamp are not a sign that the lamp is not working properly. These are natural occurrences that can happen due to the environmental factors and proper maintenance of the lamp.
But, you can do some things to help mitigate dirt from building up on your lamp, to recap these are to keep the lamp in a room with moderate humidity levels and away from sources of moisture, use appropriate type of bulbs and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. And when it’s necessary to clean, wiping down the crystals gently with a damp cloth is enough.
While it may be disappointing to see dirt and mold on a Himalayan salt lamp, it is important to remember that these lamps are made of natural salt crystals and will have variations in color and appearance. Proper maintenance of your lamp will not only help to improve its appearance but can also keep your lamp in tip-top shape!