Novelty and specialty lamps allow you to introduce decorative elements to your space that you simply can’t with basic lighting. However, novelty lamps do often come with a few disadvantages. The more contrived a lamp is, the more likely it is to suffer from a complication that can often affect its electric components. A good example of this is how Himalayan salt can sometimes leak. Why is my salt lamp leaking? – The following guide will explore and answer this question.
What is a Salt Lamp?
Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamps became popular over the last decade because many believe they have healing properties. However, many of these advertised health benefits are unfortunately false.
These lamps’ rocks or crystals aren’t even from the Himalayan mountains. Instead, they come from the Pakistani Khewra salt mine, which resides in the Punjabi Jhelum District.
Miners take large chunks of these crystals and sell them to artisans who hollow them out so they can fit a light fixture (mostly a light bulb) or candle inside them. Additionally, the artisan may place the salt lamp on a wooden base.
When you turn these lamps on, they produce an enjoyable warm reddish/pinkish glow that is the easiest to savor in pitch darkness. Hence, they are ideal for color therapy.
Nevertheless, there are quite a few problems with owning salt crystal lamps that retailers and sellers don’t tell people about. Pink salt lamps can suffer negative effects from humidity. It can appear as if the salt lamp is melting. But why?
Why is Your Salt Lamp Leaking?
Pink salt lamp on a side table
By all accounts, water should not leak from your salt lamp. After all, Himalayan salt lamps consist of rock salt. However, you must note that most salt (if not all) is hygroscopic. Hence, it absorbs moisture from the surrounding area because salt attracts water molecules.
Thus, if you place your crystal salt lamp in a humid room for a long period, it begins to leak, ooze, appear to be melting, and leave behind crystals. While it is concerning and even disgusting, it isn’t something to worry about. It’s a natural occurrence.
What to Do When Your Salt Lamp Leaks
It’s best to avoid placing and using your salt lamp in damp rooms or areas with humid conditions. However, if you can’t avoid using it in a place with excessive moisture, we recommend placing your salt lamp on a saucer or decorative dish.
This will collect moisture and prevent it from causing water damage to furniture. Of course, you should empty this dish from time to time. But if you notice that your salt lamp is undergoing excessive leaking, you must move the salt lamp to an area that does not have constant exposure to water, as this may cause electrical hazards.
Since light is a heat source, leaving the salt lamp on while in a humid area may prevent water from collecting on it. A higher-wattage bulb will produce the best results and encourage faster evaporation.
Nevertheless, it would be best if you always regularly wipe your crystal lamps down with a damp cloth. Once you wipe off the salt residue and water, you can use a lint-free cloth to dry your salt lamp.
It would be best if you did not place wet lamps near electrical outlets. Excess water may drip from the salt lamp into the outlet. Proper care is essential.
Conclusion
While many people have greatly exaggerated the benefits of salt lamps, they’re still worth owning because it produces a warm pinkish light that can be quite therapeutic. Moreover, you can use it as an ornament to complement your room’s atmosphere. Nevertheless, it would be best to have genuine salt lamps, despite their propensity to leak. So if your salt lamp is leaking, use a damp and dry cloth to wipe it down. If you have any other light-related questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
