While their history dates back to several decades ago, lava lamps have enjoyed newfound popularity in recent years. Thanks to their retro appeal and soothing qualities, these unique lamps have become an irresistible delight for most homes.
The mesmerizing movement of the lamp’s blobs provides a moment of zen in our fast-paced lives. Even so, much isn’t known about these lamps. For instance, most people struggle to understand whether or not lava lamps go bad or expire. So, do they?
Well, if that’s the question that drove you here, then you just came to the right page. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the longevity of these decorative lamps.
Do Lava Lamps Go Bad?
Yes, lava lamps can go bad and will usually appear cloudy when that happens. These lights can get damaged because of overheating or after they hit their lifespan of 2000 hours.
So yes, like the LED bulbs – and any other lamp – in your house, lava lamps have a lifespan.
Now, before we proceed, let’s begin by understanding how these lamps work.
So, what is the science behind lava lamps?
Well, a typical lava lamp consists of a glass globe filled with a clear or translucent liquid. This liquid contains a colored wax and is less dense than the wax itself.
Now, when you turn the lamp on, the heat from the lightbulb hits up the glass making the wax melt. When molten, this wax becomes less dense than the surrounding fluid, making it stretch up, break, and rise.
Once at the top, the molten wax starts to cool down, again making it denser than the liquid. This process then happens repeatedly, creating a mesmerizing lava-like effect – and that’s it!
Now that we know how these lamps work, let’s get back to the question at hand – do lava lamps go bad or expire? The answer is – Yes, they do. Here’s why;
1. Overheating
The number one reason lava lamps go bad is overheating. As earlier said, heat is vital for the proper functioning of a lava lamp. It makes the lava-like effect possible. But as we all know, too much of something can be dangerous.
You see, when you leave the piece on for too long, the heat will cause the wax to break down and diffuse into the liquid. That causes the entire fluid to turn misty, making it impossible to see any remaining blobs.
To avoid this, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to use the lava lamp.
2. Lifespan
Another reason why lava lamps go bad is that they have a lifespan. Like any other lightbulb, lava lamps will eventually burn out and stop working.
Most manufacturers will recommend replacing the lightbulb every 2000 hours. Of course, this is just an estimate and your lava lamp may last longer or shorter depending on how often you use it.
How Long Can a Lamp Stay On?
While it can stay on for long, the manufacturer recommends that you avoid using a lava lamp for more than 8 hours. That way, you will prevent the wax from breaking down and diffusing into the liquid.
A lava lamp will keep heating up as long as you turn it on. And as said, the increasing temperature can become extreme and affect the wax.
To avoid all that, it’s always wise to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to keep your lava lamp going to prevent this from happening. The ground rule here is that you should light the lamp for shorter sessions, preferably not exceeding eight hours.
In addition, avoid moving a hot lava lamp. Shaking the light when hot may cause the wax to mix with the clear liquid, which will definitely affect it.
How Many Years Do Lava Lamps Last?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on how often you use your lava lamp. Ideally, a lava lamp has a lifespan of 2000 hours, so it should last for two to three years with average use.
How long your lava lamp will last depends on how long you use it. If you use it for long periods, it may only last one year. Similarly, if you don’t use it very often, it may last for four years or more.
But again, it’s worth mentioning that the longevity of your lava lamp doesn’t solely depend on how long it takes to reach the lifespan mark. As seen, other factors like overheating and improper handling can also affect your lamp’s longevity.
But assuming that you stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines and precautions when using a lava lamp, then it should keep going for about 2000 hours. That means if you only light it up for 4 hours, you can expect it to last for at least 500 days.
After the 2000 hours are over, your lamp won’t stop working all at once. However, you’ll notice that the lava flow starts to get weaker and less consistent. The light may also appear dimmer until everything shuts down completely.
How To Know It’s Time For a Replacement?
As long as your lamp isn’t working as it used to, that’s a sign that it needs a replacement. If the liquid has become more cloudy, the lava wax has faded out, or the lamp has stopped working correctly, then that is a sure sign that your lava lamp needs replacing.
We’ve repeatedly said that cloudy liquid is an indication that your lava lamp is no longer operating at its prime. The misty look affects the visibility of the lava, making the lamp lose its essence. As such, when you notice that the inside liquid is slowly becoming cloudy, that should tell you to start planning on getting a new lava lamp.
Wax fading is another sign that your lava lamp needs replacing. When the wax fades, it will no longer create the visually-appealing lava-like effect that is supposed to be the highlight of the lamp.
Lastly, if your lava lamp has stopped working entirely, then it’s time to get a new one. Where the product is under warranty, you can have it replaced for free as long as it has stopped working within the warranty period.
Do Lava Lamps Ever Stop Working?
Yes, lava lamps do eventually stop working. When your lava lamp attains its 2000-hour lifespan, it will begin to degrade in quality until it finally stops working entirely.
Of course, other factors can make a lava lamp stop working before it reaches the 2000-hour mark. For instance, if you don’t handle it with care, or use it for extended periods, then that will also shorten its lifespan.
But generally, lava lamps will keep working as long as you take good care of them. If you use them properly and don’t abuse them, they should last for a long time.
Is It Safe To Use An Old Lava Lamp?
An old lava lamp is safe for use as long as it’s been properly maintained and not abused. If you change the bulb as necessary, keep the lamp at room temperature, and preserve its outer shell well, old lava lamps can work just as well as new ones.
In other words, maintenance routine turns out to be more important than the age of your lava lamp when it comes to safety. Hence, as long as you keep up with the maintenance, you should be able to use your lava lamp without any issues regardless of how old it is.
However, if your lava lamp is more than 10 years old, we recommend that you have it checked by a professional to make sure it’s still safe for use.
Can Lava Lamps Explode?
Yes, lava lamps can explode when you do not follow the correct precautions. But provided that you use your lava lamp within the manufacturer’s guidelines, there’s no need to worry about it exploding.
We said that too much heat can damage the wax and the lamp. However, overheating won’t just cause the lava to break apart. It can also make the entire lamp explode, which is quite dangerous.
To be on the safe side, we recommend that you only use your lava lamp for 1 to 2 hours at a time. This way, you will prolong the lamp’s lifespan and at the same time avoid any accidents from happening.
But again, heat can also come from an external source, for instance, if your lava lamp is too close to a heat source like a radiator. That’s why when using a lava lamp, you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Final Verdict
Lava lamps can expire or go bad. However, with proper care and handling, your lava lamp can last long. Just remember to use it responsibly and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid any accidents.
But again, just be keen enough to identify when your lava lamp needs replacing. If it starts to fade, produce less light, or stop working entirely, then it’s time to get a new one.