Salt lamp bulb: how to change bulb Himalayan salt lamp

How to change a salt lamp bulb

Has the light gone out of your life? Is your salt lamp sitting unused in the corner because the bulb has blown? Are you asking yourself, what bulb can I use in a salt lamp? Well, if you find you do need to replace the bulb in your salt lamp then this is the article for you. 

In this article we will explain the following:

• Why do salt lamps need a bulb?
• How to change salt lamp bulb
• Best Himalayan salt lamp bulbs to buy
• What size salt lamp bulb do I need?
• What type of bulb does my salt lamp need?
• What shape and size is best for my salt lamp?

But for those of you that just want to skip this and go straight to buying a replacement salt lamp bulb here are some of the best on the market at the moment.

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Best replacement salt lamp bulbs – 2023

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Why do salt lamps need a bulb?

The soft warm glow emitted from a salt lamp is due to the wattage, strength,  and colour of the light bulb used. Himalayan salt lamps need a light bulb to provide internal heat for the light to work.

The heat-producing bulb slowly warms up the salt crystals which attract any minute water droplets in the atmosphere.  These water droplets then evaporate on contact with the surface of the lamp. This process is known as hygroscopicity. 

Your salt lamp should be warm to touch, but not wet. Some people think their salt lamp is leaking when in fact it is just trying to cope with too much moisture in the atmosphere. We have created a separate article on how to deal with a salt lamp that feels too wet, or one on how to care for your Himalayan salt lamp.

To change a bulb in your lamp, follow these steps

1. Turn off and unplug the salt lamp to ensure your safety during the process.
2. Locate the bulb holder, which is typically found at the bottom of the lamp.
3. Gently remove the bulb holder from the lamp. You may need to twist it slightly to loosen it from the socket.
4. Remove the old bulb from the holder by gently pulling it out.
5. Use a cloth or gloves when touching the new bulb to stop the transfer of oils, as this can shorten the lifespan of the bulb.
6. Insert the new bulb into the holder by pushing it gently but firmly until it is fully seated.
7. Reinsert the bulb holder into the base of the lamp, making sure it is aligned properly and securely seated in the socket.
8. Plug in the salt lamp and turn it on to test the new bulb.

Make sure to dispose of the old bulb properly, according to your local regulations for the disposal of light bulbs. Also, be careful not to touch the new bulb with your bare hands, as the oils from your skin can cause the bulb to burn out prematurely. If you do accidentally touch the bulb, wipe it clean with a soft cloth before installing it in the lamp.

Best Himalayan salt lamp bulb to buy

There are a few important things you need to consider when buying salt lamp replacement bulbs.

• They should be made with an E12 (C7) candelabra socket
• They should be thin or tapered so they do not touch the salt on the inside of the lamp
• Choose from E12, C7, torpedo or tubular designs
• Choose the correct wattage for the size of your lamp
• Cheap salt lamp replacement bulbs may not last as long as more expensive bulbs – but they will need replaced more often!

And also remember to purchase an authentic Himalayan salt lamp!

What size bulb do I need

What are the right bulbs for salt lamps? The size of the light bulb you need for your salt lamp will depend on the wattage and the type of bulb your lamp requires. Most salt lamps use a candelabra bulb with a small screw base, E12, also known as a C7, that is designed to emit a soft and warm glow.

The recommended wattage for salt lamp bulbs typically ranges between 7-15 watts, depending on the size of the lamp. Larger salt lamps may require a higher wattage bulb to provide adequate illumination, while smaller lamps will only need a lower wattage bulb.

To determine the correct size bulb for your lamp, check the manufacturer’s instructions or the label on the lamp itself. This will usually specify the type and wattage of bulb that is recommended for that particular lamp. If you are unsure about the correct bulb size, you can take the old bulb to a hardware store or consult with an electrician to find the appropriate replacement bulb.

As a rough guide you can use the following:

• 7-15 watt light bulb – suitable for compact salt lamps less than 10 pounds
• 15-watt light bulb – suitable for small salt lamps up to 10 pounds
• 25-watt light bulb – suitable for mediums salt lamps weighting between 11 – 20 pounds
• 40-watt light bulb – suitable for large salt lamps weighing over 21 pounds

What type of bulb does my salt lamp need?

When choosing your bulb remember it needs to be a heat-producing bulb as the salt lamp works on a hygroscopic basis.  This means they attract the water molecules from the surrounding atmosphere which evaporate when in contact with the surface of the Himalayan salt lamp crystal surface.

As LEDs do not produce enough heat, as they are a low heat product, they are not recommended for use in salt lamps. 

What shape of bulb is best for my salt lamp?

You should choose a bulb that is both small and thin for salt lamps.  These will allow the bulb to sit securely within an E12 (C7) candelabra socket fitted in the base of the Himalayan salt lamp.

Summary

Remember to choose the correct wattage bulb and the correct style for the fitting of your Himalayan salt lamp. We also have some other articles about how a salt lamp works, how to clean and care for your Himalayan Salt Lamp, and the pros and cons of owning a salt lamp – check them out.

More ideas

Do you still want to learn more? Then why not head over to our other sections to find out more about salt, its uses, other salt products, and some quick and easy recipes?

• Salt Facts
• Salt Products
• Salt & Spice Recipes