How to make a Himalayan salt lamp

Let’s learn how to make a Himalayan salt lamp and why you should. Did you know that Himalayan salt lamps are very popular and they have not gone down in price either? You can make your own unique Himalayan salt lamp. Such a simple and very inexpensive gift to make too! Try and use an antique wire basket or something that will make a fun lamp. It has endless possibilities with so many different vessels to consider turning into a Himalaya lamp.

I know my reason for owning one may not be why others are buying one. Himalayan salt lamps have many claims to their abilities across the internet. I do not claim these are true.

How is a Himalayan salt lamp made?

You may purchase one already completed or make one yourself. There are several ways to make a Himalayan salt lamp. One way is to buy a one-piece of salt and drill a hole in the bottom and add a light kit. The other way will be described below.

Should salt lamps get hot?

Salt lamps should not get hot. There have been many recalls on salt lamps that have gotten hot. With the correct lightbulb cord and correct wattage of the bulb, the salt may get a low heat, never hot.

How to know if your Himalayan salt lamp is real?

• Check where the salt came from
• Validate if the pre-made lamp has documentation of the salt rock
• Lick it (at your discretion) lol
• If making a lamp, ensure the salt states it’s pure salt and where it is mined from

Do salt lamps dissolve or melt?

Himalayan salt does not dissolve or melt even if left on for years. The lamps may sweat by the humidity in the air. Keeping a low heat lightbulb on at all times will help with the sweating. Never, ever expose your salt lamp to water.

Claimed benefits of a Himalayan salt lamp

• Cleans the air
• Removes negative ions in the air
• Enhances your mood
• Boost blood flow
• Deodorizes the air
• Calms breathing
• Reduces asthma
• Increases energy levels
• Helps you sleep better

Composite of salt lamps

Himalayan salt lamps are made from food-grade Himalayan salt and the salt is mined from the western part of the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan where it is carved into lamps or put into chunks for crafts, animals and powdered for table salt. Himalayan table salt contains zinc, potassium, and magnesium.

What animals can have Himalayan salt?

If you are like me, you will have some Himalayan salt leftover from your lamp project and wonder what to do with it? My husband snatched up all I had left and put it outside along a trail we have to feed the wild deer. Horses, goats, and even rabbits can have the salt lick. Do not feed it to your chickens, it is not safe for them.

How to care for a Himalayan salt lamp

If you have a one-piece of a Himalayan salt lamp that makes it easier to care for versus several pieces of salt. To clean your one-piece lamp, wipe it down once a week with a clean, dry, lint-free towel. More or less depending on the air, humidity, and air quality. Using a lightbulb that causes heat will absorb moisture from the air and reduce the sweating.

If you are making a salt lamp with many pieces of broken Himalayan salt then I suggest blowing them out once a year. If that is not an option, remove all the salt pieces, change the bulb if needed, and use a designated brush to remove any debris off the salt pieces.

How to use a Himalayan salt lamp

Since last October, I only replaced the light bulb only once in the owl lamp. I leave it on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in my blogging room. The room has a wall of low glass windows, hopefully, it will keep the critters away from the room being lit?

I had plenty of salt chunks leftover from the project; I decided to make the pieces a little smaller and put them in a candle warmer. Check out my blog on Electric candle warmer uses for some more neat tricks with candle warmers.

How to make a Himalayan salt lamp

For this project, I purchased an owl tea light holder from Michael’s Craft Store during the fall-time. There are so many other vessels you can use. Now it is fall, there should be a lot on sale in craft stores. I have a link in the “Shop” section if you are looking to purchase one online.

Supplies needed to make a Himalayan salt lamp

• 10 pounds of Himalayan salt chunks
• An electrical cord with a lightbulb
• Low watt lightbulb that will warm the salt
• A wire basket or vessel
• Hammer and awl

How to make a Himalayan salt lamp

• Remove the tea light holder (s) if any
• Drill a hole or push the cord through the bottom or side of the holder
• Break up really large pieces of salt
• Arrange the salt carefully over the lightbulb
• Fill the salt pieces as high as possible
• Place a protective coaster or something on the bottom (if applicable) of the lamp as it may heat up the surface underneath
• Plug-in cord and enjoy
• Optional, add a very few drops of essential oil sparingly to the top of the salt pieces
• Not recommended is using an LED light.

Himalayan salt lamp warnings

Please ensure your children and pets are not able to access the salt lamps. Salt poisoning can occur. Your children and pets can become very ill and death has even occurred from too much ingestion.

Michaels craft store recalled some salt lamps due to a faulty dimmer light cord. In other words, it is best to opt for the best electrical cord for any projects. Stay away from the Dollar store ones, it’s not worth the risk of an electrical fire or even shock.

Himalayan salt lamps and essential oils

Putting a few drops of pure essential oils on your salt lamp will emit a pleasant scent to the air. It’s like having an aromatherapy salt lamp. I would not recommend using fragrance oils as they contain chemicals and are not natural like essential oils.

Interested in more DIY Projects?

DIY projects are the perfect way to refine your craftsmanship skills. I have a DIY mercury glass with vinegar and water blog and another blog called Gift ideas using DIY mercury glass that shows you examples of what to do with your creations! However, that’s not all! I also have done a decorative idea for DIY, you’ll find that under Farmhouse and primitive Christmas stocking patterns that are functionable all year round. Last but not least, I previously released a blog on how to create a DIY heavy-duty canning and cooling rack. Definitely be sure you check out all of the tips and tutorials I have released for these fun DIY projects.

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10 pounds of Himalayan salt can be found on Amazon

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An electrical cord with an off-on switch can be found on Amazon

Candle warmer with a removable top can be found on Amazon

Warming light bulb can be found on Amazon