Here's some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at The Salt Lamp Shop, if you have any questions feel free to contact us anytime.
Q: Are salt lamps safe to leave on?
A: One of the most common questions we get asked is whether salt lamps are safe to leave on all day and night. The answer is a definite yes, not only is it safe but it’s the recommended action for maximum health benefits.
Q: Are salt lamps safe for pets?
A: Salt lamps are not toxic to animals any more than regular salt is. However if your cat licks the salt lamp a lot it can easily take in more sodium than it’s daily limit. Some pets may be attracted to the lamp’s light if you leave the lamp in an accessible spot, therefore we recommend you keep your salt lamp away from places accessible to pets.
Q: Are salt lamps safe for babies?
A: Salt lamps do not pose any special threat to babies, they will deliver the same health benefits and effects to babies as they do to adults.
Q: Are salt lamps safe when pregnant?
A: Absolutely. Salt lamps are safe to use when pregnant. They do not interfere with pregnancy in any way.
Q: Salt lamp bulbs keep blowing?
A: If this is happening the most likely cause is a faulty cord. You can get a quality replacement cord and bulb from our store. Also read out maintenance guide which has a more detailed section on how to avoid this.
Q: Are salt lamps toxic?
A: Our salt lamps are actually made from food grade Himalayan salt, which is the highest quality salt. So they are not toxic.
Q: Can you lick a salt lamp?
A: Although there is no lethal danger in licking a salt lamp, as it is not toxic. We do not recommend it since the lamps usually accumulate dirt and pollutants both during transport as well as from their natural purifying process.
Q: Where does himalayan salt lamp come from?
A: All authentic Himalayan salt comes from the Khewra salt mines in Norther Pakistan, at the base of the Himalayan mountain range.
Q: Do salt lamps work when off / not plugged in ?
A: This is a common question. The short answer is no. Salt lamps need to be on in order for them to heat up and purify the air. Salt lamps offer no benefits when left off.
Q: How far do salt lamps work?
A: Our salt lamp size guide discuses this in more detail. The range of a salt lamp depends on it’s size. A 2-3kg lamp will act in a 1 meter radius, where as a 10-15kg lamp will work for a 5 meter radius.
Q: How long do salt lamps last?
A: Contrary to popular myth, salt lamps do not erode or melt or expire. They will continue to work for years as long as they are cleaned once in a while (see cleaning your salt lamp). However salt lamps bulbs expire every 1000 hours, 42 days of 24/7 use. So you will need to buy a pack of salt lamp replacement bulbs.
Q: How hot do salt lamps get?
A: Salt lamps may warm up to 45-50 degrees Celsius at the most. It usually takes 12 hours to reach this heat level. Any additional heat generated by the bulb is simply dispersed by the lamp.
Q: Are salt lamps a scam?
A: The health benefits of salt lamps are widely attested to by thousands of salt lamp owners world wide. However there are many fake Chinese built salt lamps being sold in the market as scams. Read our real vs fake salt lamp post to see how you can tell the difference between the a real salt lamp and a scam.
Q: Do salt lamps really produce negative ions?
A: Yes. Although the quantity is very minor, if a salt lamp is left on 24/7 these negative ions can build up to notable levels.
Q: Does my salt lamps colour matter?
A: Our salt lamps are carefully selected to have a rich pink/orange colour that is quintessential of Himalayan salt and popular the world over. However, there is variation in colours naturally and these variations do not mean that your lamp is a fake or not as good as any other.
Q: Salt lamp was wet when opened?
A: If you received your salt lamp and it was wet when opened, this is likely because the manufacturer forgot to put in a silica gel packet to absorb excess moisture during transport. Since salt is hygroscopic this is a pretty natural response.
Q: Can a salt lamp catch fire?
A: Our salt lamps do not carry any risk of catching fire as they are compliant to New Zealand electrical safety standards. However, if you happen to purchase a fake salt lamp that’s composed of non-compliant parts there may be risk involved.
Q: Does himalayan salt have iodine in it?
A: Yes, himalayan salt contains iodine in a natural form. Unlike in table salt or sea salt which is iodised through chemical processes as well as being loaded with potentially health-hazardous clumping agents.