Frequently Asked Questions
A product as culturally pervasive as the original Lava Lamp is bound to generate a great deal of conversation. Lava products are also somewhat mysterious, evoking questions about their origin, history, and of course, "how do these things work?"
Below are replies to a few of the more common questions that were heard quite a bit. Well, at least the questions we're comfortable responding to online.
Q. How big are the lamps in relation to each other?
Q. Why is my globe cloudy?
A. First, we'll assume that you're referring to the globe of your Lava Lamp. If that is in fact correct, the only reason the globe will become cloudy is if the Lava Lamp has been shaken, stirred, moved, dropped, or caught in an earthquake while the blobs are warm. We're sorry to inform you that this is probably a permanent problem.
If this unfortunate event should ever happen to you again, you may be able to save your lamp if you immediately turn it off and let the wax settle to the bottom of the globe and completely cools. Then, turn the lamp on until the wax breaks up and as soon as it begins, shut the lamp off again until it cools. Running the lamp in these short "bursts" may result in a clear lamp.
Q. Why do the lava blobs stay as a glob at the bottom of the globe?
A. The base of your unit may not be getting hot enough, or, conversely, may be getting too hot. (see the Illustrations below) If it isn't moving there are two things to check:
1) Check your bulb to be sure it isn't burned out.
2) Be sure not to use the lamp beyond recommended time which results in over heating.
 |
 |
 |
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| Just right! | Too cold— check the bulb |
Slightly too warm | Too hot! | Way too |
Q. Why do my lava blobs break up into a multitude of little balls?
A. Each Lava Lamp has its own personality and these formations are often a normal occurrence. This can also be a symptom of the lamp overheating because it has been operating for too long.
Q. Why are there speckles of light on my globe?
A. Each globe is made of glass and is likely to have manufacturer's marks and bubbles, both of which are normal.
Q. Why did the liquid color fade in my motion lamp?
A. Ultraviolet rays, my friend. If you allow your lamp to sit in direct sunlight, the sun's rays can cause the color to fade. Unfortunately, it's also permanent.
Q. Why is there airspace at the top of the globe?
A. The reason for the airspace is to allow for the expansion of the liquid as it heats up. To allow for this space, there may be as much as a 2" gap from the top.
Q. How do I remove the light bulb?
A. Sometimes the light bulb can be difficult to remove. This is not a defect. To remove the bulb, unplug the Lava Lamp, press down lightly on the bulb and turn counterclockwise. If the bulb resists, don't give up—with a little persistence, it will come out.
Q. What type of replacement light bulbs do I need?
| Model Name | OZ. | Bulb Wattage, Model Number and Common Name | Our Item Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10"/Accent | 8 | 15 Watt (Sewing machine bulb. Really small.) | 5015 |
| 14.5"/Classic | 20 | 25 Watt (Refrigerator bulb.) * | 5025 |
| 32 oz | 32 | 40 Watt A15 (Appliance bulb.) | 5032 |
| Wizard, Starship | 32 | 40 Watt SN11 * | 5034 |
| 16.3" / 52 oz | 52 | 40 Watt A15 (Appliance bulb.) | 5032 |
| 27"/Giant, Lava Grande (motion), Queen | 250 | 100 Watt 100R20F (Floodlight bulb.) | 5010 |
| 27" Lava Grande (Glitter) | 250 | 60 Watt Floodlight Bulb | 5060 |
| 4' Colossus/ Humungo | 200 Watt (Standard base.) | 5020 | |
| * Delineates the same size base to bulb socket requirement. | |||
Need more information to help you figure out what light bulb you need? Our Bulb Specifications Chart will help.