How to Refill Vintage Lava Lamps

A lava lamp is a decorative lamp that contains wax set over a light to emulate the look of lava. As the wax is warmed by the light, it moves through the lamp, creating a distinctive and unique effect. If you have a vintage lava lamp that has been shaken or dropped, you can refill the water with a specific solution designed to keep your lava lamp looking fresh and new.

Clear dishwashing liquid
Bottle opener
Bottle capper
Epsom salt
Strainer

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off your Lava lamp and let it cool and the lava harden. Remove the outer plastic cap and pull off the inner metal cap with a bottle opener.
- 2
  Pour out the water through a strainer to avoid losing any of the lava. If the lava falls into the strainer, put it back into the lamp.
- 3
  Refill the lava lamp with distilled water and a few drops of clear dishwashing liquid. Cover the lamp and shake it with the soapy water mixture inside. The liquid acts as an emulsifier.
- 4
  Place a small amount of Epsom salt, about a teaspoon, in the water solution. Plug your lava lamp in an outlet and wait for the wax to soften. If the wax sits at the bottom, add more salt until it moves around.
- 5
  Turn the lamp off and let it cool until the lava hardens. Replace both caps securely with the bottle capper.

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