Care Instructions for Himalayan Salt Products
Himalayan salt products are remarkably durable and low-maintenance, but proper care ensures they last for years while maintaining their beauty and functionality. Follow these guidelines to get the most from your authentic Himalayan salt items.
Salt Lamps (Natural & Sculptural)
Daily Use
Keep your lamp on regularly. Salt is hygroscopic (attracts moisture from air), and the gentle heat from the bulb prevents moisture accumulation. Lamps used daily rarely develop moisture issues.
Use the correct bulb. Most lamps require 15-watt incandescent bulbs; larger lamps may need 25-watt bulbs. Always use incandescent bulbs rather than LED—the heat is necessary for the ionizing effect and moisture prevention.
Cleaning
For routine cleaning:
- Turn off lamp and allow to cool completely
- Wipe gently with a dry cloth or soft brush
- For stubborn dust, use a very slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately
- Never submerge in water or use soap
If your lamp develops moisture ("sweating"):
- This is normal in humid environments
- Turn lamp on for 4-6 hours to evaporate moisture
- Wipe dry with a soft cloth
- Place lamp on a coaster or plate to protect furniture
- Consider moving lamp to a less humid location
Storage
If you need to store your lamp:
- Wrap in plastic wrap or place in a sealed bag
- Store in a dry location
- When bringing out of storage, wipe dry before use
- Turn on immediately to prevent moisture accumulation
Troubleshooting
Lamp won't turn on:
- Check bulb (most common issue)
- Verify cord is properly connected
- Test outlet with another device
- Inspect cord for damage
Excessive moisture:
- Keep lamp on more frequently
- Reduce humidity in room if possible
- Ensure lamp isn't near humidifiers, fish tanks, or bathrooms
- Wipe dry and leave on overnight
White residue on surface:
- This is crystallized salt from evaporated moisture
- Wipe gently with dry cloth
- Not a defect—indicates lamp is releasing minerals
Candle Holders
Use
Safety first:
- Always place on heat-resistant coaster or plate
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Keep away from flammable materials
- Use standard tea light candles
Proper placement:
- Avoid extremely humid areas
- Don't place directly on wood furniture without protection
- Keep out of reach of pets who might lick salt
Cleaning
- Allow to cool completely after candle use
- Wipe with dry cloth to remove wax drips
- For stubborn wax, gently scrape with plastic tool (never metal)
- Refresh appearance by wiping with slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately
Maintenance
- Store in dry location when not in use
- Wipe occasionally to prevent dust buildup
- If moisture develops, dry completely before next use
Culinary Products (Plates, Shot Glasses, Serveware)
Before First Use
- Rinse briefly with water and pat dry immediately
- For plates: heat gradually on lowest setting for 10 minutes to season
- For shot glasses: rinse and dry thoroughly
Heating Salt Plates
Gradual heating is essential to prevent cracking:
- Stovetop (gas preferred):
- Place on lowest heat setting
- Increase heat gradually every 10-15 minutes
- Total heating time: 30-40 minutes to reach cooking temperature
- Never place cold plate on high heat
- Oven:
- Place in cold oven
- Set to 200°F, wait 15 minutes
- Increase to 300°F, wait 15 minutes
- Increase to 400°F for cooking
- Never place in pre-heated oven
- Grill:
- Place on cool grill
- Heat gradually as grill warms
- Allow 30-40 minutes to reach temperature
Chilling Salt Plates
- Place in refrigerator for 2-3 hours before use
- Perfect for sushi, sashimi, cheese, fruit, desserts
- Wipe dry before adding food
- Never move directly from refrigerator to heat source
Cleaning Culinary Products
After each use:
- Allow to cool completely (at least 1-2 hours)
- Wipe with damp cloth or sponge—no soap needed
- Scrub gently with non-abrasive brush if needed
- Pat completely dry
- Store in dry location
Important don'ts:
- Never submerge in water
- Never use soap or detergents
- Never put in dishwasher
- Never scrub with abrasive materials
- Never soak
Why Salt Is Self-Cleaning
Himalayan salt is naturally antimicrobial—bacteria cannot survive on its surface. A simple wipe-down is sufficient. The salt will gradually wear down with use, which is normal.
Storage
- Store in dry cabinet or pantry
- Ensure completely dry before storing
- Avoid stacking plates without separation
- Keep away from moisture sources
Expected Lifespan
With proper care:
- Salt plates: 2-5 years depending on heating frequency
- Shot glasses: Many years with normal use
- Serving blocks: Years of use
Small cracks or fissures are normal and don't affect functionality. Major cracks mean it's time to replace the item.
Bath & Body Products
Salt Deodorant Bars
How to use:
- Wet bar slightly with water
- Apply directly to clean underarms
- Allow to dry before dressing
- Rinse bar and let dry after use
Care:
- Store in dry location between uses
- Don't leave in standing water
- Keep in well-ventilated area
- Wipe dry if moisture develops
Lifespan: 6-12 months with regular use
Salt Body Bars (Exfoliating)
How to use:
- Use on wet or dry skin depending on desired intensity
- Gentle circular motions for exfoliation
- Can also use as pressure point massager
- Rinse skin after use
Care:
- Rinse bar after use
- Allow to dry completely in well-ventilated area
- Don't store in shower or humid environments
- Wipe dry if needed
Lifespan: Varies based on use frequency; typically many months
Bath Salts (Fine, Coarse, Chunks)
How to use:
- Add 1-2 cups to warm running bath water
- Allow to dissolve (chunks take longer)
- Soak 20-30 minutes
- For reusable chunks: place in mesh bag
Storage:
- Keep in original container or airtight jar
- Store in cool, dry location
- Avoid bathroom storage if possible (humidity)
- Use clean, dry scoop
Reusing chunks:
- Place 3-5 chunks in drawstring mesh bag
- Use in multiple baths until significantly dissolved
- Rinse bag and chunks after use
- Dry completely before next use
General Storage Tips for All Products
Humidity Control
Salt naturally attracts moisture. To minimize this:
- Store in areas with lower humidity when possible
- Use dehumidifiers in damp climates
- Keep products away from windows in humid seasons
- Ensure adequate ventilation
Protecting Furniture
- Always use coasters or plates under lamps and candle holders
- Moisture from salt can damage wood finishes
- Check periodically for moisture accumulation
- Wipe surfaces dry as needed
Pet Safety
If you have cats or dogs who might lick salt:
- Place lamps and décor out of reach
- Monitor pets around salt products
- While small amounts aren't typically harmful, excessive salt ingestion can cause issues
- Contact your vet if concerned
Understanding Natural Variations
Remember that Himalayan salt is a natural product:
- Color variations are normal and indicate authentic mineral content
- Surface texture differences reflect natural crystal structure
- Small imperfections are signatures of authenticity, not defects
- Gradual wearing of culinary and body products is expected
- Moisture sensitivity is inherent to salt's chemical composition
These characteristics confirm you own genuine Himalayan salt, not synthetic imitations.
When to Replace Products
Salt Lamps
- Replace if cord or socket becomes damaged
- Replace bulbs as needed (typically every 1-2 years)
- Lamp crystals themselves last indefinitely
Candle Holders
- Replace if structural cracks develop
- Otherwise last indefinitely with care
Culinary Products
- Replace plates when cracks compromise structure
- Replace shot glasses if significantly worn or cracked
- Minor surface wear is normal
Bath & Body
- Replace deodorant bars when worn down significantly
- Replace body bars as needed based on size
- Bath salts: use until depleted
Questions?
If you have specific questions about caring for your Himalayan salt products, please contact us or visit our FAQ page. We're here to help you get the most from your authentic Himalayan salt items.
Proper care ensures your Himalayan salt products provide years of beauty and functionality.