Frequently Asked Lava Lamp Questions

Yes, you can. Mathmos lava lamps are designed to last and reduce landfill waste wherever possible. Replacement parts such as bulbs, bases, bottles and other small extras are available here.

Please contact Mathmos customer services here.

The metal spring, located at the bottom of the bottle, is an essential part of your lava lamp. It helps with the proper movement of the lava. If the spring becomes dislodged, run the lamp for up to six hours to allow it to settle back into place. This process might need to be repeated if the spring does not settle initially.

Mathmos has been manufacturing high-quality lava lamps in Britain since 1963. Our lamps feature a unique lava formulation for superior flow, longer life, clearer liquid, and more vivid colours. We also offer a comprehensive range of spare parts. Additionally, we adhere to the highest safety standards and undergo regular audits by independent bodies to ensure exceptional build quality.

The stalagmite shapes you're seeing are a normal part of the warming-up process. As the lamp heats up, these shapes will begin to melt and transform into the flowing lava shapes you expect. Please leave the lamp on for longer to allow it to fully warm up and start producing the classic moving lava.

Mathmos lava lamp bottles are handcrafted, so there may be slight variations in colour. Additionally, colours can appear different under various lighting conditions. Our product photos are often taken in well-lit environments, which may affect how the colours look. For more information on how lighting can impact the appearance of your lava lamp, check out our blog here.

Rest assured, Mathmos uses compliant halogen bulbs to heat and light its lava lamps, even as some halogen bulbs are being phased out for lighting purposes. We are also exploring alternative power sources for our iconic lamps in case regulations change further. Our commitment is to ensure that our lava lamps stay out of landfill and spare parts continue to be offered.

Mathmos lava lamp bottles typically last for approximately 2,000 hours. The lifespan of the bulbs can vary, as halogen bulbs are delicate, and their longevity depends on usage. Replacement bulbs and bottles are available for purchase on our website here.

Most Mathmos lava lamps can be used for up to six hours at a time. Exceptions include the Candle range, which should be used for no more than 4 hours, and the Saturn Giant lava lamp, which can be used for up to 12 hours.

The location of the Mathmos logo can vary by model. It may be found on the base, cap, or label on the cord, and in most cases, it is etched onto the bottle.

Mathmos lava lamp bottles are made in one of the highest quality automated bottling factories in Great Britain. Small bubbles in the glass are a normal part of the manufacturing process and are not a fault.

This occurs because the lava lamp has overheated. It may have been on too long (more than 6 hours) or placed in an unsuitable location, such as near a heater or window. Please turn off the lamp and allow it to cool. Reposition your lava lamp in a spot with a temperature between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius.

Lava lamps can become cloudy for two reasons: either they have been shaken or moved while hot, or the bottle has reached the end of its life (approximately 2,000 hours). This is often irreparable. Run the lamp a few times to see if the situation improves. If it does not clear up, you can purchase a replacement bottle here.

The dye in the lava liquid can fade over time, especially if the lamp is placed in direct sunlight. If your lamp is still under warranty, and you've followed the instructions, please contact our customer service team here. If your lava lamp is no longer under warranty, you can purchase a new bottle here.

Mathmos has offered a wide variety of lava colours throughout its history, but we cannot keep every colour in stock. Please choose from our current range. As we do occasionally offer limited-time special fills, you can also sign up for our mailing list and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

We do not offer a custom refill service. However, you can sign up for our mailing list and follow us on social media, as we occasionally offer limited-time special fills. Please choose from our current range.

The bottles are sealed units and should not be tampered with for safety reasons. Attempting to top up the liquid can void the warranty and may cause overfilling and increased pressure on the glass. We do not sell the liquids separately. Instead, you can purchase a new bottle with professionally filled contents from the Mathmos website here.

Small bubbles in the lava are normal, especially when you first receive the lamp. These bubbles will generally reduce as the lamp is used over time.

If you notice wax sticking to the side of the bottle, try using the lava lamp a few times. The wax should eventually join the rest of the contents. If this does not happen, and you have followed the instructions, please contact our customer service team here. If your lamp is no longer under warranty, you might consider purchasing a new bottle here.

There should be nothing in the bottle besides the lava, liquid, and a metal coil. Occasionally, you may notice darker specks in the lava as it flows. These specks are due to varying amounts of dye particles from each batch and usually fade over time. They are not considered a fault. If you see anything else in your bottle, please contact our customer service team here.

Before recycling, consider purchasing replacement parts. We offer spares for most Mathmos lava lamp models from the 1960s to today on our website here. If you need to recycle the lamp, please take it to your nearest household recycling centre that specialises in electrical waste.

The formulation has improved since the 1960s, making our lamps less likely to cloud in heat or freeze in the cold. However, we have not changed the formula in recent years.

Clean the bottle with a glass cleaner and a soft cloth. The base and cap are made of either aluminium or zinc (depending on your lamp), so use products recommended for these materials. If unsure, simply use a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning products, as they can irreparably damage the lamp.

Firstly, check our FAQs to see if your issue is addressed. If you still need assistance, we offer a one-year warranty on all products, and up to two years if purchased directly from our website. If your lamp is within the warranty period, please contact our customer service team. For detailed information, also refer to our Faulty Product Returns Advice.

Mathmos lava lamp bottles are sealed units, so we do not sell the screw cap separately. However, you can purchase a new filled Mathmos bottle here.

Mathmos lava lamps have undergone various changes in manufacturing over the years. Unfortunately, we are unable to date specific lamps for you. To begin this process, you might visit specialist sites like www.flowoflava.com.

Due to electrical safety regulations, we cannot supply replacement lamp holders separately. However, fully assembled base units are available in our spares section here.

Halogen bulbs are very delicate. Please find instructions relevant to your lamp here.

Most lava lamps should start working within one hour to an hour and a half from being switched on. First, they will form stalagmite shapes before the liquid lava formations. Please note that new bottles may take longer to heat up when new (up to three hours), but the time taken is expected to decrease after several uses.

Yes. We had these specially made to ensure our 60s lamps can still be enjoyed, see here.

Mathmos bottles are supplied with a lip that runs around the bottom of the bottle to ensure they sit straight in the base. When the bottle is placed on a base, it should fit securely, although it will still be possible to move the bottle from side to side, and a shadow gap may be visible. There have been many bottle and base size variations over time, so it may be possible with some much older products that a new bottle does not fit in the base. Please contact our customer service team for advice if your bottle isn't sitting on the base.

Please check that your bulb is working. You can purchase a new bulb here. Alternatively, please check the integrity of the fuse located in the plug.

Some lamps have a shadow gap between the base and the bottle; this is normal.

The coating on this bottle is very delicate; please take great care. Avoid rotating the bottle on the base as this can cause scratches.

Candle-powered lava lamps should start flowing within twenty minutes after lighting. First, they will form stalagmite shapes before the liquid lava formations. Please note that new bottles may take longer to heat up; the time taken is expected to decrease after several uses.

The larger tea lights with a height of 15 mm work best. Tea lights can differ in flame height, heating ability and wick length.

Yes. Like any unprotected candlelight, you will need a place with no wind.

Firstly, please read the instructions carefully. Following any points that are relevant for all tea lights.

DO NOT: leave unattended, leave on when going to sleep, use water to put out the flame, let debris (like part of a match) sit in the tea light, position near anything flammable, touch or move when lit, position near drafts, vents, children, or pets.

When the bottle is placed on a base, it should fit securely, although it will still be possible to move the bottle from side to side, and a shadow gap may be visible.

Once your product has completely cooled, use the Allen key provided to unscrew and remove the back screw (keep these components safe). Holding the bottle and arm piece carefully, lift and remove the bottle and arm piece from the base. Carefully take the arm piece off the bottle. When installing the bulb, please only fit the correct type, as stated in the label on the base. You can install this by gently pushing them into the holder socket. Following a successful bulb change, please follow the instructions given previously in reverse to reassemble your lamp.

Most lava lamps should start working within one hour to an hour and a half after they have been switched on. First, they will form stalagmite shapes before the liquid lava formations. Please note that new bottles may take longer to heat up (up to three hours), but the time taken is expected to decrease after several uses.

The only suitable lava lamps for children are the Mathmos Neo table range. The Neo lava lamp was developed with children in mind, so as well as looking stylish, it is also shatterproof, has fixture points, does not get too hot, and is screwed together as a secure unit. The lamp has also passed stringent safety checks required to be classified as child-safe, something no other lava lamp in the UK has a classification for. We recommend all other lava lamps be placed well out of reach of children under 14 years old.

The product must adhere to a stringent criterion to achieve this. For example, the bulb should not be accessible without a tool, it must be low voltage (not mains voltage), it must be very stable, it must have a shatterproof coating on the glass, the bottle must be fixed to the base, and it must not be too hot.

No. Neo has a unique formulation different from other bottles. This would overheat if used with other models. Contrastingly, Astro Baby and Telstar bottles will run slowly or not at all if used with the Neo.

The bottle has a shatterproof coating to help hold the glass together should this be dropped and broken. In this worst-case scenario, additional bottles are available to be purchased here.

Replacement screws and Allen keys can be purchased for the Neo lava lamp here.

Once your product has completely cooled, use the Allen key provided to unscrew and remove the back screw (keep these components safe). Holding the bottle and arm piece carefully, lift and remove the bottle and arm piece from the base. Carefully take the arm piece off the bottle. Reverse this process to install the new bottle. Replacement bottles for the Neo lamp can be purchased here.

Try changing the bulb, replacement bulbs can be purchased here. Alternatively, please check the integrity of your power supply (from the plug to the lamp). Replacement power supplies can be purchased here.

Some lamps have a shadow gap between the base and the bottle; this is normal.

It is important to install the cap and rear arm element on top of the bottle before you position these on the base. Please see the 'Instructions' tab for detailed assembly guidelines on the relevant product page.

Yes, this is normal.

Yes. They do vary a little, and this can be normal.

Under no circumstances must the Neo Wall be installed in this way. The Neo Wall lava lamp is a low voltage (class III) product and must be connected to the included power supply to function safely and correctly.

A slight delay before the light comes on is normal with halogen bulbs. This is not considered a fault.

Halogen bulbs are very delicate, please find instructions relevant to your lamp here.

Most lava lamps should start working within one hour to an hour and a half from being switched on. First, they will form stalagmite shapes before the liquid lava formations. Please note that new bottles may take longer to heat up (up to three hours), but the time taken is expected to decrease after several uses.

You can purchase a set of Telstar boots from our spares section here.

Please check that your bulb is working. You can purchase a new bulb here. Alternatively, please check the integrity of the fuse located in the plug.

Some lamps have a shadow gap between the base and the bottle; this is normal.

Mathmos bottles have a lip which runs around the bottom circumference to ensure they sit straight in the base. The bottle should fit securely, although it will still be possible to move it from side to side, and a shadow gap may be visible. There have been many bottle and base size variations over time, so it may be possible with some much older products that a new bottle does not fit in the base. Please contact our customer service team for advice if your bottle isn't sitting on the base.

First, ensure that the product is unplugged and cool. Remove the glass heat shield. At first glance, the bulb may look too long, but rest assured as the bulb holder contacts are spring-loaded. Locate one end of the bulb on the pin and gently push. The other end of the bulb can then be located on the opposing pin. Finally, refit the glass shield.

The iO giant lava lamp should start working within two to two and a half hours from being switched on. First, the lava will form stalagmite shapes before the liquid lava formations. Please note that new bottles may take longer to heat up (up to three hours), but the time taken is expected to decrease after several uses.

If your big lava lamp does not warm up during this time, please ensure the room temperature is at least 20 degrees. Lava lamps should also be located away from any drafts or air conditioning.

Yes. Mathmos lava lamps are designed to last. Please contact our Customer Service Team here.

Yes. The iO and the Lunar lava lamps use the same bottle. They are interchangeable.

The iO runs best at an ambient temperature between 20C and 25C. Under these circumstances will not need a dimmer.

Sometimes when the ambient temperature is higher, it may be better to run the product with the lamp dimmed. Plug-in dimmers, suitable for halogen lamps, are readily available and can be used with the iO lava lamp.

Ensure that the cap is the correct way around. The two arms should be aligned with the slots in the cap before gently pushing down. Do not force the cap as this could damage your product. See our assembly video here.

Yes. This is an integral safety component of the product.

Yes. This is an essential part of the heating system for the lava.

The iO lava lamp weighs 9.9 kilograms.

The iO lava lamp measures 78 cm (30.7 inches) in height and 24 cm (9.44 inches) in diameter.

Please check that your bulb is working. You can purchase a new bulb here.

You can use a standard Allen key screw of the appropriate size (M4 x 8mm). Alternatively, these are stocked as spare parts here.

Yes. They do vary a little and this can be normal.

Fit the bulb into the product by pushing one end in and springing it into place between the lamp holder contacts. 

Ensure that each end of the bulb is sitting entirely in the lamp holder.

Please find more guidelines for assembling the Saturn product on the product page 'Instructions' tab here.

The Saturn lava lamp should start working within three to three and a half hours after switching it on. First, they will form stalagmite shapes before the liquid lava formations. Please note that new bottles may take longer to heat up, but the time taken is expected to decrease after several uses. If your lava lamp does not warm up during this time, it may be positioned in the wrong place, or the room temperature may be too cold. Mathmos lava lamps should be located away from drafts or air conditioning and at room temperature of 20 to 24 degrees.

The Saturn weighs 24.7 kg in total. The stand and aluminium parts weigh 5.7 kg, and the bottle weighs 19 kg separately. Important: Lifting the bottle is a two-person task. With one person on each side carefully lift the bottle into position.

The Saturn lava lamp measures 152 cm (59.84 inches) in height, 54 cm (21.26 inches) in width, and 48 cm (18.9 inches) in depth. The spread of the legs is 61 cm (24.02 inches) in diameter.

The Saturn lava lamp is fitted with a foot switch; this does not require a large amount of force to operate.

The Saturn is fitted with a 3-metre cable. Important: Ensure the power cable can reach the socket location without being overstretched and does not become a trip hazard.

The slots enable you to fix the product to a surface should the need occur (i.e., in public areas). Please use fixings that are appropriate for the floor surface.

These lamps are currently exempt under the new UK and EU Ecodesign regulations.

Yes. Please perform an independent risk assessment like any other electrical product in a public space.

Please check that your bulb is working. Alternatively, please check the integrity of the fuse located in the plug. If you need further assistance, please contact us here.

First, unplug the product and wait for it to cool completely. With two people, gently lift the bottle off the stand and set it safely to one side. Move the stand to your desired location and re-position the bottle on top. Never drag the product as this can permanently damage the stand or cause this to tip over.

Yes, it is perfectly safe. When the lava lamp is switched ON a live electric current is restored on the circuit, this can occasionally create a small blue flash.

The Mathmos branding is on the leg.

Yes. Mathmos lava lamps are designed to last please buy replacement parts here.

The Rokit, iO and the Lunar use the same bottles and are interchangeable.

The bottle should be cleaned with glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Only use a microfibre cloth to clean the aluminium parts. The silicone slots can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaning products as this can irreparably damage the product.

The Rokit runs best at an ambient temperature between 20 and 25C and under these circumstances will not need a dimmer. Sometimes when the temperature is higher it may be better run the product with the lamp dimmed. Plug-in dimmers suitable for halogen lamps are available and can be used with the product.

Yes, this is an integral safety component of the product.

The Rokit Lava lamp should start working within two to two and a half hours of turning it on. First it will form stalagmite shapes, then they will start to form lava lamp shapes. Please note, new bottles will take longer to heat up (up to three hours), but the heating time will decrease after several uses. As the Rokit use a lower wattage lamp than the iO the lava can perform differently to that model. If your lava lamp does not warm up in this time it may be positioned in the wrong place or the room may be too cold. Lava lamps should be positioned away from drafts and air conditioning. The room should be at least 20 degrees centigrade.

Ensure that the product is unplugged and cool. At first glance, the bulb looks too long for the lamp holder, however, the contacts are spring loaded. Locate one end of the bulb on the pin and gently push, the other end of the lamp can then be located on the other pin. Refit the glass shield.

The Rokit weighs 12 kg.

The Rokit is 66.5 cm (25.79 inches) high and 25 cm (9.84 inches) in diameter.

It is perfectly safe. As the live current makes contact with the other part of the switch it can occasionally create a small blue flash.

These lamps are currently exempt under the new UK and EU Eco Design regulations.

No, only use bottles bought within the last three years. Older bottles may sit too near the candle.

The heat diffuser is found inside the metal cradle part of the base. It ensures even distribution of heat from the tea light to the bottle base.

It is essential to use a heat diffuser with Evo to ensure the best performance and safety of the product.

Please wait 5 hours or more before using Evo. The bottle needs to warm to room temperature before use. A sudden temperature change could cause the bottle to crack.

Please trim the wick of the tea light to 0.5cm and point it upwards before lighting.

Long wicks can occasionally cause flaring of the flame that could affect the bottle.

The bottle will take 45 minutes to 1 hour to flow depending on ambient conditions.

Tealights differ in flame height, heating power and wick length. The larger tealights with a height of 15 mm work best. If you have a lower tea light you could try and raise its height by placing a coin under the tea light.

Only use Telstar or Baby bottles bought from Mathmos in the last two years. Neo bottles have a plastic coating that will melt, and older Telstar and Baby bottles may sit too near the candle.

Yes, but like any unprotected candle, you need a place with no wind.

No, these bottles are not suitable for use with this product.

It can be positioned anywhere however, keep away from flammable objects and do not move when lit.

No, it has only been designed for use with a tealight.

We would not recommend these types of candles for this product.

These are hand pressed from molten glass, so each piece is unique. This is a natural and unavoidable part of the manufacturing process.

Clean the heat diffuser with a lint-free cloth between uses and avoid using chemicals or abrasives. It is normal for the diffuser to discolour over time.

The heat diffuser is located inside the metal cradle in the base to ensure even distribution of heat from the tea light to the bottle base.

It is essential to use a heat diffuser with Astro Flame to ensure the best performance and safety of the product.

The bottle will take 70 to 90 minutes to flow depending on ambient conditions.

Please trim the wick of the tea light to 0.5cm and point it upwards before lighting.

Long wicks can occasionally cause flaring of the flame that could affect the function of the bottle.

Please wait at least 5 hours before using Astro Flame. The bottle needs to warm to room temperature before use to avoid cracking due to sudden temperature changes.

Tealights vary in flame height, heating power, and wick length, with larger tealights at a height of 15 mm performing the best.

Only use Astro bottles purchased in the last three years that have a lipped base. Older bottles may sit too close to the candle. Coated bottles (like frosted or metallic) are also not recommended for use with Astro Flame.

Yes, like any unprotected candle, the Astro Flame should be placed in a wind-free area for best results.

Astro Flame can be placed anywhere, but keep it away from flammable objects and do not move it while it's lit.

Astro Flame is designed for use with a tealight only.

We do not recommend using these types of candles for this product.

Clean the heat diffuser with a lint-free cloth between uses and avoid using chemicals or abrasives. It is normal for the diffuser to discolour over time.

The scale of the focused image achieved will vary depending on the effect. Lava lamp wheels project focused images of up to 4 meters / 13 feet in a dark room. All other wheels will present a crisp, focused image up to 1.5 meters / 4 feet. Please note that a darker environment is required to achieve a larger image.

The Space Projector can be cast onto a ceiling by rotating the body but cannot be angled toward the floor.

No, only one wheel at a time. However, you can use wheels in conjunction with graphic or coloured slides to achieve more possibilities.

No. The Space Projector was designed to be positioned on a flat surface.

No. The Space Projector includes one effect of your choice as standard. You can also purchase alternative effects separately here.

Yes. We offer replacement bulbs, focus bodies, and slide carriers here. For any other part queries please contact our customer service team.

Turn the clear plastic focus body on the front of your Space Projector to adjust the image and focus. Please refer to our video here if unsure.

Run the Space Projector wheel for several days, at least three hours per use, and this should disappear. If this has not helped please read our Faulty Product Returns Advice and contact our Customer Services Team for help with a product within warranty.

Ensure that your Space Projector is positioned on an even surface and is not run for more than 6 hours. If the noise continues and your lamp was purchased from us less than two years ago, please read our Faulty Product Returns Advice.

Firstly, please read through our FAQs to see if your question has been answered. If not, we do offer a two-year warranty on all lamps purchased directly from the Mathmos website. If your product is still covered, you can contact our customer service team for assistance. Please also read our Faulty Product Returns Advice here.

Yes. You can use these in the slide carrier, but please note that this can fade the image over time.