Telstar rocket lava lamp: Black

• How do I fit my Telstar halogen bulb?

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

• How long should it take for my lava lamp to warm up?

  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.

• I've lost the rubber protectors from the bottom of my Telstar. What can I do?

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

• Why is my Telstar lava lamp not lighting up?

  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.

• Why is there a small gap between the base and the bottle?

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

• Why is my bottle not sitting straight in the base?

  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.

• Can I buy replacement parts for my Mathmos lava lamp?

  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.
  

• The replacement bottle I ordered does not fit my lamp. Can I exchange it?

  Please contact Mathmos customer services here.

• Why can I see a metal spring/coil in my lava lamp bottle?

  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.

• What are the differences in quality between a Mathmos lava lamp and others?

  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.

• Why has my lava lamp made strange stalagmite shapes?

  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.

• Why does the colour of my lava lamp look different from the picture?

  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.

• What is Mathmos doing about the halogen bulb phase-out?

  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.

• What is the lifespan of a Mathmos bottle or bulb?

  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.
  

• How long can I leave my lamp switched on?

  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.

• Where is the Mathmos brand on my lava lamp?

  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.

• Why does my lava lamp have specks and bubbles in the glass?

  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.

• Why does my lava lamp bottle leave one large bubble sitting at the top that does not move?

  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.

• Can I buy Mathmos lamps and spares for delivery to the USA or Canada?

  We currently don't supply the USA or Canada. However, a small range of our iconic Mathmos lamps will be available in 2025. To stay in the loop, sign up to our mailing list here.

  
  

  NB. Schylling Inc. owns the "LAVA" trademark in the USA and Canada. Mathmos Ltd is totally independent and not connected to Schylling Inc in any way.

• Why is my lava lamp bottle cloudy?

  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.

• Why has the liquid in my bottle gone clear?

  It is normal for the colour in your bottle to gradually fade over time due to natural exposure to UV light. To prolong the lifespan of the colours, keep your lamp away from direct sunlight, areas with strong natural light, and reflected light.

  If your lamp is still under warranty, and you have followed the instructions, please contact our customer service here. Otherwise, you can purchase a new bottle here.

• Do you offer any colours in addition to what is shown on your website?

  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.

• Does Mathmos offer custom lava lamp bottle colours?

  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.

• Can I buy new liquid for my lamp?

  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.

• Why can I see air bubbles in the lava?

  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.

• Why is there wax sticking to the side of the bottle?

  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.

• Why can I see a foreign object in my new lava lamp bottle?

  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.

• How should I recycle my lava lamp when it reaches the end of its life? (Except Saturn)

  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.

• Has the formulation of Mathmos lava lamps changed?

  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.

• Why does my lava lamp bottle not flow or make lava shapes?

  Check the bulb: Ensure the bulb is working and has the correct wattage.Positioning: Place the lamp away from drafts, air conditioning, or windows. Try moving the lamp to a different position in the room.Room Temperature: Make sure the room temperature is at least 20°C.Warming Up: The lamp may take longer to warm up initially. Run the lamp for 4-6 hours each time.Bulb Type: For older bases, ensure the correct bulb is fitted. Refer to our bulb section here for details.Coil Check: Confirm there is a coil at the bottom of the bottle.

• How can I clean my lava lamp?

  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.

• My lava lamp is faulty. What can I do?

  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.

• Can I buy a new screw cap for my lava lamp bottle?

  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.

• My lava lamp broke on the floor. How do I clean it up?

  Safety First: Carefully pick up any broken glass and dispose of it safely. Wear gloves to protect your hands.Remove Liquid and Lava: Dispose of as much of the liquid and lava as possible. Use a cloth or paper towels to soak up the liquid.Clean the floor: Use cleaning methods appropriate for your floor type to remove any coloured fluid and wax. For specific cleaning techniques, refer to recommendations for your floor material (e.g., tile, carpet, wood).

• How old is my lava lamp?

  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.

• Do you supply replacement lamp holders for my base?

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

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