A displaced heating coil may appear slanted or stand up on its side. This typically happens when the coil becomes encased in the fallen wax as it dries, causing it to rest at an uneven angle. The heating coil’s job is to amplify the heat generated by the internal heating element in the base, which warms the wax from below and helps it melt faster. [2] X Research source

It may still be a good idea to wear gloves or wrap your lava lamp in a thick towel while manipulating it, just in case.

Avoid shaking or jostling the lamp too hard, as this can cause clouding, which is somewhat tougher to fix. The coil is smaller in diameter than bottom of the bottle, so you should have no problem getting it back in its proper position once the wax has warmed up enough to melt partially.

Clouding occurs when trace amounts of oils from the wax begin seeping into the surrounding liquid. This can happen if you shake your lamp or knock it over accidentally. To avoid overturning your lava lamp, situate it in an out-of-the-way spot where you or someone else will be less likely to bump into it.

Be sure to give the wax plenty of time to resettle after the initial burst of heat. If you turn it back on prematurely, you may just end up having to do the whole thing over again. In some cases, turning off the lamp for 24 hours and turning it back on may also take care of the problem. [8] X Research source

Never leave your lava lamp on for more than 8-10 hours at a time. Overheating can present a serious risk of fire. [10] X Research source

While you’re at it, go ahead and unplug your lamp as well to ensure that there’s no power running to it. Make sure that all of the wax is settled at the bottom of the lamp before you continue.

Brace the lamp firmly with your free hand while you work on the top to prevent the liquid inside from sloshing out when it finally pops off.

Don’t shake the lamp up and down, as this could break up the wax. You may need to repeat the rinsing process several times to flush out every last bit of lingering oil residue. Both the liquid and the wax inside a lava lamp are non-toxic, so there’s no need to wear gloves or be overly cautious here. Just be sure to wash your hands afterwards. [15] X Research source

It’s best to use distilled or filtered water for this step, since both types of water tend to be more pure than ordinary tap water. However, tap water will also work if it’s all you have. If you opt to use tap water, be aware that it contains small amounts of chemicals and minerals that may affect the behavior of the wax once you get the lamp going again.

Most lava lamps reach ideal flow temperature in around 2-3 hours, but your lamp may need more or less time, depending on its size, volume, and frequency of use. [18] X Research source The lack of a top won’t affect your lava lamp’s performance. It’s just there to hold the liquid in.

A clear variety of soap will prevent any unexpected and undesired changes to your lamp’s colors.

For this project, you’ll want to use pure, all-natural Epsom salt, without any added colors, fragrances, or essential oils. Steer clear of regular table salts, and any type of iodized salt, for that matter. These will just cause the lamp liquid to become cloudy again. [21] X Research source

You can also use a teaspoon to transfer the salt solution if you don’t happen to have a pipette or drinking straw handy. [23] X Research source This is the most time-consuming step, but also the most important, so have patience and be careful not to overdo it.

Leave your lamp running while the glue dries. Most super glues cure faster when exposed to heat.