How to Fix a Salt Lamp That Won't Turn On

If your salt lamp suddenly won't light up, the good news is that it's almost always one of three easily replaceable parts — not the crystal itself, which doesn't wear out. Here's how to troubleshoot it, step by step:

Step 1: Check the bulb first This is the most common cause. Unplug the lead, remove the bulb holder from the wooden base, and check whether the bulb has blown — you'll often see a visibly blackened or broken filament. Replace with a 15W oven bulb (never a standard LED — see our Lamp Buying Guide for why).

Step 2: Check the dimmer switch If the bulb looks fine, check the dimmer switch on the lead. Turn it fully to the brightest setting — sometimes a dimmer left at its lowest point can appear as if the lamp isn't working at all. If turning the dimmer up doesn't help, the switch itself may have failed.

Step 3: Inspect the electrical lead Look along the full length of the cord for any visible damage, fraying, or a loose connection at the plug. A damaged lead is a safety issue as well as a functional one — don't attempt to repair a frayed cord yourself; replace the lead entirely. Buy a new electric lead

Step 4: Test the power source It sounds obvious, but confirm the wall socket itself is working — try plugging in another device to rule out a tripped switch or dead outlet.

Step 5: Check the bulb holder connection Occasionally the bulb holder itself can work loose inside the base. Gently ensure the bulb is screwed in fully and making proper contact.

If none of these fix it If you've worked through all of the above and the lamp still won't light, the issue is most likely the electrical lead or bulb holder rather than the salt crystal itself, both of which are available as replacement parts.

You can find genuine replacement bulbs and electric leads in our accessories range, and our Lamp Buying Guide covers everything else you need to know about caring for your lamp.