Frequently Asked Questions
Lampe Berger Questions & Answers
ABOUT THE LAMPS:
A. My lamp has a flame and I can't smell anything, why?
When you light your lamp, please remember to blow out the flame since the lamp will not do it's job. Putting a flame to the stone is only a process of heating the stone and needs to be blown out after 2 minutes.
B. I lit my lamp and the flame was 4 inches high. Is this normal?
Yes it is. That is why you need to take precautions while the stone is heating. Do not put it close to flammable materials. Once the flame is blown out your lamp does not pose a potential fire risk.
C. How long do I need to run the lamp?
Usually we suggest 20 to 40 minutes or until you are comfortable with the scent. Running your lamp longer will only increase the strength of fragrance. Your lamp will continue to do its work many hours after you have extinguished it.
D. How large of an area does the lamp cover?
This depends on the layout and ventilation of the area you want to fragrance and purify. In general it will do about 1000sq ft in approx. 30 minutes.
Tip: If you have central air, we suggest that you place your lamp near the intake of air. It will do the whole house in no time.
ABOUT THE WICK/BURNER:
Reminder: The first time you light your stone, it will take 5 minutes to burn down!
A. How long will the wick/burner last?
A new wick/burner should last 250 lightings or 1 to 2 years with proper use.
B. My wick burner doesn't stay hot after I've extinguished the flame?
If you've had it for a long time, then it's time to change for a new wick/burner. If your wick/burner is new then you can have a "stubborn" one. The trick is to let the wick/burner dry up completely and go through the installation steps again. After a few times the wick/burner should work fine. If you are still experiencing problems, Lampe Berger does guarantee them and any retailer should exchange the defective wick/burner for a new one. Please note that the defective wick/burner should be returned to the retailer so they can be sent to Lampe Berger France.
C. Do I have to change wicks every time I change fragrances?
Not at all. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess fragrance from the wick before putting it in the new fragrance. Do not rinse your wick burner with water or any other liquid.
D. Do I need to let it sit 20 minutes before I light it?
If it's the first time use, you need to let it sit 20 minutes but if your stone is wet, you can light it with no problem. Your stone will be pale gray when dry and slightly darker when wet.
ABOUT THE FRAGRANCES:
A. Can I mix fragrances?
Yes you can! We do it all the time. Please remember that stronger fragrances will overpower the lighter ones so always put more of the lighter fragrance.
B. What does "Neutral" smell like?
Neutral has no scent. Some people just want to purify and take odors out without any fragrance. Neutral can also be used with other Lampe Berger fragrances to make them softer or tone them down. Neutral is a great spare to have since some fragrances can be a little too strong for some people.
C. How much fragrance should I put in the lamp?
Never fill the lamp more than 2/3 full.
D. Can I use oil lamp or any other oil?
NO!!!!! This can pose a serious fire hazard and can be extremely dangerous. Only Lampe Berger fragrance should be used in the lamps. Please note that Lampe Berger fragrances are alcohol based fragrances, they are not oils.
Laura’s Frequently Asked Questions
What are Effusion lamps? How do they work?
Effusion lamps are decorative fragrance lamps that destroy odors and bacteria in the air while increasing oxygen levels and perfuming your environment and eliminating unwanted odors.
These lamps use a catalytic burner that reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit to combust a special alcohol based liquid fuel. The burning fuel releases molecules into the air that capture and destroy odors while dispersing essential oils.
The Benefits of Effusion Lamps
Effusion lamps purify the air by oxidizing air particles, destroying odors and air borne bacteria. They increase oxygen levels in the air and because they do not have a continuous flame or produce soot they are safer and cleaner than candles. The fuels used in the lamps contain essential oils that are made from natural botanical extracts. These oils perfume the air and provide aromatherapy, as well as having insect repelling properties.
The History of Effusion Lamps
In 1898 a French pharmacist invented the first catalytic combustion effusion lamp while trying to find a process to purify air. These lamps were used by the medical world for their antibacterial powers in hospitals, health facilities, and mortuaries where hygiene was of utmost importance until the mid 1900’s.
Today they are much more decorative than the original versions used in hospitals. Some are made from hand-blown glass and are very collectible. These lamps are now being used to purify air and eliminate odors in homes, offices, and any other environments that people live and work in. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your Effusion lamp, it will keep the air refreshed in your environment for many years.
Why are Effusion lamps better for us than candles or incense?
Because effusion lamps “burn” without an open flame they are much less of a fire hazard in your home. Many homes have been burned to the ground because someone left a candle burning that they forgot to blow out.
Candles also cause black soot to be released into our environment. Black soot is the product of the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Until recently, the source for the black soot in homes was unknown. It is now believed that frequent candle burning is the number one source of black soot. The amount of soot produced can vary greatly from candle to candle. Scented candles are more likely to produce black soot than unscented candles. Black soot can cause property damage over time by blackening walls and surfaces of your home or office.
(Imagine how it must affect your lungs and the air you breathe). Burning candles that have lead wicks cores can result in indoor air concentrations of lead that are above EPA-recommended thresholds and should be recognized as a health concern. Many consumers unknowingly purchase candles containing lead wick cores and repeatedly expose themselves to harmful amounts of lead through regular candle burning. One study also showed high concentrations of acrolein, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde from candle emissions exceeding EPA-recommended thresholds. Also, several studies found associations between exposure to incense smoke and many illnesses, including cancer, asthma, and contact dermatitis. Incense burning was found to be a contributing factor in the occurrence of asthma, and coughing was found to be associated with incense exposure in a study of young children. Also, burning incense produces volatile fragrances that, once airborne, can reach exposed skin, causing dermatitis.
Instructions for Using your Effusion Lamp
Step 1 – Open
Always place your Effusion Lamp on a flat, protected and stable surface. We suggest a plate, glass, marble or stoneware surface.
Do not place directly on Wood or Finished Surface.
Put the Vented Crown and Solid Metal Cap beside your Effusion lamp to avoid misplacement.
Step 2 – Fill
Use the funnel to pour the Effusion Fragrance into the Lamp. Fill the lamp ½ to 2/3 full.
DO NOT OVERFILL – (Your Effusion Lamp will not function properly)
Wipe lamp, carefully, to clean any fragrance spills.
Step 3 – Insert Wick
While holding the Effusion Lamp, insert the Wick Assembly (Burner). It should fit into the collar and be fully seated.
Replace the solid metal cap.
Wait 20 to 30 minutes before lighting. This will allow the Effusion fragrance to saturate the wick & burner. (The Effusion burner stone will appear darkened or wet when saturated.)
Step 4 – Light
Take off the solid metal cap.
Light the Effusion burner using a match or lighter.
Let flame burn for 2-3 minutes. (Flame will be 5-6” in height, then settle to 1-2”.) When the flame reduces the burner has reached the proper temperature. Take a short meditation moment. DO NOT leave the flame unattended.
Blow out the flame. Your Effusion Lamp is now working.
Once the flame has been blown out, replace only the vented crown over the burner. This will protect the burner from being touched. Just put the solid metal cap to the side until you are ready to extinguish your lamp.
Step 5 – Use
Leave the Effusion burner open (on) for as long as you require fragrance to be released. It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to fragrance an average size home. When you are finished place the solid metal cap firmly back on your lamp to extinguish the burner by depriving it of oxygen. Place vented crown back on top of lamp & metal cap until your next use.
Helpful Hints
If you'd like to avoid having to wait 20 minutes for your stone to soak up the fuel before lighting your lamp, try this method:
- Insert
the filling funnel in the neck of the lamp as you would normally do before
filling.
- Hold
the stone portion of the wick assembly in the funnel as you pour Lamp Fuel
over the stone and into your lamp.
- Insert
the wick assembly in your lamp, light the stone, and extinguish after 2
minutes.
Remember that the lamp works after the flame is extinguished. The flame is to heat the stone and needs to be blown out after 2-3 minutes.
The burner should last one to two years or approximately 250 lightings.
The fragrances used to scent catalytic lamp fuels will occasionally build up in the stone wick, clogging the wick and making it a challenge to light or stay lit. There are several easy solutions to this issue:
- Holding
your filled lamp in one hand, tilt it slightly and hold the lighter flame
directly on the stone for a minute or two. This is usually enough to get a
good "glow" going and start the catalytic process.
- Transfer
any unused fuel from your lamp back to the bottle. Replace the wick in
your empty lamp and light it, letting it burn off any fragrance buildup.
Remove the wick and let it dry out completely.
- Use
Wick Cleaner (unscented fuel) to cleanse your stone wick. Fill your lamp
as you normally would with Wick Cleaner and light it. The Wick Cleaner
will help burn off the fragrance buildup in your stone wick.
- Soak
your stone and wick for about 10 minutes in a small bowl of Wick Cleaner.
This helps break down the fragrance that has collected in the stone.
- The
best way to avoid a clogged stone is to fill your lamp with only as much
fuel as you intend to burn at one time and let it burn completely out.
Avoid leaving fuel in the lamp as the fragrance tends to collect in the
stone when the lamp is not burning.
Do not use any other type of lamp fuel that is oil based, only the alcohol based oils that are recommended.
Safety Instructions
- For
adult use only.
- Follow
instructions, carefully. Read ALL warning labels on Effusion fragrance.
- Discontinue
use if any irritation occurs.
- Keep
out of the reach of children and animals at all times.
- Light
Effusion lamp ONLY on a flat stable surface. Glass,
marble, and stoneware plates are recommended.
- DO
NOT PLACE your
lamp on wood or finished surfaces as Effusion fragrance contains alcohol
and will ruin the finish.
- Keep
the lamp and fragrance away from any combustible materials.
- NEVER leave the
open flame unattended.
- NEVER touch the
Effusion burner stone after lighting.
- Blow
out the burner flame before placing the vented crown on the lamp.
- Use
caution when
removing the vented crown (it will be HOT!). Place the crown on a heat
resistant surface.
- Use
the Lamp with Effusion lamp fragrances only.
- These
fragrances were specifically formulated to burn properly with the wick
assembly.
