Don’t let your lava lamp go to waste. If you have a vintage lava lamp that isn’t appreciated, you can easily give it a modern upgrade. Originally invented in the 1960s, these tabletop lamps declined in popularity by the late 1970s, but saw a revival from the ’90s into the early 2000s. They eventually lost their prevalence due to their lack of functionality as a real lamp. However, the novelty factor still stands. If you’re looking to add personality to your decorating scheme with an iconic conversation piece, it’s time to revisit the lava lamp. And if the color of the lamp’s primary liquid (not the wax globules) doesn’t appeal (or has faded), you can upgrade it with a simple hack.

There are a few common problems that can cause your lava lamp to stop functioning correctly. If it was on for more than six hours at a time, the liquid could have overheated. You should never place your lava lamp next to a heater, window, or in a space warmer than 75 degrees. You can also replace the liquid on the inside of your lava lamp. This trick allows you to change or refresh the color of your lava lamp to suit your current space. The first step is to pop off the top and dispose of the liquid. Never pour the liquid down the drain: Instead take it in a sealed container to a hazardous waste disposal site. The next step is to purchase a surfactant like the sodium laureth sulfate SURF from Lava Lab Creations. This helps keep the insides of the glass clean and clear.

Once you have your surfactant, you’ll want to dilute it 50% with distilled water, using just enough to coat the inside of the glass. Then, fill the rest of the empty lamp with regular distilled water. You can also add the coloring of your choice to tint the liquid. If you need new wax, try purchasing the Lava Replacement Wax and dye from Lava Lab Creations. Ordinary paraffin wax will float, so you need a special blend that is weighted for the proper effect. For a Hollywood-approved look, you can decorate your home like the apartment in Big by using blue liquid with white or light green wax.

If your lava lamp appears cloudy after your adjustments, don’t fret. Simply turn it off and let it sit for eight hours until the wax settles completely. Then, turn the lamp on and watch the wax start to soften before switching it off once again. The wax should then cool and settle at the bottom. Once the wax has settled for the second time, turn on your lamp and let it work its magic for 8 to 10 hours. The lamp should then appear as good as new! If you’re searching for savvy pointers for incorporating neon decor into your home, giving your lava lamp new life is a great place to start.