Glow sticks have a short lifespan and there is only one way to extend their life. This method may work better for some brands of glow sticks than others or may not work at all if you are unlucky. But it's still easy to do and you can learn how the glow stick works when you try it.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Extending the Light
Step 1. Look for the remaining light
Break each part of the light stick to find the remaining light. If no light appears, your glow stick is completely depleted and there is no hope of rekindling. If you can get some light even if only at a certain point, you can make it come back on.
- The glow from the glow stick is caused by the reaction of two chemicals. Breaking the glow stick will crack the glass so the two chemicals mix and cause a reaction.
- Just slowly. Breaking the glow stick too hard will cause it to break and spill liquid which can irritate the skin.
Step 2. Wrap the glow stick in a plastic bag
Place the glow stick in a plastic bag then blow out all the air in the bag and seal it tightly. The glow stick will not be damaged when you do this. But if it is damaged it will be easier to throw it away.
Step 3. Place the glow stick in the freezer
For best results place the glow stick under a light object. This will freeze the liquid inside and prevent a chemical reaction.
Setting the freezer to a cooler setting can help. Before you do this, remember that this can create excess ice in the freezer
Step 4. Take out the glow stick then shake it
Check the glow sticks every hour and try to shake and break them. If this doesn't work, put it back in the freezer and try again the next day. Most brands of glow sticks will shine a little longer when the liquid inside melts and ignites.
- Some brands will be bright enough while others will only glow dimly, but last longer. There's no way to know what's going to happen without experimenting.
- Put the glow stick in the plastic bag while you shake it just in case the liquid in the glow stick spills out.
- This method may take a little time.
Method 2 of 2: Adding a Little Light
Step 1. Heat water in a saucepan
Heat until the water begins to evaporate or boil. The heat will speed up the chemical reaction that causes the glow stick to glow. By heating the glow stick, you can make it glow brightly for up to half an hour.
This method will not work if the light stick is not on for more than a day
Step 2. Pour the water into the jar
Jars will retain heat better than glass. Use a jar that is tall enough to fit the glow stick.
You can use a cup instead. There is a risk that the glow stick will melt so don't use a good cup
Step 3. Allow to cool (recommended)
If the water you are using is boiling water, wait five minutes for the water to cool. If you use warm water you can either use the glow stick right away or wait for a minute.
- Plastic glow sticks will melt if the water is too hot. Some brands can withstand boiling water (100 C), while others may melt in water above 70 C.
- If you're using a cup, let the water boil for ten minutes before pouring it into the cup so it doesn't crack.
Step 4. Put the glow stick in the water
Leave it for thirty seconds then remove it with tongs or rubber gloves. If there are blobs left on the glow stick, the blob will glow for a short time.
- Don't put your face on the jar. The glow stick won't explode, but it's good to be careful.
- If the glow stick melts, store the jar in a plastic bag and throw it away. These materials are not recyclable and the jars should never be used again.
