How To Make Glow Sticks Glow Again: 8 Steps (with Pictures)

Home » How To Make Glow Sticks » How To Make Glow Sticks Glow Again: 8 Steps (with Pictures)

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make Glow Sticks Glow Again PDF download Download Article Author Info

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Extending the Glow
    • |
  • Adding a Short Burst of Bright Glow
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 306,689 times. Learn more...

Glow sticks have a short lifespan, and there's only one way to extend it. This works better for some brands of glow sticks than others, and not at all if you're unlucky. Still, it's easy to do, and you can learn how glow sticks work as you try it.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Extending the Glow

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Glow Sticks Glow Again 1 Find a little extra light. Crack the glow stick down every bit of its length. If no light at all appears, your glow stick is completely used up and there's no hope for it. If you can get a tiny bit of light, even just a couple spots, you've got something to work with.
    • The light in a glow stick is caused by a reaction between two chemicals. One is kept inside a glass tube. Cracking the tube breaks the glass and lets the chemicals mix and react.[1]
    • Be gentle. Cracking too hard will break the glow stick and spill glass and goo that can irritate the skin.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Glow Sticks Glow Again 2 Seal the glow stick in a plastic bag. Put the stick in a zip-locked bag. Press out the air from the bag, then seal it. It's unlikely that the glow stick will break during this method, but just in case, this will make it easy to throw away.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Stick the glow stick in a freezer. 3 Stick the glow stick in a freezer. For best results, stick it underneath a lightweight frozen object. This will freeze the liquids inside, preventing them from reacting.[3]
    • Setting your freezer to a colder setting may help as well. Before you do this, be aware that this can cause excessive ice buildup or freeze liquids in an attached refrigerator
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Glow Sticks Glow Again 4 Take it out and shake it. Check on the glow stick after an hour and try shaking it and cracking it. If this doesn't work, return it to the freezer overnight and try again the next day. Most brands of glow sticks will get a little extra glowing time when the liquids inside melt and recombine.[4]
    • Some brands will be quite bright, while others will just stay at the same dim level, but last longer. There's no way to tell what will happen without experimenting.
    • Keep it in the plastic bag while you shake it, just in case it breaks.
    • It can take a little while for the glow stick to warm up and glow again.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Adding a Short Burst of Bright Glow

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Glow Sticks Glow Again 1 Heat a pot of warm water. Heat until the water begins to steam or simmer. Heat speeds up the chemical reaction that causes the glow. By warming the glow stick, you can make it glow brightly for a short time, sometimes up to half an hour.
    • If a glow stick "died" more than a day ago, this will have little to no effect. Once it's used up, it's used up.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Glow Sticks Glow Again 2 Pour the water into a glass jar. A sturdy jar will withstand the heat better than a glass. Find one tall enough to hold most of the glow stick.
    • You can use a mug instead. There's a risk of melting the glow stick, so don't use a nice mug.
  3. Step 3 Let cool (recommended). 3 Let cool (recommended). If your water came to a full boil, definitely wait five minutes for the water to cool. If your water was only steaming, you can go ahead right away, or wait about a minute.
    • The glow stick plastic will melt if the water is too hot. Some brands can withstand boiling water (100ºC / 212ºF), while others may melt in water above 70ºC (158ºF).
    • If using a mug, wait ten minutes for boiling water.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Glow Sticks Glow Again 4 Drop the glow stick in the water. Leave it in for thirty seconds, then pull it out with tongs or rubber gloves. If there's any "oomph" left in the glow stick, it should glow brightly for a short time.
    • Do not put your face over the jar. The glow stick is unlikely to explode, but it's best to be safe and sound.
    • If the glow stick melts, seal the jar in a plastic bag and throw it away. These materials cannot be recycled, and the jar should not be used again.You should throw away the jar to be safe.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I make a glow stick light up? Community Answer Community Answer Grab it and bend it until you hear a cracking noise and see it light up. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 121 Helpful 138
  • Question Does this work if the glow sticks have already stopped working? Community Answer Community Answer Only if there are untainted remnants of both chemicals. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 82 Helpful 120
  • Question My son ate the stuff inside a glow stick. Is that dangerous? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. You should take your son to the hospital immediately. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 84 Helpful 290
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Heat can help restart or boost a glow stick. Try leaving it on a radiator, but don't leave it there for too long. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't melt. You may want to place a towel underneath so it doesn't have direct contact.
  • You can also try putting a glow stick on a light source, like a lamp or a flashlight, for one hour.
  • If you want multiple uses out of the same glow stick, crack it in single, small spots each time.
  • Try to recharge a glow stick by placing it under direct sunlight.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You'll Need

  • Glow stick
  • Freezer

You Might Also Like

Make Glow JarsHow toMake Glow Jars Activate Glow in the Dark Nail PolishHow toActivate Glow in the Dark Nail Polish Make Fairies in a JarHow toMake Fairies in a Jar How toMake Water Glow Make a GlowstickHow toMake a Glowstick Make a Glow in the Dark FluidHow toMake a Glow in the Dark Fluid DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Make a Glow Stick CostumeHow toMake a Glow Stick Costume Make Galaxy Glow in the Dark JarsHow toMake Galaxy Glow in the Dark Jars How toMake Glow in the Dark Cupcakes Get Wax Out of a Jar CandleHow toGet Wax Out of a Jar Candle Make a Frozen BubbleHow toMake a Frozen Bubble Revive Dried Out Markers3 Ways to Fix Your Dried Out Markers Create Cheap Light During a Power CutEasy Hacks to Make Light During a Power Outage Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjWvAuSchRQ
  2. ↑ https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Glow-Sticks-for-website.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjWvAuSchRQ
  4. ↑ https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Glow-Sticks-for-website.pdf

About This Article

Tested by: wikiHow Video Team wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 306,689 times. 13 votes - 54% Co-authors: 17 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 306,689 Categories: Lighting Article SummaryX

To make glow sticks glow again, try freezing them to extend the glow. First, crack the entire length of the glow stick to try and find some light. If the glow stick lights up, even in just one spot, this means you might be able to make it glow again. Then, place the glow stick into a plastic bag, as this will contain any mess if it accidentally breaks. Store the glow stick in the freezer for 1 hour, before removing and checking it. Shake the glow stick and crack it to see if it starts glowing again. If it doesn’t, return it to the freezer overnight and try again in the morning. For more tips on making glow sticks glow again, like how to get a short burst of light using hot water, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German French Indonesian Portuguese Dutch Arabic Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 306,689 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Reyna Gomez

    Reyna Gomez

    Jun 11, 2018

    "Good steps for us to follow easily."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Tested by: wikiHow Video Team 13 votes - 54% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 17 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 306,689 Reyna Gomez

Reyna Gomez

Jun 11, 2018

"Good steps for us to follow easily." Angela Burger

Angela Burger

Mar 22, 2019

"This was fun to do with my family!" Malia

Malia

Sep 7, 2022

"How to re-glow glow sticks." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWould You Survive Season 1 of Squid Game?Would You Survive Season 1 of Squid Game?PlayThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionPlayGhost Hunting GameGhost Hunting GamePlayCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizMemory TestMemory TestTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make Glow JarsHow toMake Glow JarsActivate Glow in the Dark Nail PolishHow toActivate Glow in the Dark Nail PolishMake Fairies in a JarHow toMake Fairies in a JarMake Water GlowHow toMake Water Glow

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?Attractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizKissHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Am I Chopped QuizAm I Chopped Quiz

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Discover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge You10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizHow Vanilla Am I QuizHow Vanilla Am I Quiz

Quizzes & Games

The Impossible QuizThe Impossible QuizTake QuizEmoji TestEmoji TestTake QuizCreative Ability TestCreative Ability TestTake QuizWhat Are the Chances Your Love Will Last?What Are the Chances Your Love Will Last?Take QuizMandela Effect TestMandela Effect TestTake QuizAm I Funny QuizAm I Funny QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Lighting
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --520

Tag » How To Make Glow Sticks