{"id":4587,"date":"2024-10-13T16:26:25","date_gmt":"2024-10-13T16:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/?p=4587"},"modified":"2026-01-17T14:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T14:21:22","slug":"10-everyday-items-you-didnt-know-glow-under-black-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/2024\/10\/13\/10-everyday-items-you-didnt-know-glow-under-black-light\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Everyday Items You Didn\u2019t Know Glow Under Black Light"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/product\/uv-reactive-led-noodle-headband-flashing-dreads\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/black-light-feauxton-led-light-key-rings1.jpg\" alt=\"Black Light Feauxton Led Light Key Rings\" class=\"wp-image-4539\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/black-light-feauxton-led-light-key-rings1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/black-light-feauxton-led-light-key-rings1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/black-light-feauxton-led-light-key-rings1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/black-light-feauxton-led-light-key-rings1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/black-light-feauxton-led-light-key-rings1-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/product\/black-light-feauxton-led-light-key-rings\/\">Black Light Feauxton Led Light Key Rings<br>As low as $0.60 Bulk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fcb90017\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">What Colors Glow Under Black Light?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e676865ded09e25f37156bcf37dcd70d\">Blue \u2014 from laundry detergent &amp; tonic water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-vivid-green-cyan-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4bbca9ab673fd9f6c3815464fd957a79\">Green \u2014 from fluorescing minerals &amp; highlighter ink<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8ba5f2baf52546f35e75cdfd5e553159\">White \u2014 bright whites glow strongly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-luminous-vivid-amber-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ab73b4661b1dcbc788bc742420ce5f33\">Yellow\/Orange \u2014 from some plastics &amp; optical brighteners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10 Everyday Items You Didn\u2019t Know Glow Under Black Light<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Black lights (also known as UV lights) are often associated with nightclubs, forensic investigations, and art shows, but their use goes far beyond these environments. When exposed to UV light, certain substances <strong>absorb ultraviolet energy and re-emit it as visible light<\/strong>, creating an eerie glowing effect. What makes UV light fascinating is that it can reveal things that are <strong>invisible under normal lighting conditions<\/strong>\u2014from hidden stains to chemical residues to unexpected fluorescent items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog, we\u2019ll explore <strong>10 everyday items<\/strong> you probably have at home or encounter regularly that <strong>glow unexpectedly under black light<\/strong>. Whether you want to explore the science behind fluorescence, check out cool party tricks, or experiment with UV light detection, these objects will surprise you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/product\/uv-reactive-led-noodle-headband-flashing-dreads\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LED-Flashing-Noodle-Dreads-Headband-Neon-Model1.jpeg\" alt=\"Led Flashing Noodle Dreads Headband Neon Model[1]\" class=\"wp-image-4588\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LED-Flashing-Noodle-Dreads-Headband-Neon-Model1.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LED-Flashing-Noodle-Dreads-Headband-Neon-Model1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LED-Flashing-Noodle-Dreads-Headband-Neon-Model1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LED-Flashing-Noodle-Dreads-Headband-Neon-Model1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LED-Flashing-Noodle-Dreads-Headband-Neon-Model1-600x600.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">UV Reactive LED Noodle Headband Flashing Dreads\n$4.99<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Tonic Water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve probably enjoyed tonic water in cocktails or soda, but did you know it <strong>glows bright blue under black light<\/strong>? The glow comes from <strong>quinine<\/strong>, a bitter compound added to tonic water. Quinine absorbs UV light and emits it as a vibrant blue fluorescence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Try it out<\/strong>: Pour tonic water into a glass and shine a black light over it. For extra fun, freeze it into glowing ice cubes for your next party!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Laundry Detergent and Whitening Agents<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many laundry detergents contain <strong>optical brighteners<\/strong>, which are chemicals designed to make clothes look whiter and brighter. These agents absorb UV light and re-emit it as blue light, which gives clothing a cleaner, crisper appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fun experiment<\/strong>: Shine a black light on freshly washed clothes or detergent powder, and you\u2019ll see the hidden glow! Some bleaches and fabric softeners also fluoresce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Highlighters and Fluorescent Markers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever used highlighters to emphasize notes, you might have noticed that the ink looks especially vibrant under black light. This is because most highlighters contain <strong>fluorescent dyes<\/strong> that glow brilliantly in UV light, especially yellow, pink, and green colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Classroom trick<\/strong>: Write secret messages using highlighters, then use a black light to reveal them!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Toothpaste with Whitening Properties<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain types of toothpaste, especially those labeled as <strong>whitening<\/strong>, contain compounds like <strong>titanium dioxide<\/strong> or <strong>optical brighteners<\/strong> that fluoresce under UV light. This property helps whiten teeth by reflecting light more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Test it out<\/strong>: Apply a dab of whitening toothpaste on a surface, shine a black light on it, and watch it glow a brilliant white or blue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Vitamin B-12 Pills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a bottle of <strong>Vitamin B-12<\/strong> pills lying around, you\u2019re in for a surprise\u2014this vitamin glows bright yellow under black light! The fluorescence is due to the molecular structure of <strong>cyanocobalamin<\/strong>, the active form of B-12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Experiment idea<\/strong>: Crush a small pill in water and shine UV light over the solution to see it glow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Paper Money and Security Features on IDs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many types of <strong>paper currency<\/strong> include UV-reactive security threads to prevent counterfeiting. For example, U.S. dollars contain threads that glow green, blue, or yellow under UV light. Similarly, <strong>passports and driver&#8217;s licenses<\/strong> also have hidden UV features embedded in their designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Try it yourself<\/strong>: Place a banknote or your ID card under a black light to reveal hidden patterns and threads.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Jellyfish and Other Marine Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nature offers some of the most stunning examples of fluorescence. Certain <strong>jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones<\/strong> glow under UV light, thanks to proteins that fluoresce. Marine biologists use black lights to study these animals&#8217; behavior and health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bonus fact<\/strong>: Some fish in pet stores, known as <strong>GloFish<\/strong>, are genetically modified to glow under black light, making them a fun addition to UV-lit aquariums.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Scorpions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Believe it or not, most species of <strong>scorpions<\/strong> fluoresce a bright blue-green color under black light. This glowing property is caused by certain compounds in their exoskeletons, though scientists are still studying the evolutionary purpose of this phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Safety note<\/strong>: If you\u2019re camping or hiking, bring a UV flashlight along to check for scorpions at night!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Banana Peels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A banana peel glows <strong>blue under UV light<\/strong> once the fruit starts to ripen. This fluorescence occurs due to the breakdown of <strong>chlorophyll<\/strong> in the peel, producing compounds that react to UV light. Though invisible to us in normal light, insects such as fruit flies may use this glow to locate ripe bananas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fun fact<\/strong>: This UV glow fades as the banana becomes overripe, offering an indicator of the fruit\u2019s freshness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Petroleum jelly, such as <strong>Vaseline<\/strong>, has a strong <strong>bluish-white glow under black light<\/strong>. This effect occurs because the hydrocarbons in petroleum jelly fluoresce under UV exposure. This same property is also seen in some skincare products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DIY glow experiment<\/strong>: Coat a small object with Vaseline and shine a black light on it for a glowing effect. You can also use Vaseline to write invisible messages that glow under UV light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bonus: Other Fluorescent Surprises<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Eggshells<\/strong>: Some eggshells glow under UV light due to calcium deposits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Butter and Honey<\/strong>: Certain organic compounds in dairy products and honey glow faintly under UV light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hot Sauce<\/strong>: Some brands of hot sauce contain fluorescent compounds like capsaicin, giving them a red or orange glow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tattoos with UV Ink<\/strong>: Certain tattoo inks are designed to glow only under black light, creating hidden body art that\u2019s perfect for UV-lit environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Explore the World of Fluorescence at Home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If this list has piqued your curiosity, here are some tips to start your own <strong>UV light exploration<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Get a UV Flashlight or Black Light<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Handheld UV flashlights are affordable and easy to find. Choose one with <strong>365nm or 395nm wavelengths<\/strong> for optimal results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Create a UV Treasure Hunt<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use invisible ink pens or Vaseline to create hidden messages or clues for a fun treasure hunt. Participants can use black lights to reveal the hidden information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Check for Scorpions or Bugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live in a region with <strong>scorpions<\/strong> or other insects, take a UV flashlight outside at night to see if you can spot any glowing critters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Test Everyday Objects in Your Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grab a UV flashlight and explore your home for unexpected fluorescence. You might be surprised by the things that glow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Safety Precautions for Using UV Lights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While UV light is generally safe for occasional use, it\u2019s important to take a few precautions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Avoid direct exposure<\/strong> to your eyes and skin for extended periods. Wear UV-protective glasses if using UV lights for long periods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep UV lights away from children<\/strong> and pets to prevent accidental exposure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use UV lights in <strong>a dark environment<\/strong> to maximize fluorescence visibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion: Discover the Hidden Glow Around You<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From the <strong>chemicals in laundry detergent<\/strong> to the glowing properties of <strong>bananas and jellyfish<\/strong>, UV light reveals a hidden world that goes unnoticed under regular lighting. With a simple black light or UV flashlight, you can explore these fascinating phenomena firsthand. Whether you\u2019re looking to impress friends with glowing tonic water at a party or explore the forensic side of UV detection, these everyday items offer an <strong>easy way to experiment with fluorescence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So grab a UV flashlight, dim the lights, and start your adventure\u2014you never know what surprises might be hiding in plain sight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to understand the science behind why these things glow? See <a href=\"\/blinkeeblog\/2024\/10\/13\/uv-light-vs-black-light-whats-the-difference-and-why-it-matters\/\">Black Light vs UV Light<\/a> for the differences and how black lights work.<\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Colors Glow Under Black Light? 10 Everyday Items You Didn\u2019t Know Glow Under Black Light Black lights (also known as UV lights) are often associated with nightclubs, forensic investigations, and art shows, but their use goes far beyond these environments. When exposed to UV light, certain substances absorb ultraviolet energy and re-emit it as [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4588,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Black lights (also known as UV lights) are often associated with nightclubs, forensic investigations, and art shows","facebook_image":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LED-Flashing-Noodle-Dreads-Headband-Neon-Model1.jpeg","twitter_image":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LED-Flashing-Noodle-Dreads-Headband-Neon-Model1.jpeg","title":"10 Everyday Items You Didn\u2019t Know Glow Under Black Light"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4587","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ultraviolet-blacklight","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4587"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4587\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4661,"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4587\/revisions\/4661"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4587"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4587"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blinkee.com\/blinkeeblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}