2025
11 / 05
All About Dispensing Pumps: How to Make Every Press Work Smoothly
The little helper on top of your shampoo, body wash, hand soap, or lotion bottle — Dispensing Pump — is a small design with a lot of thought behind it!
If you’ve ever struggled to get it working the first time, here are a few simple tricks to fix it:
1. Twist counterclockwise to unlock
Most Dispensing Pumps come locked to prevent leaks during shipping. Turn the pump head counterclockwise a few times until it pops up. If it doesn’t move, try pressing down gently while turning — that often helps release the lock.
2. Check if the tube is stuck or misaligned
Sometimes the inner dip tube shifts during transport, making it hard to draw liquid. Unscrew the pump, inspect the tube for bends or disconnection, and reattach it securely before trying again.
3. Clear out dried product inside the pump
If the bottle hasn’t been used for a while, leftover product may have dried up and blocked the nozzle. Remove the pump, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes, and press it a few times to flush it out. For stubborn clogs, use a toothpick or pin to gently clean the outlet.
4. Tap the bottle to release trapped air
Some bottles create a vacuum that prevents the liquid from flowing. Try tapping the bottom of the bottle or turning it upside down and tapping gently to help air circulate and restore pressure.
5. Try another way to use the product
If none of the above works, the pump might be the wrong size or simply broken. You can unscrew the cap and pour the product out directly — or replace the pump with a new one of the same size to avoid wasting the contents.
📣 In summary
A jammed pump is a common but usually fixable issue! With a few easy steps — unlocking, cleaning, adjusting the tube, or tapping the bottle — you can get it working smoothly again. And if all else fails, just open the cap and keep enjoying your product without frustration!