Can the plastic pump head be left in the sun to dry?

Whether the plastic pump head can be dried in sunlight requires a comprehensive judgment based on the material characteristics and safety of use. The following are key considerations:

1. Risk of damage to plastics caused by ultraviolet radiation
Accelerated aging: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can degrade most plastic molecular structures, and long-term exposure can cause the pump head housing to become brittle and crack, shortening its service life.
Deformation risk: Black or dark pump heads have strong heat absorption, and exposure to sunlight in summer may soften and deform (especially thin-walled components), affecting sealing performance.

2. Key components are affected by heat
Sealing ring failure: Rubber/silicone sealing rings are prone to shrinkage and hardening when exposed to high temperatures, leading to loss of elasticity and causing leakage (after drying and reinstalling, leakage occurs).
Decreased spring performance: Metal springs may experience reduced rebound force under sustained high temperatures, resulting in the inability to reset after pressing.

3. Residual liquid secondary reaction
Breeding bacteria: Unclean organic residues (such as lotion and sugar) accelerate the fermentation in hot and humid environment, and may still leave odor after exposure.
Water stains: Scale in hard water areas is more likely to adhere to the inner wall of pipes after sunlight evaporation, forming a white scale layer that blocks the passage.

4. Safe alternative drying solution
Ventilation and shade drying: After disassembly, the components should be placed in a well ventilated indoor area (such as a window without direct sunlight), which can usually be completely dried within 24 hours.
Physical moisture absorption: Wipe the sealing ring groove, suction tube inner wall and other dead corners with a cotton swab, and then blow off the water droplets with a compressed air cylinder.
Do not dry: Drying with a hair dryer or radiator can cause local overheating and deformation.