How to fix a clogged lotion pump?

Practical Methods for Unclogging Lotion Pumps

1. Simple Unclogging (Mild Clogs)

Hot Water Rinse Nozzle: Remove the pump head and rinse the nozzle with freshly boiled water for 10 seconds (do not boil!) to dissolve dried lotion.
Toothpick Rotation: Gently screw a toothpick tip into the nozzle to remove any clumps of lotion (do not insert too deeply!).
Air Press Method: Reinstall the pump head and press quickly 15 times to clear the blockage.
■ Suitable for: Slower dispensing due to thickened lotion

2. Deep Cleaning (Stubborn Clumps)

Clogged Location | Operation | Tools
Nozzle Orifice | Soak in white vinegar + water (1:2) for 30 minutes | Small bowl
Inner wall of straw | Use a thin wire to hook out fibrous material | Straighten a paperclip
Piston Gap | Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the sealing ring groove | Pointed cotton swab
Note:
■ Do not soak the spring in liquid! Dry to prevent rust
■ Do not use strong acids on plastic parts (bleach will make them brittle)

3. Emergency Techniques (When tools are unavailable)

Inverted Hot Compress Method: Invert the bottle, wrap the pump head with a hot towel for 5 minutes, and press after the lotion has melted.
Tapping the Bottom of the Bottle: Tap the bottom of the bottle 3 times with your palm to dislodge any clumps at the straw opening.
Changing the Straw Direction: Rotate the straw 180 degrees (from the top to the bottom) to avoid the blockage point.

4. Preventing Secondary Blockage

Monthly Maintenance: Wipe the nozzle clean of any residual cream with a damp paper towel.
Long-Term Storage: If the product has not been used for more than one month, press the pump head 5 times before use.
Formula Compatibility: Do not use the pump bottle for exfoliating scrubs containing granules; use a wide-mouth jar instead.