Solutions for Lotion Pump Heads That Won't Spring Back Up After Pressing:
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Is the pump head tightened? Misalignment between the bottle's threads and the pump head base can cause air leaks. Retighten until you hear a "click."
Is there still lotion in the bottle? If the lotion level is below the straw opening, the pump head may suck up empty liquid. Tilt the bottle to submerge the straw before pressing again.
Soak the nozzle in warm water: Remove the pump head and soak the nozzle in hot water for 1 minute to dissolve dried lotion (Don't boil! It will deform the plastic).
Slightly rotate left and right: Pinch the pump head with your fingers and rotate it left and right 5 times, like turning a volume knob, to loosen the internal piston.
Tap the bottom of the bottle three times: When the lotion settles to the bottom, tap the bottom of the bottle with your palm to allow the liquid to flow into the straw.
Inverted Press Method: Turn the bottle upside down and press the pump head firmly 2-3 times. Gravity will help the spring return to its original position. Disassemble and dry: If previously washed, disassemble the spring and wipe dry (wet springs rust quickly).
| Problem | Fix | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|
| Pump won't press down | Poke nozzle hole with toothpick + blow air to clear | Never use needles – cracks the nozzle! |
| Crooked/jammed pump head | Lift off, realign with bottle neck, reinstall | Check bottle neck for cracks first |
| Squeaky/rusty spring | Add 1 drop cooking oil to spring | Wipe excess oil afterward |
