How to start a lotion pump?

The most frustrating thing about newly purchased skincare products is often the lotion pump that just won't budge. In fact, these pump heads are designed with a special locking mechanism at the factory to prevent leakage.

∎ A Few Tricks to Opening Your Lotion Pump

▪ Mastering the Rotation Technique:

Most lotion pumps are unlocked by rotating them.
Operation: Firmly grasp the threaded neck of the bottle with one hand (holding it still), and with the other hand, grasp the pump head and rotate it forcefully counterclockwise.
Indicator: If you're lucky, after one or two rotations, the pump head will pop up like a small spring, indicating that the lock is released.

▪ Dealing with "Free Spinning":

Sometimes you'll find that the head just spins around without popping up.
Operation: This is usually because the bottle neck isn't tightened properly. First, unscrew the entire pump head from the bottle, wipe the liquid off the tube with a tissue, hold the plastic cap directly above the tube firmly, and then rotate the top head. Once it pops up, screw it back onto the bottle.

▪ Building Internal Pressure (The Rapid Pumping Method):

The lock is open but nothing comes out? Don't worry, there's still air in the tube.
Operation: At this point, you need to be patient and press continuously and quickly. For some large bottles of lotion or particularly thick creams, you may need to press dozens of times to expel the air from the tube and draw the liquid up from the bottom.

▪ Tapping it Upside Down:

If your lotion pump still doesn't work after trying for a while, the liquid inside might be too heavy and not close enough to the suction tube opening.
Operation: Close the lid tightly, turn the bottle upside down, and tap it forcefully a few times on your palm or a soft surface, allowing the cream inside to slide towards the pump head due to gravity. Then turn it right side up and press continuously; this usually successfully "activates" it.

▪ Checking if the Suction Tube is in Place:

If you've tried everything and it still doesn't work, the problem might be inside.
Operation: Open the lid and check to make sure the long plastic suction tube is firmly inserted into the bottom of the pump head. If the tube is detached, no amount of pressing will work.