Firstly, I am so stoked with the foaming bottles I’ve found! More details here. They are made from PET plastic (and safe to use with essential oils when properly diluted – as all of the TILP foaming recipes are!), they have a lifespan of at least 2 years when used correctly, and the foam they dispense is thick and luscious!
I sold thousands and thousands of these bottles when our online store was operating, and only have I ever had half-a-dozen issues arise. Occasionally a bottle will be faulty, I can’t deny that. BUT, most often, they just need some maintenance, and users need guidance. If you happen to be one of those with a sticking or ineffective pump, read on for some helpful tips.
TIPS
Follow the recipe
These foaming pumps work by mixing liquid-thin soap (I use castile soap) and air, and turning it into foam. Always follow the correct dilution rates as suggested in my recipes. Note that using extra castile soap will not produce a thicker foam, it will only clog your mechanism faster, causing it to ‘stick’.
Don’t use your pump under running water or overfill bottles
If water gets into the air chamber it may cause the pump to fail.
Don’t seal the bottle too tightly
This may affect performance, and you’ll start seeing the actual bottle creating suction. Loosen lid and continue using.
Keep your pump active
If you don’t use your foaming pump frequently enough, any soap trapped in the mechanism can dry and cause the pump to stick or fail.
Try flushing the pump in fresh water
Just remove the pump top and place in a glass of water. Keep pressing until clear water is being dispersed. Then try again with your bottle.
Don’t use additives beyond TILP recipe suggestions
There is a little mesh screen inside your pump that allows the soap and air to mix, creating foam. These holes are so super tiny, and they can clog easily. Therefore, adding thickeners, glitter, micas, powdered colouring etc, will cause your mechanism to fail.
Try turning the bottle upside down and pumping.
I’ve heard some manufacturers recommend this.
As a last resort, pull the pump apart and clean (I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU DON’T DO THIS!)
In my 5 years using foaming pump bottles I have NEVER had to do this. But if you insist, go for it. Note that it takes some force, and will come apart into about 6 pieces, and it’s not easy to put back together. I advise taking multiple photos to assist you during reassembly. Please only pull your pump mechanism apart if you’re comfortable in doing so, and confident you can put it back together. TILP takes no responsibility for pumps that are damaged due to manual tampering.
Good luck and happy foaming!
