How to Clean Hand Wash and Lotion Dispensers

Quick answer

Clean your hand wash and lotion dispensers every few refills by rinsing the bottle and pump with warm water and mild soap to prevent clogs and keep the mechanism smooth.

Step-by-step care routine

1. Empty the dispenser: Pour any remaining hand wash or lotion into a temporary container or use it up before cleaning. Do not mix old product with new after cleaning. Check the product's texture before reusing; if it smells off or has separated, discard it.
2. Remove the pump and rinse: Unscrew the pump mechanism from the bottle. Run warm water through the pump tube and nozzle for about 10 seconds. Do not submerge the pump fully—water inside the spring can cause rust or poor action. If the pump feels stiff after rinsing, let it air-dry completely before reassembling.
3. Wash the bottle: Fill the bottle with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Swirl gently, then rinse thoroughly. For glass bottles, use a bottle brush to reach the bottom. Avoid soaking the label area if it's paper-based. Rinse until no soap bubbles remain—soap residue can alter the product's scent or consistency.
4. Dry everything fully: Shake off excess water from the pump and bottle. Place them upside down on a clean towel for at least 30 minutes. Do not reassemble while wet—trapped moisture dilutes the product and can breed bacteria. Speed up drying by using a hairdryer on cool setting for 1-2 minutes inside the bottle.
5. Reassemble and refill: Screw the dry pump back onto the dry bottle. Pour in your Apothecary hand wash or lotion. Prime the pump by pressing it a few times until product flows. If it doesn't dispense, check that the dip tube is fully submerged. Write the refill date on the bottle with a dry-erase marker to track freshness.

Product facts

• Hand Wash | Apothecary | 500 mL: The Apothecary Hand Wash is a mild, scented cleansing gel containing natural and organic ingredients with a lightweight formulation and gentle foaming agents. Because the formula is mild, it won't leave heavy residue that clogs the pump, but a quick rinse every few refills still prevents any buildup from the natural oils.

  

• Hand Lotion | Apothecary | 375 mL: The Apothecary Hand Lotion replenishes and hydrates the skin with natural, active ingredients, featuring the collection's signature scent. Lotions contain oils that can thicken near the nozzle over time; cleaning the dispenser ensures the lotion stays smooth and the pump doesn't get sticky.