Spray bottles are convenient tools that we use in our daily lives, whether for gardening, cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene – spray bottles make our tasks a lot easier. But, no matter how many spray bottles we own, we eventually get stuck in one problem, and that’s when the spray bottle’s nozzle clog. It’s just so annoying when your bottle just stops working. But don’t worry, it’s easy to fix. Some people may discard that clogged spray bottle and buy a new one, but it will undoubtedly cost you a lot of money over the years. In this article, we will show you how to unclog a spray bottle nozzle. Ready for it? Read on!
How Do Spray Bottles Work
Before we go to unclogging a spray bottle nozzle, let us first talk about how a spray bottle works and know why it gets clogged.
A spray bottle is perhaps the best example of basic plumbing principles. The spray bottle head is composed of a few parts: a trigger level, a small pump, a plastic tube, a barrel, and a nozzle. The trigger lever activates the pump that is attached to the plastic tube. This tube draws the fluid from the bottle or the reservoir. Then, the pump forces the liquid down a narrow barrel and a small hole at the gun’s muzzle. This hole is called the nozzle, which focuses the liquid on forming a concentrated stream.
The spray bottle has a piston that is located inside a cylinder, which also has a small spring. The trigger should be pulled back for it to work. Doing so compresses the spring. When the trigger is released, the piston is pushed back out of the cylinder. This movement of the piston constitutes the entire pump cycle.
Now, why do the nozzles clog? Mostly, the reason why the nozzles of your spray bottles clog is because of the fluid it pumps. Sometimes, these fluids have sticky chemicals or components that will eventually get stuck on the tube or the nozzle. At times, your spray bottle isn’t working correctly because of a faulty spring or its other parts.
Tips On How To Unclog A Spray Bottle Nozzle
1.Unblock the Nozzle – if the fluid in your spray bottle has oil or has something that can harden, like a hairspray, you must clean the nozzle periodically. Turn the nozzle cap counterclockwise to unscrew it, then try to spray it. Make sure that the nozzle isn’t just too tight. If it is not, unscrew and remove the cap. Hold the cap under hot, running water. Doing so may remove the blockage. Put the parts together and try spraying.
2.Water and Vinegar Solution – this is also a common method on how to unclog a spray bottle nozzle. Fill a small container with 50% water and 50% vinegar (or alcohol). Put the spray nozzle in the mixture and leave it there for five to ten minutes. Check the hose for the nozzle and the bottle and make sure that there aren’t any chunks inside that can cause clogging. Then, rinse it with water, wipe it dry, and put the parts together. Then spray. This method is ideal if your bottle contains fluids like hairspray. If the blockage is severe, soak the entire sprayer in the mixture. If you have soaked the spray nozzle for more than 30 minutes, the damage could be another thing, and you may need to buy a new spray bottle.
3.Fix or Replace the Spring – another way on how to unclog a spray bottle nozzle is to check the spring. When the piston does not retract every time you put it, the reason could be a broken or missing spring. Check the spring. If it is accessible, make sure that it is placed in the right position. If you see that the spring is loose, find a replacement. You can usually buy one at a hardware store. If there is no way for you to access the spring or the piston, you will have to buy a new bottle of spray.
Conclusion
Knowing how to unclog a spray bottle nozzle can be very useful for you, especially when you own and use many spray bottles. It would be such a waste to throw away something that can still work correctly. Keep those tips and mind, and the next time your spray bottle gets stuck, you’ll know what to do. Find out more about spray bottles here!