How to unlock and prime Dish PumpUpdated 3 days ago
TL;DR: Dish Pump ships sealed for transit. Hold the bottle firmly, grip the pump head, then twist the two apart in opposite directions until the head lifts. Press a few times to prime it before first use.
How do I unlock Dish Pump?
✓ Three moves
Hold the bottle firmly with one hand, gripping the neck for leverage.
With your other hand, grip the wider collar just below the pump head.
Twist the two parts apart in opposite directions while pulling gently upward, until the head lifts.
⚠ If it spins without lifting
Keep twisting and give it a firmer upward pull. Check you are twisting the pump head itself, not the whole bottle. This is the transit seal releasing, not a fault.
✓ It is sealed on purpose
The seal stops Dishwashing Liquid leaking in transit. Every new bottle needs this one-off unlock before first use.
How do I prime it on first use?
✓ How to prime
Once the pump head is raised, press down a few times until liquid begins dispensing. The first few presses may be dry while the dispenser draws product up the straw.
⚠ Open but not dispensing
Keep pressing to prime it fully. If it is still not drawing after a dozen or so presses, check the bottle is not empty and that the straw reaches the bottom.
✓ Once it is running
Each press delivers about 4 ml. See How much liquid comes out with each pump? for dosing, and How do I maintain Dish Pump? for cleaning and unclogging.
Reusable pump bottle for Dishwashing Liquid. 500 ml capacity, around 3,000 presses.
New at Koh?
Dish Starter Kit pairs Dishwashing Liquid with Dish Pump and everything else you need to get started.
Last reviewed: August 2026 · Koh UK