Leaking Spritzer Bottle: Normal or Not?

[KayPT]

Someone who bought the spritzer says (and I saw it as well) it is leaking all around the side of the bottle. Your hand gets covered in oil if you grab it. She thinks it is from releasing the pressure when you are done. It doesn't bother her, but it would really bother me. Is this a normal thing or should I tell her to send it back? I also want one of these, but not if it does that. Thanks.

 

[wadesgirl]

Never had that problem and I have three of them.

 

[pampchefsarah]

I have the old style one, and have owned it for over a year, with absolutely no problems. I've also never heard of this problem. If it's still under warranty, I suggest doing an adjustment.

 

[lesliec]

I have one. I do notice that I have to wash it off every couple of months. I just use dawn and warm water. Anything that is in my kitchen and sits near the stove gets a bit greasy and needs to be washed occasionally, and it may just be from normal cooking. I know what you're talking about, but I wouldn't say it is leaking, it is just a kitchen tool that needs to be cleaned every so often. Mine did come with a second lid, maybe she should try that one if it is a problem.

 

[raebates]

If it's truly leaking, it should be exchanged. If it's simply a little slick or sticky and sits somewhat near the stove it's probably from cooking oils in the air.

 

[babywings76]

Mine is oily on the outside, too. I figured it was the nature of the beast. I thought it was due to the mist and that since it's pumped it was sure to excrete a little oil around the collar and that's what gradually builds up or drips down. I keep mine in a cupboard away from the stove. I release the pressure after each use. So is it not normal then to be oily on the outside? Hmm, maybe I should get a new one then? Mine's a few years old, but has been this way from the beginning.

 

[raebates]

Nope, that's not normal.

 

[babywings76]

I just got this e-mail:Hi Amanda,
I was at Xxxxxx's Pampered Chef party and I ordered the spray bottle for vegetable oil. My question is I pump the bottle before I use it and then I spray, however, it sprays for a little then it goes to a stream rather than spray. Am I doing something wrong? After I am finished using it, I open the cap and release the pressure before I store in cupboard. What do you think I should tell her? Should I double check that she's pumping it enough first? Should I recommend she use the replacement pump that came with it? Is there something wrong w/ hers and she should get a new one? She bought it in November '09.

 

[darlinclem]

I just got this e-mail:

Hi Amanda,
I was at Xxxxxx's Pampered Chef party and I ordered the spray bottle for vegetable oil. My question is I pump the bottle before I use it and then I spray, however, it sprays for a little then it goes to a stream rather than spray. Am I doing something wrong? After I am finished using it, I open the cap and release the pressure before I store in cupboard.

What do you think I should tell her? Should I double check that she's pumping it enough first? Should I recommend she use the replacement pump that came with it? Is there something wrong w/ hers and she should get a new one? She bought it in November '09.

It sounds like it is starting to clog. She isn't releasing the pressure correctly. You need to release the pressure through the nozzle (not the bottle). In order to release the pressure, do it like a spray paint can. Once you are done using it, turn it upside-down in the sink and spray it until the oil is gone. This keeps the oil from building up in the "straw" and clogging it and the nozzle off.

 

[lesliec]

I never realized I was supposed to release it like this. I just clean mine out when it starts doing this, but guess I am doing it wrong.

 

[esavvymom]

It sounds like it is starting to clog. She isn't releasing the pressure correctly. You need to release the pressure through the nozzle (not the bottle). In order to release the pressure, do it like a spray paint can. Once you are done using it, turn it upside-down in the sink and spray it until the oil is gone. This keeps the oil from building up in the "straw" and clogging it and the nozzle off.

It is advisable to release the pressure (I usually just twist the top of the cap, like I"m going to refill it). BUT it sounds like she's just not pumping it enough. If she only gives it a couple of pumps, and then sprays, she didn't give it enough pressure to keep going. I pump mine until there is resistance, and then I can spray much longer before it becomes just a stream.

After quite awhile (for me, more than a year usually), it will eventually not hold pressure or just give a stream, in which case, she'd want to switch to the replacement pump. So I'd ask her to pump it until she feels good resistance (almost like she can't pump it anymore without PUSHING (don't do that though)), and then give that a try.

 

[RMDave]

I love my Spritzer ... but what is the best way to clean it? Wash it in soap and water (spraying so the "straw" gets cleaned out?) I mean, it obviously isn't dishwasher safe.

 

[JulieAnn123]

I have one and it is messy on the outside too at times. I have washed it by hand washing and then squirting the soapy water through the nozzle and then clean rinse water.

 

[RMDave]

I have one and it is messy on the outside too at times. I have washed it by hand washing and then squirting the soapy water through the nozzle and then clean rinse water.

Thanks JulieAnn. It appears that the simple, direct way works the best. I'll give it the old college try.

 

[Dotty]

I always wrap a paper towel around the cap before I release the pressure. That way the little spray of oil is captured by the towel and doesn't stay on the spritzer.

I love my spritzer. I also wash mine the way JulieAnn suggests.