It just has to be kept pliable and close to its original shape i.e. the "closed" section has to be able to stay in a closed position. After time, they tend to get covered in scale and deform. Sometimes it can take 6 months. Sometimes it can be a few years. We put a cup of vegetable oil through our head on a monthly (or more frequent) basis and this tends to work pretty well in keeping the pump lubed and the joker in decent shape. When the pump starts to become difficult to use, out comes the veggie oil bottle.