Choosing the Right Commercial Soap Dispenser for Your Facility

Providing soap in washrooms and kitchen areas is a key part of ensuring proper workplace hygiene. However, with a range of commercial soap dispensers available, how can you choose the best option for your facility?

From capacity to accessibility, our guide is here to provide you with all the information you need to select a soap dispenser that best suits your requirements.

While your choice of soap product is important, the right dispenser also plays a significant role, improving:

• Hygiene levels
• User satisfaction
• Cost-efficiency
• Facility management

What types of commercial soap dispensers are available?

Liquid soap dispensers come in two main forms, each offering pros and cons.

Manual soap dispensers

Manually pushing the base of these soap dispensers releases a pump of liquid soap.  

See our 1L Soap/Sanitiser Dispenser

Pros

• The user can decide how much soap to use
• Cost-effective
• Fast and easy to install
• No power source required

Cons

• Physical contact can pose the risk of bacterial transferral
• Overuse can lead to spillages and wasted product
• Not an accessible choice

Automatic soap dispensers

Placing your hands under these touch-free options triggers a sensor and releases a pump of liquid soap.

See the phs Auto Liquid Soap Dispenser

Pros

• The touch-free design reduces the spread of germs
• Improved accessibility for those with limited mobility
• Releases a controlled amount to reduce waste and mess
• Can be wall-mounted or standalone

Cons

• Require a power source (usually batteries)
• Tend to be more expensive to install
• Can require more maintenance

Bulk fill vs cartridges: What’s the best way to refill commercial soap dispensers?

Another area to consider when choosing the right soap dispenser for your space is how you top it up. 

Bulk fill soap dispensers can be opened up so you can pour liquid soap in. Cartridge dispensers, on the other hand, feature sealed refills that you simply slot into place. Both can be good options, but it’s worth noting that:

• Cartridges are quicker to change when it’s time to refill (there’s also less risk of spillage).
• Bulk fill dispensers provide more freedom over soap choice, whereas cartridges are more limited
• With bulk liquid soap, you can save money over time. Cartridges can be more expensive in the long run.
• Sealed cartridges pose lower contamination risks; opening dispensers to pour soap in can introduce bacteria.

Which soap dispenser is best for your facility?

To make sure you install the most cost-effective and appropriate commercial soap dispensers for your business, we recommend thinking about: 

• Footfall and usage: How many people will be using your facilities, and how often will you need to refill your dispensers? This may inform your decisions on capacity and refill options.
  For more advice on top-up frequency, take a look at our guidance on how often to refill your commercial soap dispenser. 
• Accessibility: Is providing an accessible soap dispenser solution a priority for your business? If so, consider an automatic dispenser.
• Soap choice: Do you want to have a greater choice of liquid soap options? Opting for bulk refill dispensers will facilitate this. 
• Your industry: It is highly recommended that hospitals and other healthcare settings use automatic soap dispensers and single-use cartridges to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.