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Every soap dispenser manufacturer has their own recommendations with regards to the correct soap to use in their product.
We work closely with all of our suppliers to ensure that we can offer the best technical advice to guide our customers on the correct type of soap to use.
Types of soap dispenser
There are several different types of soap dispensers commonly used in commercial washrooms. From wall-mounted pump operated dispensers, to automatic soap dispensers controlled by a sensor, you have several options available, allowing you to get the finish and function you desire. You may choose to go for behind mirror soap dispensers, which are concealed from view, giving a very sharp, clean aesthetic. On the other hand, you may choose low profile counter mounted soap dispensing spouts which are fed from a large vat of liquid hand soap which is stored underneath the vanity unit.
Among all these soap dispenser options, you’ll also need to choose between liquid soap and foam soap. It’s important to know what kind of soap your dispensers are designed for, or you could run into trouble…
The difference between liquid soap and foam soap
Foam and liquid soap are not interchangeable in your dispenser and it’s important to differentiate the two. The easiest way to do this is to concentrate on what kind of soap is eventually delivered into a user’s hands as both soaps start off in much the same way.
Foam soap actually comes in liquid form and is only aerated in the pump, delivering a classically foamed soap to the user. You’ll often see it referred to as ‘liquid foaming soap’ and the key is ensuring that the word foam or foaming is in the product description.
How damage can occur.
As already mentioned, you can’t put liquid soap in a foam dispenser, nor foaming soap in a liquid soap dispenser. Using soap outside of the manufacturer's recommendations will void the warranty on the unit and will most likely cause damage to the internal mechanism, particularly in stainless steel and brass body soap dispensers.
You should avoid using harsh chemical disinfectants, antibacterial agents (not conforming to accepted specifications) or alcohol-based hand rubs in commercial soap dispensers regardless of whether they are stainless steel, brass, or plastic dispensers. These types of soap will destroy the rubber sealing gaskets in the soap pump causing the spout or body of the unit to leak even after short-term use. Should you wish to dispense soaps containing any of these ingredients please contact us for a quote on a specialist unit that will be suitable.
Abrasive and/or aggressive soaps with acid content will also damage the body of stainless steel soap dispensers. This should be kept in mind when using cleaning products to maintain your soap dispensers. Such products may dull the appearance of the fixture or fitting and even cause discolouration that is similar in appearance to rust. For further information on cleaning your stainless steel accessories please visit our blog, What products should I use to clean my stainless steel washroom dispensers?
