A soap dispenser is an essential element in any commercial bathroom, ensuring that users have easy access to soap to maintain good hand hygiene and wellbeing. Soap dispensers are typically installed either on the wall or countertop, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different needs – but choosing the right option for your space can be tricky.

Here at Dudley Industries, we understand that getting the right fixtures and fittings for your commercial washroom is a key priority- and that is why we offer a wide selection of options to suit all requirements. Our range of commercial soap dispensers includes a variety of models to guarantee that you find the perfect one for your premises, and they are all designed to be stylish, durable, and easy to maintain. Read on to learn more about the options available, and the key factors to consider when making the right choice for your washroom.

Types of Soap Dispensers

In order to ensure that every customer has the best experience in your commercial washroom, it is important to choose the right type of soap dispenser. The most common types are bulk-fill and cartridge dispensers, each with its own advantages:

Bulk-Fill Dispensers

Bulk-fill, sometimes known as ‘top-up’ dispensers make use of a large reservoir for liquid soaps and hand sanitizer, and they are often connected to the wall or countertop, with a refillable cavity and are usually hand-push or infra-red touch free operated. These models are easy to install and often provide long refill intervals, as large quantities of soap can be held in the unit.

Using bulk-fill dispensers can reduce plastic waste as they are usually filled from larger containers, resulting in less single-use packaging.

The dispensing nozzle is a part of the dispenser as opposed to being part of the refill pouch and so one potential downside is the requirement to occasionally clean the nozzle. However, this is easy to do in between refills by putting some warm water into the reservoir and triggering the pump to wash it through.

Cartridge Dispensers

Cartridge dispensers are another choice for commercial washrooms, as they are easy to install and maintain. As the name suggests, cartridge dispensers are small, sealed containers that contain a pre-measured fill of liquid soap or hand sanitiser. When one cartridge is empty it is replaced by a whole new cartridge. This means that they can be easily replaced without making a mess. These cartridges can offer a range of soap types and formulations, allowing for flexibility in choosing different soaps (foaming, antibacterial, etc.) for specific needs or preferences.

The key downsides to cartridge dispensers is that they tend to be more expensive than bulk-fill dispensers and the cartridges themselves generate plastic waste upon disposal.

Soap Dispensers: Key Factors to Consider

When selecting commercial soap dispensers, there are some key factors to consider to enable you to choose the right model for your establishment:

Nozzle Type

A bulk fill soap dispenser will have a particular type of pump suitable for the soap in the reservoir. Liquid soap pumps release a measured amount of soap per activation.

Whereas a foam pump mixes air to the soap to create foam that expands upon dispensing. It is important to only use foam soap formulations for these pumps.

Using the correct nozzle for the soap helps to avoid waste, mess and reduces the risk of clogging.

Both soap types effectively clean hands, foam soap is often considered to provide better coverage on hands and it can be argued that it uses less soap per handwashing session making it more cost-effective in the long run.

<h3> Capacity

The capacity of the dispenser refers to how much product it can hold at any one time. It is important to select a dispenser that has the right capacity for your needs, as it will determine how often you need to refill the unit. A larger capacity may require less frequent refilling but can be more expensive.

Design

When selecting a soap dispenser for your commercial washroom, it is important to choose one that complements the design of the existing fixtures and fittings.

Behind the Mirror automatic soap dispensers are a popular option - as the name suggests, these are mounted on the wall behind the mirror, and tend to blend in seamlessly with the existing décor for a sleek, minimalist finish, whilst maximising space. Alternatively, you could opt for a countertop model but this may be more visible in the room.

Method of Use

Another key consideration is how your users will interact with the dispenser to get the soap - this is particularly important if you are in an environment that requires strict infection control. For these spaces, a touchless or hands-free dispenser is ideal, helping to reduce contact points. The other popular option is a push cover, which requires users to press a lever or cover to dispense the soap. The best option will depend largely on two elements: the needs of your commercial space and the budget you have available. Unsure which option is right for you? Take a look at our guide to manual vs automatic soap dispensers.

Cost

Cost is a significant factor to consider when selecting a commercial hand soap dispenser, and it is important to offset the upfront cost against the lifespan and long term reliability of the dispenser, as well as the ongoing costs associated with refilling and maintenance (such as cartridge changes).

How We Can Help

Here at Dudley Industries, we understand the needs of commercial spaces and businesses, and offer a range of commercial soap dispensers, designed to meet the needs of any environment. Our expert team can help you select the right model for your business and provide comprehensive advice on installation to ensure that your dispensers are up and running quickly. A 10-year warranty and ongoing product information on the best product care tips are also available, so get in touch with the team today, and let us help you choose the right dispenser for your business.

Alternatively, browse the full range of manual and touch free stainless steel soap dispensers from Dudley Industries.