08 September 2023
1. Soap contamination
First and foremost, refillable dispenser bottles and bulk fill soap reservoirs are particularly prone to bacterial contamination due to their open protocol and placement in public washrooms, creating an optimal breeding ground for bacteria.
The need to open and expose a commercial refillable soap dispenser to air during replenishment introduces a vulnerability, allowing bacteria and foreign particles from the surrounding air to infiltrate the soap bottle.
The frequent handling of a commercial refillable soap dispenser during a top up, especially with hands that may not be thoroughly clean, can also transfer bacteria onto the reservoir’s surface. Residue buildup from soap and water, and inadequate cleaning further contribute to bacterial growth.
2. Users falling ill
An inadequately cleaned commercial refillable soap dispenser can lead to users falling ill due to soap contamination.
Washing hands with contaminated soap can result in skin problems like rashes, irritation, dryness, and increased skin sensitivity. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to infected soap with Gram-negative bacilli, which are bacteria known for causing infections and commonly found in healthcare settings, can lead to various health issues. These may include symptoms such as fever, redness, swelling, and general discomfort.
3. Soap dispenser failure
Another consequence of soap contamination is a soap dispenser’s internal mechanisms can be compromised as the soap congeals. This leads to problems like clogs, malfunctioning pumps, and a general decline in performance – all stemming from soap contamination within a commercial refillable soap dispenser reservoir.
4. Higher maintenance and labour costs
The consequences of a faulty commercial refillable soap dispenser leads to higher maintenance costs due to labour intensive cleaning, potential parts replacement, specialised cleaning agents, downtime, and adherence to safety protocols.
Complex soap dispenser designs or automatic soap dispensers can also contribute to additional expenses due to their intricate mechanisms, advanced technology, and special maintenance requirements.
5. Commercial soap dispenser replacement costs
When a soap dispenser fails to the point where it needs to be replaced due to issues stemming from bacterial contamination and other factors, it can lead to significant repercussions and increased expenses.
You are left not only footing the bill for new soap dispensers but also juggling installation hassles and operational disruptions. It is a costly cycle that continues to revolve, stemming from soap contamination within a commercial refillable soap dispenser and the absence of a proper maintenance or cleaning regimen.
How to prevent soap dispensers from failing
Understanding the proper way to refill commercial soap dispensers is important. It helps avoid bulk fill soap dispenser issues and keeps your washroom in line with WELL Building Standards.
While the likelihood of liquid or foaming soap becoming contaminated in a commercial refillable soap dispenser system is high, there remains a possibility to reduce this risk. This involves facility teams and janitorial service providers taking on the responsibility of ensuring regular maintenance and upholding proper cleaning practices.
Learn more about soap dispenser maintenance and how to refill soap dispenser reservoirs effectively.
Choose a soap system that is right for your washroom
Before finalising your decision, it is a good idea to think about the potential risks associated with a commercial refillable soap dispenser, particularly after project handover, as well as the potential consequences resulting from the bacteria in refillable soap dispensers.
The initial cost of a commercial refillable soap dispenser might align better with your budget. However, if such issues do arise, you could potentially face a costly exercise involving soap dispenser and reservoir replacements or repairs, along with significant maintenance and cleaning expenses. There is even the possibility of needing to replace the entire soap system, a situation we have observed in numerous washroom projects.
If you need help choosing the right soap dispenser, soap reservoir, or multifeed system dispensers for your washroom or need advice on commercial soap dispenser refill solutions, our experienced washroom consultants are here to assist. They can give you guidance to reduce the risk of soap contamination and help you with this situation before it becomes a significant problem.
