Soap dispenser maintenance: cleaning, filling and the right soap
- , Through Inge | Bath&Living
- 7 min read
A reusable soap dispenser is a good idea for the environment. No more buying endless plastic soap dispensers, but a large one. refill pack with which you can refill your luxury soap dispenser multiple times. In terms of home decor, a refillable soap pump also does a lot of good, because you can choose a designer soap dispenser that beautifully complements your personal style and interior.
Especially when you invest a bit in a luxury soap dispenser, you naturally want to enjoy it for as long as possible. That is why maintaining your soap dispenser is important. We provide all our tips regarding the use, maintenance, and cleaning of various types of soap pumps. This way, your favorite soap dispenser keeps it beautiful for as long as possible and you can optimize the lifespan.
How do you clean a soap dispenser properly?
To clean a soap dispenser, we recommend using warm or hot (not boiling) water and optionally a drop of dishwashing liquid. This is a mild cleaner without corrosive ingredients or solvents, which are strictly forbidden for the maintenance of your luxury soap dispenser, regardless of the material. Try cleaning your soap pump with just hot water first, especially if you have a natural stone dispenser. Only add a little dishwashing liquid when you notice that you need something more thorough to break down soap residue.
The only exception to this is the use of steel spray on stainless steel soap dispensers. Please note: this can only be used on stainless steel with a matte finish. Never treat shiny stainless steel soap dispensers with steel spray, as this leaves behind a greasy film.
Remove the pump from the bottle and pump hot water through it until only clear water comes out without foam. If possible and present, separate the straw and the plastic reservoir and rinse these parts thoroughly under running warm water. Wipe the outside of the bottle with a clean, soft cloth dampened with soapy hot water and optionally a drop of dishwashing liquid. Do you have a (natural stone) soap dispenser without a removable reservoir but still want to remove any remaining soap? Then rinse it carefully. Rinse with warm water until no more foam forms. Do not use more water than necessary, wipe the dispenser thoroughly dry immediately afterwards, and let the rest air dry.
After cleaning, first dry all parts before filling the dispenser with new soap. Wipe all accessible surfaces dry with a soft cloth. Then, allow the parts to air dry separately. Once everything is thoroughly dry, you can fill the reservoir or bottle with the desired soap. We recommend using pH-neutral soap. Insert the straw back into the pump head and carefully place the pump back onto the bottle, keeping it straight.
This cleaning benefits not only your soap dispenser but also yourself. When opening your soap pump, there is a risk of bacteria entering, which you want to prevent from a hygienic point of view. Therefore, you should apply this thorough cleaning at least when refilling your soap dispenser. Do you have a refillable soap dispenser located in a place where it is not used regularly? Then we recommend doing it in between uses as well, removing the remaining soap from your dispenser and replacing it with new soap.
Prevent limescale, soap residue, and blockages
You want to prevent soap residue and limescale from building up and clogging your soap dispenser. Cleaning as described above will certainly help with this, but daily maintenance of your soap dispenser is also part of the process.If a lot of water has ended up on and around the soap dispenser, it is best to wipe it dry immediately. Are you in too much of a hurry or do you have a somewhat disorganized nature? Then try to do this at least daily, for example every evening while brushing your teeth. Water contains lime, and when you let it dry, limescale residues are left behind.
During your weekly bathroom cleaning, wipe down the outside of your soap dispenser thoroughly as well. But again: do not use all-purpose cleaner, limescale remover, vinegar, or other harsh agents for this. Only hot water, possibly with a little dishwashing liquid, is sufficient and best for the lifespan of your soap dispenser. Always choose a soft, clean cloth and avoid abrasive sponges.
How do you refill a soap dispenser?
Before refilling your soap dispenser with new soap, it is important to clean it thoroughly. Earlier in this article, we explained the best way to do this. When opening the soap dispenser, pay close attention to whether you have a threaded pump head or not. If not, pull the pump out of the bottle as straight as possible to prevent damage.
It is important to ensure that all parts of your soap dispenser are completely dry before pouring new soap into the dispenser. You do this because moisture can cause unwanted bacterial growth.
When filling your dispenser, ensure that the soap does not reach the top edge. This prevents the soap from overflowing as soon as you put the pump mechanism back into the bottle, forcing you to start cleaning all over again.
Before you can use the soap dispenser again without any problems, you will need to press the pump a few times. This allows the tube to refill with soap so that your soap pump can dispense properly again.
Which soap do you use in a soap dispenser?
We recommend not filling your soap dispenser with just any soap. First, ensure it is a liquid soap intended as hand soap for a pump bottle. Second, we advise using a pH-neutral soap to prevent soap with the wrong acidity from damaging the material of your soap pump. This is especially important for a stainless steel or natural stone dispenser. However, we also recommend this for soap dispensers made of other materials, such as glass. This is to protect not only the bottle but also the other parts of the pump. Finally, we advise against diluting soap with water, as this can cause bacterial growth.
How long does a soap dispenser last?
Near Bath&At Living, you will find a diverse range of luxury soap dispensers that you can fill yourself. With normal use and proper maintenance, a manual soap dispenser will last for years. Soap dispensers made of high-quality materials such as glass, stainless steel, or premium ceramic can last up to 10 years. You may need to replace the pump in the meantime, however, as it is more sensitive. You can influence the lifespan of the pump mechanism by flushing it thoroughly with water every few months to prevent soap buildup and clogging.
A misconception about stainless steel soap dispensers is that they can never rust. This is a logical mistake in itself, since it is called stainless steel. However, with inadequate maintenance or the use of the wrong soap, rust can form even on a stainless steel soap dispenser. So do not be misled by the name and take good care of your soap pump.
In addition to soap dispensers, we have other beautiful soap accessories, bathroom accessories and matching towels.Browse our bathroom and toilet collection online or in the physical store and easily create a beautifully decorated space.